Potential.

Lesson Learned:
"When in situations of stress we wonder if there is any more in us to give, we can be comforted to know that God, who knows our capacity perfectly, placed us here to succeed."
(Neal A. Maxwell)

"You were given this life because you were strong enough to live it."
(unknown)

Prayer

Lesson Learned:
"Learning the language of prayer is a joyous, lifetime experience. Sometimes ideas flood our mind as we listen after our prayers. Sometimes feelings press upon us. A spirit of calmness assures us that all will be well. But always, if we have been honest and earnest, we will experience a good feeling—a feeling of warmth for our Father in Heaven and a sense of his love for us. It has sorrowed me that some of us have not learned the meaning of that calm, spiritual warmth, for it is a witness to us that our prayers have been heard. And since our Father in Heaven loves us with more love than we have even for ourselves, it means that we can trust in his goodness, we can trust in him; it means that if we continue praying and living as we should, our Father’s hand will guide and bless us."

hope

Lesson Learned:
"There are those among you who, although young, have already suffered a full measure of grief and sorrow. My heart is filled with compassion and love for you. How dear you are to the Church. How beloved you are of your Heavenly Father. Though it may seem that you are alone, angels attend you. Though you may feel that no one can understand the depth of your despair, our Savior, Jesus Christ, understands. He suffered more than we can possibly imagine, and He did it for us; He did it for you. You are not alone."
(Dieter F. Uchtdorf)


I truly believe this with all my heart. 

There is still my joy

Be sure to push pause on the music playing below.  I don't love the little slideshow but it was the only video I could find with this song that was somewhat watchable. 

Lesson Learned:

I fell in love with this song. It's been such a long two weeks for my family. One thing I have learned though is exactly what this song portrays.

"There is still my joy."

Through all of life's experiences, trials, hardships, and afflictions....It is comforting to know that the one thing I have through all of it is my joy.  I can still have joy.

(2 Nephi 10)
"23 Therefore, cheer up your hears and remember that ye are free to act for yourselves--to choose the way of everlasting death or the way of eternal life.
24...that it is only in and through the grace of God that ye are saved."

(2 Nephi 11)
"5....my soul delighteth in his grace, and in his justice, and power, and mercy in the great and eternal plan of deliverance from death.
7 For there be no Christ there be no God; and if there be no God we are not, for there could have been no creation. But there is a God, and he is Christ, and he cometh in the fulness of his own time."

Because of that child we celebrate this time of year,  we can still have joy. We are free to choose that joy.

Love

My sweet Aunt Leslie's words:
"I started this week in the wee morning hours of Saturday, November 26th pleading to the Lord to keep my sweet husband, Gary alive. We ended this week in the wee morning hours on Saturday, December 3rd praying for his release. Friday evening family gathered and we held a short family meeting where my Father shared some scriptures with us from the Savior's last hours. My elder brother then gave Gary a beautiful blessing for peace and release. Because of some delays caused by the necessary steps to be taken for Gary's wishes of being an organ donor, we waited for the call for the go ahead with removing respiration. We received that call around 1:00am. They removed respiration around 1:20am but he didn't pass until 6:48 am. It was painful to watch him struggling to hold on to life. But there was a sweet peace upon his passing. I can't even begin to imagine how Heavenly Father was able to watch his Son on the cross. What a beautiful message for me to turn to this same atonement for strength, comfort, and peace.
We have truly felt the prayers and love that have gone out in our behalf. It is only through these that I am still standing. Daniel and I returned home on Saturday evening. Carli & Bo have joined us for the coming week. I know many of you want to touch base but a few days without visitors will allow us to get our feet on the ground. We are just beginning funeral service arrangements but it looks likely to be held on Thursday, December 8th. I will check both email and text messages. We are so blessed. All is well."
Leslie Burt

Lesson Learned:


I have been amazed at what the love of a family can do.  It is no wonder the Lord's plan is centered on the family.  I have learned so much in the past few days, things that I will cherish forever and hold dear to my heart, things I probably should keep between me and the Lord. It has truly been a gift to see so close at hand the will of the Lord and His plan for His children.  He truly is a merciful God of all and His plan is perfect. My heart aches for Leslie and her dear children Chris & Giannina, Carli & Bo, Spencer (currently in England serving a mission for the Lord), and Daniel. They are an amazing family and have held strong together during this tragic time in their lives. I pray they each have the comfort and strength they need to withstand the heartache. 

“He died not for men, but for each man. If each man had been the only man made, He would have done no less.” 
― C.S. Lewis

Love is a powerful thing. The love of family. The love of friends. The love of our Heavenly Father. The love of the Savior. Love heals, binds, and gives hope.  His love is perfect and endless.  This love has been felt this past week in our family and we are extremely grateful. 

My uncle Ben posted a few pictures in tribute of a great man.  I don't know if everyone can look at them because it's his face book page but you can sure give it a try. Gary Burt- Fish on, my friend.

Beautiful Heartbreak

Lesson Learned:

Plans

I feel like I'm sitting on pins and needles waiting, waiting, waiting to hear where we are going for the next 3-ish years. Sometimes it's very frustrating to be patient, ha.  I look back to even a year ago and remember that I was NOT excited to move, be an Air Force wife, etc... Funny how that wasn't my plan and yet it was the Lord's plan. And how it was when I was fully committed to letting Him guide my life that I found peace in my future. In His plan for me. Funny how that works. Be obedient, have faith, and He guides and blesses you. It's perfect, nothing can change that. If you do your part He has to do His.  I could be totally freaking out right now with the unknown of my future but for some reason I just have peace. Peace and excitement. Why? Because I know the Lord will do His part in guiding me to where I need to be. Because I feel I have done my best to be obedient and have faith in Him. (Really, it's a daily process, but I continue to try and do better everyday. I'm not perfect. Far from it.) Why else do I have faith in Him? Because I know He wants me to be happy, and I know He knows the best way to get me to perfect happiness. Doesn't mean I won't have trials along the way, because without those trials I can't find that perfect happiness.  You can still be happy and have trials. Trust me.

Lesson Learned:
"...whatever is meant to be will work out perfectly."
(Avril Lavine, "Hold On" lyrics)

"Having faith in the Lord is also having faith in His timing." (Unknown)

I have learned over the years that all we can do is be obedient to His will and in doing so things work out how they are supposed to.  Sometimes we cannot clearly understand His purpose and plan for us, but I have faith knowing "...whatever is meant to be will work out perfectly." His plan never fails. Period. We just need to trust Him a bit more.

Peace, faith, gratitude

Last week we found out my husband got the engineer slot in the Air Force, we have been waiting for a very long time (last March) to find this out. And in waiting, it's interesting the things that have happened that have prepared me for my future as a military wife. Even after he put in for the slot I STILL didn't love the idea of the military. I struggled, really struggled. It's hard to explain the emotions felt but lets just say it was not something I dreamed about as a little girl.

Something changed in the last few months. I don't know exactly when it happened but I know what made it happen. My feelings of fear, anger, sadness, and abandonment have almost all but left me. In their place, I have deep gratitude and peace. 

Gratitude for my Heavenly Father, Savior, family, friends, strangers I've crossed paths with, and my country. Especially for my Heavenly Father and Savior. I put my complete faith and trust in them. My whole future. No back up plan. And in doing that one thing, they gave me more then I even bargained for.  Not only did the Lord take care of me and reassure to me that He will ALWAYS be there to take care of me but He gave me many life experiences that has taught me some very valuable things the past couple months. My perspective on a lot things has changed, and to that I am deeply grateful. My days are filled with more joy because of this perspective. I am more grateful for the little things. Like that old guy at the grocery store who stopped to simply try and make my son smile. He will never know that because of him and his friendliness, I'm not scared anymore to go grocery shopping (because of the shooting by my house).  Silly but really.
I am proud to say that I am still nervous, but I am excited. I'm excited to see what my future holds and happy to be a military wife. To support my husband and my country. I have faith knowing the Lord's plan for my little family is important and that He will always be there along the way.

Lesson Learned:
"I will not leave you comfortless, I will come to you." (John 14:18)
"Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." (John 14:27)


A very very good friend of mine, some one who I look up to and that I hold very dear to my heart told this to me once (she knows who she is):

"Fear knocked
Faith answered
Nothing was there"


Faith is real. It works. The Lord is real. He is there. He answers prayers. And He will never leave us. I know that to be true because I have tried faith and have felt His guiding hand in my life. Even in the darkest moments. To that I will be forever grateful.

small but significant

Ok, so this past weekend we just had General Conference for my church (The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints).  For some reason this specific conference hit me hard.  So many things were said that I really needed to hear. If I wrote them all down in this post it would be a novel, so I will post my feelings on it one post at a time, whatever I feel to be right at the time. Today this felt right. 


Lessons Learned:
"My dear brothers and sisters, it may be true that man is nothing in comparison to the greatness of the universe. At times we may even feel insignificant, invisible, alone or forgotten. But always remember---you matter to Him!...
...no matter where you live, no matter how humble your circumstances, how meager your employment, hoe limited your abilites, hoe ordinary your appearance, or how little your calling the Church may appear to you, you are not invisible to your Heavenly Father. He loves you. He knows your humble heart and your acts of love and kindness. Together, they for a lasting testimony of your fidelity and faith...
...Brothers and sisters, the most powerful Being in the universe in the Father of your spirit. He knows you. He loves you with perfect love...
...God sees you not only as a mortal being on a small planet who lives for a brief season---He sees you as His child. He sees you as the being you are capable and designed to become. He wants you to know that you matter to Him..."
(Dieter F. Uchtdorf) His whole talk found here.


I am a wife, stay-at-home mother, beautician, sister, daughter, friend, and I serve in my ward as the Young Women Secretary. I live in a very small 1 bedroom condo. I am small and ordinary and at times I feel my life to be of no extra-ordinary significance... but I know that I matter. I am significant in the eyes of the Lord. I matter. You matter. I know this to be true. 

Butterfly

Sometimes I wonder why things have to be so hard at times. I feel guilty for feeling such ways when I know that each life experience is for our good.

Lesson Learned:
"The struggle to break out of the cocoon develops the butterfly so it can fly. Without that adversity, the butterfly would never have the strength to achieve its destiny. It would never develop the strength to become something extraordinary."
-Joseph B. Wirthlin

It isn't just for our good to have such hard times, it is vital for us to experience such things in order for us to become our full potential and live with Heavenly Father again. Without those experiences we could never have the strength to live the life we need to with Him. 

Comfort

Lesson Learned:
"I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you."  (John 14:18)

You are loved, Don't give up

Recently I have come across some people in my life who are struggling. Some struggling financially, some physically, some emotionally, and some spiritually.  I have seen so much negativity, and yet so much optimism. Some stronger then others. To those struggling, not only the people that I know but to all. I'm sorry. Everyone in their life at some point has hardships.  The past couple weeks there has seemed to be so many people struggling I found myself overwhelmed. Trying to think of how I could help each individual and yet I know there isn't much I can do. Brian was doing something with the speakers for the TV the other day and suddenly they started playing REALLY loudly. But that wasn't want caught my attention, it was the song that was playing. To those struggling, to those who have struggled, and to those who will struggle in the future. Hardships and afflictions are for our benefit. The Lord gives them to us to strengthen us. I know that to be true.

Lesson Learned:

"You are loved (Don't give up)"

Don't give up

It's just the weight of the world

When your heart's heavy

I...I will lift it for you

Don't give up

Because you want to be heard

If silence keeps you

I...I will break it for you

Everybody wants to be understood

Well I can hear you

Everybody wants to be loved

Don't give up

Because you are loved

Don't give up

It's just the hurt that you hide

When you're lost inside

I...I will be there to find you

Don't give up

Because you want to burn bright

If darkness blinds you

I...I will shine to guide you

Everybody wants to be understood

Well I can hear you

Everybody wants to be loved

Don't give up

Because you are loved

You are loved

Don't give up

It's just the weight of the world

Don't give up

Every one needs to be heard

You are loved 

(Josh Groban)

What a blessing music is. I put the song on my playlist so you can scroll down to the bottom and click on it to listen to it if it isn't already playing. It doesn't matter the struggle your facing. Don't give up, because you are loved. Remember Christ and the Atonement. He knows all. He knows the challenges you face. He has faced them. So whether your struggle is causing you to lose hope and faith or whether your struggle has leaded you down the path of feeling guilty and not worthy of forgiveness, know that you are loved. He is there. He will always be there. You are always worthy of His love. YOU ARE LOVED.  So don't give up. 

I'll Stand By You

*Sorry It's a long one*
I remember when I was a senior in high school and it was that time of year where everyone was applying to colleges and pretty much making the choices that would affect the rest of their future. I knew I wanted to go to beauty school...but that was about it. I started to realize, as I was deciding where to go, that I would probably be alone. All my friends were applying to places where they could room together. It seemed I was the only one staying home to go to school. I thought seriously about going to a beauty school where ever my friends went so I could at least room with them.  I prayed and prayed, asking where I should go. When I got my answer I wasn't pleased. I needed to stay here and go to the community college for beauty school. I remember crying for days. Sounds dramatic, but really I was so sad.  I was so caught up in the fact that I wasn't going to be with my friends, I didn't take the time to think that maybe the Lord has a different plan for me that is better. I wanted the same plan as my friends. I even remember the first night they all moved away. My best friend called me and all I could hear was people in the background talking and laughing. My heart just sunk. Not only was I feeling alone because my friends had moved away, but I had also been struggling for a while with some choices I had to make and ended up breaking up with my boyfriend of 2 years at the time. Life couldn't have been more lonely. I asked my dad and bishop for priesthood blessings. So many blessings, comforts, promises. I heard it but I didn't seem to believe that all would be well. That I would make new friends. That I would be a mother and wife in Zion someday. That I would be ok. The Lord had a different plan for me. And with much humbling I was able to realize that that plan was far better then the plan I wanted. Sometimes it's easy to forget that the Lord really does know best. He can see the bigger picture. We can't. So why not put all trust in Him. Pride. Failure. Fear. If only we could always remember and have full faith in Him we wouldn't have pride, fear of failure, fear of stepping into the unknown. I ended up getting a scholarship which paid for my entire schooling. Blessing. I made new friends and to this day are some of the people I cherish most. Blessing. I went on my first date with my husband now,  after a week into school. Married that Spring. Blessing. I was able to find a job without any complications to get me through college, that I had for two years. Blessing. We we're able to buy a home after a year of being married. Blessing. I have had the opportunity to serve in many callings in my wards. Blessing. I have a sweet baby boy. Blessing. We have been given a grant that pays for the amount I would have made if I work so I can be home with my baby boy. HUGE blessing. (Coincidence, I think not.) I have been blessed beyond measure. I never dreamed that when I was given the answer that I needed to stay home and go to school that it was really because I needed to get married and start a family. The Lord has a plan for each of us. And He doesn't promise that we can see the out come. But He does promise that He will stand by us. All times. As long as we put our faith in Him.

 "Oh why you look so sad
The tears are in your eyes

Come on and come to me now

Don’t be ashamed to cry

Let me see you through

Cause I’ve seen the dark side too

When the night falls on you

You don't know what to do

Nothing you confess

Could make me love you less

I’ll stand by you

I’ll stand by you

Won’t let nobody hurt you

I’ll stand by you

So if you're mad get mad

Don’t hold it all inside

Come on and talk to me now

Hey, what you got to hide

I get angry too

Well I’m a lot like you

When you're standing at the crossroads 

And don't know which path to choose

Let me come along

Cause even if you're wrong

I’ll stand by you

I’ll stand by you

Won’t let nobody hurt you

I’ll stand by you

Take me in into you darkest hour

And I’ll never desert you

I’ll stand by you

And when, when the night falls on you, baby

You feeling all alone

You won't be on your own

I’ll stand by you

I’ll stand by you

Won’t let nobody hurt you

I’ll stand by you

Take me in into you darkest hour

And I’ll never desert you

I’ll stand by you

Oh I’ll stand by you

I’ll stand by you"

(The Pretenders)

Lesson Learned:

"Yea, I know that I am nothing; as to my strength I am weak; therefore I will  not boast of myself, but I will boast of my God, for in His strength I can do all things..." (Alma 26:12)

When nothing seems to go right.

Lesson Learned:
"Sometimes things have to fall apart, so other things can fall into place."

Instrument in the Lords hands

Last Sunday I had the opportunity to give the "Fast Sunday" lesson in Young Womens. It was one of those times in my life where I knew that the Lord had put His trust in me and I became and instrument in His hands. My lesson was on Personal Revelation. (Which is our theme for the month) We talked a lot about the different ways the Holy Ghost can communicate to us. Whether its a "still small voice", "He enlightens our minds", "causes a burning in our bosom", "He gives peace", or "line upon line, precept upon precept".  As we discussed these I felt as though I should share a personal experience: 

"My mom had gone out of town. I was about 16. It was the day she was supposed to come home and I hadn't heard from her yet. So I tried calling her. The phone didn't even ring, it made this fuzzy beeping noise and then hung up. I tried several times to call her. The thing that scared me was that it didn't even go to her voice machine.  All these scenarios ran through my head that maybe she got in an accident and her phone was smashed. It started getting late and I was getting more and more scared. I felt sick inside. So I said a little prayer and I had this overwhelming feeling of peace run through my body. I had the feeling that everything would be alright. So I continued on with my night and quit worrying. Hours later, I still hadn't heard anything from my mom. I began to worry again. Only this time more then the first time I was worrying. I had forgotten the feelings of peace that the Lord so graciously gave me. I said another prayer asking the Lord to give me comfort and to keep my mom safe. After I finished I had this feeling to read my scriptures. So I opened them and I came upon this verse:

 (D&C 6:23)

"Did I not speak peace to your mind concerning the matter? What greater witness can you have then from God?"

Lessons Learned:

I then bore my testimony on the power of prayer and personal revelation. I know that it is real. I know that the Lord does speak to us individually through the Holy Ghost. When we are worthy of it.  I also know that just because you haven't received a lightening bolt answer about something doesn't mean the Lord didn't answer you and it also doesn't mean you don't have a testimony. 

Elder Dallin H. Oaks cautioned: “Some [people] have looked exclusively for the great manifestations that are recorded in the scriptures and have failed to recognize the still, small voice that is given to them. … We need to know that the Lord rarely speaks loudly. His messages almost always come in a whisper. …Not understanding these principles of revelation, some people postpone acknowledging their testimony until they have experienced a miraculous event. They fail to realize that with most people … gaining a testimony is not an event but a process.” 

There was a specific girl in my class that I know this lesson was for. She isn't a member but she comes faithfully every Sunday by herself. I could see the light in her eyes as she took in the spirit and tried so hard to understand what was being said. I know that seeds were planted at that moment. I am grateful that the spirit was there that day to teach for me because He is a far better teacher then I could ever be. 

His Infinite Love

Lesson Learned:

To Make You Feel My Love

"When the rain is blowing in your face
And the whole world is on your case I would offer you a warm embrace
To make you feel my love
When the evening shadows and the stars appear
And there is no one to dry your tears I could hold you for a million years
To make you feel my love I know you haven't made your mind up yet
But I would never do you wrong I've known it from the moment that we met
No doubt in my mind where you belong I'd go hungry, I'd go blind for you I'd go crawling down the aisle for you
There ain't nothing that I wouldn't do
To make you feel my love
The storms are raging on a rolling sea
Down the highway of regret
The winds of change are blowing wild and free
But you ain't seen nothing like me yet
There ain't nothing that I wouldn't do
Go to the ends of the earth for you
Make you happy, make your dreams come true
To make you feel my love"

Thought of the day.

"May it be a light for you in dark places, when all other lights go out..." - Galadriel Lord of the Rings

Lessons Learned:

it= Jesus Christ/The Atonement

light=hope/comfort

dark places= trials/afflictions/sin

The Lord won't give us anything that we can't handle. But when we are given hard moments remember to always rely on him and he will help push you forward.  It's in the moments of stepping into the darkness without hope or light that He provides the light for you. 

"I never said it would be easy, I only said it would be worth it." 

Peace

"Life often feels like a great pile of obligations, frustrations, and disappointments. But the Lord is there, always the same, His arms still outstretched. When we feel overwhelmed, we have to remember the peace He has spoken to us on previous occasions. His peace brings comfort and strength; the world cannot give that to us."
(Kathleen H. Hughes, "Remembering the Lord's Love," Ensign, Nov. 2006, 111-12)

Lesson Learned:

"Peace is not the absence of conflict.  It is the presence of God whatever the conflict."