The greatness of life

So. I've been sorely neglecting my blog. Because one, I've been kinda busy. And two, I've been really enjoying life. When I'm not busy, I'm having a blast. I have reached that point (for the time being, at least) where I'm that crazy person that says, "I'm so grateful for my trials!" Really. I am. Because I have learned and grown so much - am learning and growing so much! There must be opposition in all things. You must have the hard times to appreciate the good, and you must know the dark to know the light. And, you can get to the point where you CAN'T be in the dark, because even in the midst of trials, you recognize the tender mercies of God. And it's important to remember where you've been - whether it's the light or dark you're remembering.

Anyways. Life is fantastic. It's by no means perfect, but that doesn't matter! Because the Lord provides a way for happiness, for trials to be gotten through, for burdens to be made light. As long as you do your part and turn to Him, He will provide a way. Lately, I've been really confused about some things. And, as one is supposed to, I turned to the Lord. But...it didn't seem to be helping. In fact, I felt even more confused than before, because I felt He was giving me multiple answers - that were opposite of each other! So, after awhile of trying to figure it out through prayer, scripture study, and musings in my journal, I felt it was time to turn to a friend for help. Mostly just to discuss what's been going on in my head. So I did. And, let me tell you, I feel SO much less confused! I mean, not everything is cleared up. But, it's a lot better.

Last weekend, I went down to Mesa. (Random change of subject sorry. I couldn't think of a real good transition...) It was pretty much an awesome weekend, cram-packed with family and friends. People I had been missing SO much. I saw all of my siblings but two. I played with my nephews. I went to the temple. I talked with some friends about life. I ate a concrete from Nielsen's (Mint oreo. It was fabulous. Except it needed more green. It was kind of disappointing at how not green it was.) Got a bajillion of movies from my parents because they decided to give away all but, like, twenty of theirs.

And then this week, back in Flag. It's been interesting. I played some racquetball, which pretty much always makes me happy. I actually worked hard in my classes (which, truly, is incredible. I actually studied for a test. I better have gotten a good grade on it...). I've been pondering...a lot. Pretty much whenever I wasn't doing something important, I would start pondering on things. I think that's why I was so tired this week! I was using WAY to much brain energy. I've discovered some things about myself. I've started making some (more) changes in my life. I have become very comfortable with who I am. And, more than anything, I feel closer to my Heavenly Father than I have in a really long time. Maybe closer than I ever have. I know moments like this often pass quickly, because we are imperfect and rarely continue progressing constantly. There's usually a great amount of regression that happens also. But...I don't want that to happen this time. I want to stay feeling this good, stay feeling this happy. I want to continue to recognize all that Heavenly Father blesses me with. I want to continue to feel fortunate for...well, for my life.

To end this kinda random and all over post, I want to repeat something I've repeated so many times on this blog. I have the best friends. I'm so grateful for them. For the time they take to talk to me, to make me smile, to comfort me, to listen to me, to put up with me when I'm being obnoxious. And, I'm grateful that my best friends are my Father in Heaven and my Elder Brother. And that, in the eyes of my friends here on earth, I can see Their presence. It's what draws me to them, and what causes me to look up to them, to try to be like them.

Please, take the time to thank Heavenly Father for what you have, for what He's given you. I think you'll be amazed at how much it is. Also, take the time to let people know that you love them. Show them. Share the love! Love makes the world go round. It's what moves Heavenly Father to bless you and bless me.