Trust in the Lord

In Moroni Chapter 10, verse 3 we read,

           "Behold, I would exhort you that when ye shall read these things, if it be wisdom in God that ye should read them, that you would remember how merciful the Lord hath been unto the children of men, from the creation of Adam even down until the time that ye shall receive these things, and ponder it in your hearts."

As I read the Book of Mormon I took the challenge to read it by topic. This time I read to learn how to trust more in the Lord and His timing. What a blessing it has been in my life to focus my attention on that topic. I am a bit of a controller. I like to plan my future at least a year in advance. However, sometimes my plan is not the right plan and I have to remember all the times that my plan didn't work like I wanted it too, but instead so much better because it was the Lord's plan I ended up following.

This verse asks us to ponder in our hearts how merciful the Lord has been since the beginning of time. As I do I recognize that the Lord wants to bless His children. Much of the time the inhabitants of this earth must go through hard times and trials and may wonder "where is the Lord?" In the Book of Mormon there are countless examples of this. What I saw this time as I read was that if the Lord promised to help them, or save them from their adversaries, He always came through. Maybe not at the time the people wanted, or in the way that they thought would be best, but He always kept His word, and He continues to keep his word always.

I know that the Lord has a plan for each of us. That plan includes trials and hardships and helps us grow in faith and learn to put our trust in the Lord. I'm positive I won't be perfect at this probably ever, but it's helpful to be reminded of His love for His children and try to trust in Him continually.

Women Empowered

I have found something to be passionate about and it involves empowering women. I am so grateful to be a woman and think that women are going to help change this world. I used to think that this was a man's world and that a woman's place was a little less. I don't know where I came up with that idea because it wasn't something I was taught directly, my dad never overpowered my mom, my brothers are kind, my brothers-in-law treat my sisters so well. I guess maybe it came from tv or the books that I like to read. But wherever it came from, that's how I felt. Recently I have been starting to see things differently. I do believe that women are equals to men. What I don't believe is that women and men are the same. We're not. We have different gifts and qualities and responsibilities, but we are equally important and  have a positive impact on many many lives.

This weekend I attended a women's conference where three different topics were discussed. We talked about Healthy Relationships and Intimacy, The Doctrine of Womanhood, and the importance of Health and Wellness. I came away empowered and extremely glad to be a woman. As I review my notes from the last General Conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints I love Women's Conference! It was reiterated that women are influential and that we can change the WORLD. I believe that 100%. I know that we can change the world, and it starts by helping and serving right where we are. In my entrepeneurship class this semester my professor says, "Use what you have. Do what you can. Start where you are." I think that is very applicable to empowering women and serving in the community around us. We just need to start. It starts with us, today.

At the conference this last weekend with my stake they shared this video and I really like it. It makes me extremely happy to be a woman. It goes for all women, whatever race, background, religion, age that you are, this pertains to you.

We are daughters of God. A woman was the first human in mortal existance. A woman is built to help God in His plan of happiness through the creation of more of His children. A woman was the first to see the resurrected Savior. Women are special. We are important. We can change the world. Dream big. Be inspired. Be passionate. Start now, in your home, in your ward, in your community. Be an influence for good. We can. 

Books and Domestication

This week I found myself in a strange predicament. I didn't have any homework to do. And it was only Wednesday. I texted a friend to see what she was up to and of course told me homework. I was wondering how in the world I was going to use my time. Luckily Wednesday morning I had a desire to check out a book from the library. I LOVE reading. And I read the whole book--starting Wednesday night and finished it Saturday night. It was such a good read. It's called "Saving Grace", by Michele Paige Holmes. There was one part of the book that I really connected with. The female protagonist, Grace Thatcher, is reading in the Library and the male protagonist, Nicholas, asks her why she likes to read. She responds, 

"Well, on a day like today, when the world seems entirely dreary, one can read of other places full of sunshine and beauty and imagine himself there. Or if one's life is dull, he can immerse himself in adventure--fighting alongside the knights of the Round Table, slaying Cyclops with Odysseus, or leading an army against the traitor Macbeth... It is about enjoying." 

I do so enjoy reading and it was a great way to pass the week and weekend with little homework responsibilities. It is probably a good thing that I finished it already because I do have a test coming up and I best keep my nose to the grind stone this week. But it was so fun! 

Also, I bought all the stuff to bake bread. Mom came down on Monday and Tuesday and brought me her KitchenAid and so I put it to work! I like the process of baking bread. I like forming the loaves. And I really like the smell as it bakes! And it makes me feel so domestic! Just baking away in my shorts and t-shirt and apron with my braid falling out on both sides! The perfect picture of domestication!