I began typing out my musings in a typical blog post... and then realized that dear-men letters would be a much more appropriate format for expressing part of what I'm thinking. So yes, 6 days before I enter the MTC I am writing to some of the men of my world:
Dear Workaholic,
You may act like you're a little rough around the edges, and we may give each other what borders on slightly too much crap, but I think you're all gooey on the inside and I secretly appreciate you for that. Thanks for the help. You didn't have to give it but you did, and I'm not going to forget it. Thanks for laughing at my jokes, even when they were dumb, and for teasing me mercilessly. I just need that sometimes.
Sincerely,
A not-THAT-irreverent soul
Dear Cowboy,
In spite of promises to myself not too... I have to confess I had a mini-crush on you for a week or two. Don't worry, we're good now... hope that doesn't weird you out. What can I say? You are just so darn GOOD. You make me think, laugh, and every time I left hanging out with you I found myself resolving to be a better person. I love who I am when I am with you, and the fact that I feel I can trust you with pieces of me that I don't tell other people about. Thanks for dropping everything and coming to my rescue when I needed it.
Sincerely,
I still think we think too much alike :)
Dear Superman,
You amaze me. Your confidence and energy and zest for life, in spite of the fact that you haven't had it easy. You keep the spirit close, and it's incredible to watch you. Thanks for being my friend, and for caring, and for talking to me despite the difficulty you have trusting people. People often surprise us with how amazing they are underneath, and you've helped me see that - I hope you've been able to see that in other people too. Please keep in touch -- I look forward to the day when you find what you are looking for.
Sincerely,
That friend who keeps you up way too late
Dear I'mhavingareallyhardtimethinkingofanappropriatenicknameforyou,
Um... wasn't expecting that the other night. But thanks for having the guts to talk to me. Thanks for putting up with me - and for... in your own way... even hinting that you care about me. You've always had this way of making me feel like you can see straight through me, and it's always made me nervous... so I hope you'll forgive me for those times when I wasn't as good to you and open with you as I probably should have been. I've learned a lot from you, even when our conversations were frustrating I was grateful that they pushed me to think in ways I otherwise wouldn't have. For the record, I think you are great, and you deserve to be happy. And not just the mildly content sort, but the tingly I-can't-believe-I-am-so-blessed kind of happy. I hope you find it soon.
Sincerely,
Just me
Dear Smiley,
It's been a pleasure. I can honestly say that I feel much less awkward flirting in part thanks to you. Granted... the skill will probably completely disappear while on my mission. Mind a play date/refresher course when I get back? That is assuming you are still single of course. Thanks for being a good friend and checking on me every now and again.
Sincerely,
Thanks for complimenting my calves
Dear Father,
Thanks for giving me all these friends for a season. Thanks for showing me that awesome men in this world don't come in a limited supply. Each of these men I've written to are righteous men who honor their Priesthood- and that is incredible to me. Can I please have someone similar to them at some point? And will you please bless him 'cause that poor boy is having to wait a long time for me to finish up my chores...
Sincerely,
Your daughter
Dear Prince Charming,
Sorry to keep you waiting. Please be patient a little longer... Australia needs me for 18 months. And I think I need Australia too. But after May 2014 please come find me.
Love,
Krystal
Showing posts with label Blessings. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Blessings. Show all posts
Thursday, November 1, 2012
Wednesday, October 17, 2012
Mission Farwell
Saturday I found myself about to blow a fuse. Trapped inside my own brain, and about ready to go insane.... Luckily a friend rescued me, and let me talk it out at the park. Then I came home and ran - it was one of those times when you just need to move, and the burn and shortness of breath feels so good because it's a release and a distraction. Let's just say I was excited and nervous and overwhelmed.
I fell asleep that night, and woke without an alarm around 5:30 the next morning. I lay in bed for about a half an hour before getting up to get dressed... On especially anticipated mornings I usually wake up obscenely early without an alarm - an odd quirk of mine I guess.
I arrived at the chapel early, and then watched in awe as it began to fill with people I love. Some had come from far away, and who had made considerable effort to come. The meeting began, and I teared up as I realized that at least half of the congregation was there for me. Just because they love and care about me.
My talk went fairly well I think - I didn't break down in tears, and I think I managed to say what it is that I wanted to. I bore my testimony, and then spent the next few hours hugging people I love.
Can I just say that I love hugs? Due to this fact, Sunday was one of the best days ever. I got some great hugs. It was difficult to hug some people and realize I won't get to again for a very long time, but that's the nature of the game I guess.
A few of my friends who had come all the way from Logan for my farewell came to my house afterwards. Riley expressed his condolences that he hadn't made it to go dancing with me all summer - and then Dalon pointed out that there was a perfectly good kitchen floor present. So I danced in the kitchen with those two boys, both of whom I adore from the depths of my heart. Never dared to dream I'd find a man that would danced with me in the kitchen... who'd have thunk I'd find two on the very Sunday I say goodbye to the world to leave as a missionary? Haha. My life is so awesomely ironic sometimes.
Sunday night rolled around. I'd had a great time with my family, a good chance to play my oboe in a rehearsal, and was all around feeling superb. I was exhausted, but had enjoyed my day so thoroughly that I didn't want it to go to bed, cause that means it'd be over...
I wonder if this is kind of how my mission will be. I'll begin with nervous excitement. Then I'll run around like crazy- working hard and having many poignant moments. Moments where I feel pure joy, but also moments of sadness - and it'll all pass by in a whirlwind, and when I get to the end I won't want to be done, cause I know that it won't come again. I'll want to wake up the next morning and live it all over again....
I kind of hope that's how it goes anyways :)
I fell asleep that night, and woke without an alarm around 5:30 the next morning. I lay in bed for about a half an hour before getting up to get dressed... On especially anticipated mornings I usually wake up obscenely early without an alarm - an odd quirk of mine I guess.
I arrived at the chapel early, and then watched in awe as it began to fill with people I love. Some had come from far away, and who had made considerable effort to come. The meeting began, and I teared up as I realized that at least half of the congregation was there for me. Just because they love and care about me.
My talk went fairly well I think - I didn't break down in tears, and I think I managed to say what it is that I wanted to. I bore my testimony, and then spent the next few hours hugging people I love.
Can I just say that I love hugs? Due to this fact, Sunday was one of the best days ever. I got some great hugs. It was difficult to hug some people and realize I won't get to again for a very long time, but that's the nature of the game I guess.
A few of my friends who had come all the way from Logan for my farewell came to my house afterwards. Riley expressed his condolences that he hadn't made it to go dancing with me all summer - and then Dalon pointed out that there was a perfectly good kitchen floor present. So I danced in the kitchen with those two boys, both of whom I adore from the depths of my heart. Never dared to dream I'd find a man that would danced with me in the kitchen... who'd have thunk I'd find two on the very Sunday I say goodbye to the world to leave as a missionary? Haha. My life is so awesomely ironic sometimes.
Sunday night rolled around. I'd had a great time with my family, a good chance to play my oboe in a rehearsal, and was all around feeling superb. I was exhausted, but had enjoyed my day so thoroughly that I didn't want it to go to bed, cause that means it'd be over...
I wonder if this is kind of how my mission will be. I'll begin with nervous excitement. Then I'll run around like crazy- working hard and having many poignant moments. Moments where I feel pure joy, but also moments of sadness - and it'll all pass by in a whirlwind, and when I get to the end I won't want to be done, cause I know that it won't come again. I'll want to wake up the next morning and live it all over again....
I kind of hope that's how it goes anyways :)
Tuesday, May 15, 2012
70MPH and a Blowout
I should have died this weekend.
I was going about 70 --- getting ready to merge onto I80 coming home from Tooele with Anna and Emma, when suddenly I felt a jerk, and somehow I knew precisely what had happened. I pulled over, got out, looked at my tire, and thanked heaven that we'd said a prayer before we left and that God had blessed us with guardian angels.
My tire was completely shredded. I wish I'd taken a picture, but alas --- I was more concerned about changing the blasted thing.
A kind man pulled over, got out and began to help us with scarcely a word. He did most of the work changing the tire, and then just left, and I marveled at how blessed I am. And how good God is at giving us everyday miracles.
I was going about 70 --- getting ready to merge onto I80 coming home from Tooele with Anna and Emma, when suddenly I felt a jerk, and somehow I knew precisely what had happened. I pulled over, got out, looked at my tire, and thanked heaven that we'd said a prayer before we left and that God had blessed us with guardian angels.
My tire was completely shredded. I wish I'd taken a picture, but alas --- I was more concerned about changing the blasted thing.
A kind man pulled over, got out and began to help us with scarcely a word. He did most of the work changing the tire, and then just left, and I marveled at how blessed I am. And how good God is at giving us everyday miracles.
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Silver Linings
1. I have the funds to pay for the car repairs needed.
2. The deer didn't kill me.
3. I think the deer was ok.
4. I got to go to institute with Jen this evening.
5. My Dad knows how to replace side view mirrors.
6. I have a full time job.
7. I like my full time job.
8. I get to go to the temple tomorrow afternoon.
9. I got an almost 4 hour nap this afternoon.
10. I got to talk to two of my favorite boys last night.
11. My thyroid test came back and said my thyroid is healthy.
12. One month from today my St. George and Bear Lake adventuring will begin.
13. Camille sent me funny quotes this afternoon.
14. I got to jump on the trampoline.
15. Jen knows how to cheer me up.
16. I'm getting better at being patient.
17. I get to have a brand new windshield.
19. There are people in the world who will just listen when I vent. They don't fix it, they just listen.
20. Jen and I have a play date to watch Mulan and go running.
21. Heavenly Father loves me.
2. The deer didn't kill me.
3. I think the deer was ok.
4. I got to go to institute with Jen this evening.
5. My Dad knows how to replace side view mirrors.
6. I have a full time job.
7. I like my full time job.
8. I get to go to the temple tomorrow afternoon.
9. I got an almost 4 hour nap this afternoon.
10. I got to talk to two of my favorite boys last night.
11. My thyroid test came back and said my thyroid is healthy.
12. One month from today my St. George and Bear Lake adventuring will begin.
13. Camille sent me funny quotes this afternoon.
14. I got to jump on the trampoline.
15. Jen knows how to cheer me up.
16. I'm getting better at being patient.
17. I get to have a brand new windshield.
19. There are people in the world who will just listen when I vent. They don't fix it, they just listen.
20. Jen and I have a play date to watch Mulan and go running.
21. Heavenly Father loves me.
Monday, May 16, 2011
Down to Earth
A friend is a good thing. Especially those friends who keep the spirit with them.
Do you ever feel that all life's questions are rolling around inside of you, and your emotions and perspectives are starting to blur a little... not in a bad way, but just in a "I'm not quite sure what to think about life and myself in general anymore" kind of way. And then you sit down with a tender mercy from heaven. You talk for a while with an angel who helps your mind start to sort things through and who helps you to just put everything back in it's place in your head. Not because they're trying to or because you felt like you asked them to, but just because it's what naturally happens whenever you talk to them. Things get put where they should be. You may not solve the mysteries - but you find yourself again. You touch down to earth and find your eternal perspective. And you realize that because you have friends like that, because there are genuinely good people out there for you to love and admire, because God is in His heaven and there are others who know that, because of all these things, everything will work out. And life is good. So good.
I'm grateful for good friends. Especially good friends who are down to earth. You know who you are. Thanks Miss Carrie for that chat tonight. I needed it more than you know. And thanks for you others (you know who you are) who keep me going. Thanks for helping me to want to keep going and become better. I love you.
Do you ever feel that all life's questions are rolling around inside of you, and your emotions and perspectives are starting to blur a little... not in a bad way, but just in a "I'm not quite sure what to think about life and myself in general anymore" kind of way. And then you sit down with a tender mercy from heaven. You talk for a while with an angel who helps your mind start to sort things through and who helps you to just put everything back in it's place in your head. Not because they're trying to or because you felt like you asked them to, but just because it's what naturally happens whenever you talk to them. Things get put where they should be. You may not solve the mysteries - but you find yourself again. You touch down to earth and find your eternal perspective. And you realize that because you have friends like that, because there are genuinely good people out there for you to love and admire, because God is in His heaven and there are others who know that, because of all these things, everything will work out. And life is good. So good.
I'm grateful for good friends. Especially good friends who are down to earth. You know who you are. Thanks Miss Carrie for that chat tonight. I needed it more than you know. And thanks for you others (you know who you are) who keep me going. Thanks for helping me to want to keep going and become better. I love you.
Sunday, May 1, 2011
God is Good
Back in August I was called to be the Relief Society President over a most incredible group of women. I didn't see or understand why Heavenly Father would ask me to do such a thing. For a week or two I'm pretty sure I just looked like a deer in the headlights. I couldn't comprehend how I was ever going to accomplish anything good or help anyone.
And someone told me that I would love my calling. This sweet girl informed me that I would cry when I was released. And I half believed her. I figured I'd cry after it was all over. But not the day of, in front of all my girls as I attempted to bear my testimony. But I did. I've cried a lot today. But they were tears of joy. Tears of gratitude at the incredible experiences that I've had this year. I've given the Lord my all. And he has richly blessed my life.
As I've come to know these sisters, I've seen an incredible amount of goodness and virtue. They have taught me so much more than I could ever hope to ever teach them. And as heavy as this mantle felt at times, I don't regret a single instance of it. I am so sincerely grateful that God trusted me enough to call me to his service. I am going to miss these girls so much.
The Lord is good. I am sincerely grateful to be able to see his hand in my life. There are so many times when I look around me and marvel at the events that have brought me to where I am. I know that he has a plan for me. I know he wants me to be happy. And I know that if I just trust him he will put me where I need to be. Not only where I need to be in order to build up his kingdom and help others find happiness, but also where I need to be to be the most happy and grow the most myself. Nothing is as constant as change, this is true. But change is so good.
About a week ago I started to feel afraid. Afraid that after this year and how intensely I've been involved with the ward that I will feel useless in my future assignments. Afraid that I won't be able to find where I am supposed to be. I thought this fear would grow as summer came closer. But right now it isn't there anymore. I've realized that those who desire to serve will always find opportunities to build the kingdom. If I just listen and have a genuine desire to be on the Lord's errand, he will have a place to send me.
This post is a very poor token of the depth of my many emotions today. But I want you to know that I have faith in God. I trust him. And I hope that one day I will be worthy of his trust in me.
And someone told me that I would love my calling. This sweet girl informed me that I would cry when I was released. And I half believed her. I figured I'd cry after it was all over. But not the day of, in front of all my girls as I attempted to bear my testimony. But I did. I've cried a lot today. But they were tears of joy. Tears of gratitude at the incredible experiences that I've had this year. I've given the Lord my all. And he has richly blessed my life.
As I've come to know these sisters, I've seen an incredible amount of goodness and virtue. They have taught me so much more than I could ever hope to ever teach them. And as heavy as this mantle felt at times, I don't regret a single instance of it. I am so sincerely grateful that God trusted me enough to call me to his service. I am going to miss these girls so much.
The Lord is good. I am sincerely grateful to be able to see his hand in my life. There are so many times when I look around me and marvel at the events that have brought me to where I am. I know that he has a plan for me. I know he wants me to be happy. And I know that if I just trust him he will put me where I need to be. Not only where I need to be in order to build up his kingdom and help others find happiness, but also where I need to be to be the most happy and grow the most myself. Nothing is as constant as change, this is true. But change is so good.
About a week ago I started to feel afraid. Afraid that after this year and how intensely I've been involved with the ward that I will feel useless in my future assignments. Afraid that I won't be able to find where I am supposed to be. I thought this fear would grow as summer came closer. But right now it isn't there anymore. I've realized that those who desire to serve will always find opportunities to build the kingdom. If I just listen and have a genuine desire to be on the Lord's errand, he will have a place to send me.
This post is a very poor token of the depth of my many emotions today. But I want you to know that I have faith in God. I trust him. And I hope that one day I will be worthy of his trust in me.
Monday, April 4, 2011
Floaties
This may sound really odd... but I decided to study the word "Residue" as it appears in scripture, and I found some very interesting things.
Moroni 7:31 And the office of their ministry is to call men unto repentance, and to fulfil and to do the work of the covenants of the Father, which he hath made unto the children of men, to prepare the way among the children of men, by declaring the word of Christ unto the chosen vessels of the Lord, that they may bear testimony of him.
32 And by so doing, the Lord God prepareth the way that the residue of men may have faith in Christ, that the Holy Ghost may have place in their hearts, according to the power thereof; and after this manner bringeth to pass the Father, the covenants which he hath made unto the children of men.
Acts 15:17 That the residue of men might seek after the Lord, and all the Gentiles, upon whom my name is called saith the Lord, who doeth all these things.
And my favorite:
Moses 7:28 And it came to pass that the God of heaven looked upon the residue of the people, and he wept; and Enoch bore record of it, saying: How is it that the heavens weep and shed forth their tears as the rain upon the mountains?
32 The Lord said unto Enoch: Behold these thy brethren, they are the workmanship of mine own hands, and I gave unto them their knowledge, in the day I created them; and in the Garden of Eden gave I unto man his agency.
33 And unto thy brethren have I said, and also given commandment that they should love one another, and that they should choose me, their Father; but behold, they are without affection, and they hate their own blood.
39 And That which I have chosen hath pled before my face. Wherefore, he suffereth for their sins; inasmuch as they will repent in the day that my Chosen shall return unto me, and until that day they shall be in torment;
40 Wherefore, for this shall the heavens weep, yea, and all the workmanship of mine hands.
When I think of the word 'Residue' I think of floaties in the bottom of a drinking cup. You know the nasty stuff that you'd never consider drinking? Yeah. That. The 'residue of the people' in scripture usually refers to the wicked. The leftovers. The ones we as humans sometimes give up on as 'lost.' The floaties... the ones that 'aren't worth saving.'
And yet Enoch records that God wept over these. Here He's got the City of Enoch in his bosom. He's perfect. He's got creations numberless as the sands of the sea. He is just and true and kind and has so many children who are doing wonderful things and coming unto him. But God still weeps over the floaties. The residue. Because he knows that these of his children will have to suffer if they don't repent. And the thought that any of his children will have to suffer is painful to him. That's why he prepared a way for all of his children to repent and come unto him.
So then I started to think: How deeply appropriate is the symbolism that Christ 'drunk the dregs of the bitter cup.' The very vilest sins committed by the very vilest sinners... the dregs, (which I think are pretty much just cancerous floaties)... Christ drunk those. He really did descend lower than us all. No one is beyond the power of His saving grace. He really does have a plan to save anyone and everyone who will come unto Him and allow Him to heal them.
Can you believe it? No one is past his compassion or his love. He loves all of his children equally. Knowing that he loves me unconditionally like this makes me want to work harder so that he will not only love me, but so that he will trust me as well. Because I can think of no greater joy than that which would come from being trusted enough by Him to help Him in His work. To not only be His child, but His servant. What an honor that would be, because if I prove to be a faithful servant, then He will grant me the blessing of being an Heir to his power and glory.
Oh how great is the love of our God!
Moroni 7:31 And the office of their ministry is to call men unto repentance, and to fulfil and to do the work of the covenants of the Father, which he hath made unto the children of men, to prepare the way among the children of men, by declaring the word of Christ unto the chosen vessels of the Lord, that they may bear testimony of him.
32 And by so doing, the Lord God prepareth the way that the residue of men may have faith in Christ, that the Holy Ghost may have place in their hearts, according to the power thereof; and after this manner bringeth to pass the Father, the covenants which he hath made unto the children of men.
Acts 15:17 That the residue of men might seek after the Lord, and all the Gentiles, upon whom my name is called saith the Lord, who doeth all these things.
And my favorite:
Moses 7:28 And it came to pass that the God of heaven looked upon the residue of the people, and he wept; and Enoch bore record of it, saying: How is it that the heavens weep and shed forth their tears as the rain upon the mountains?
32 The Lord said unto Enoch: Behold these thy brethren, they are the workmanship of mine own hands, and I gave unto them their knowledge, in the day I created them; and in the Garden of Eden gave I unto man his agency.
33 And unto thy brethren have I said, and also given commandment that they should love one another, and that they should choose me, their Father; but behold, they are without affection, and they hate their own blood.
39 And That which I have chosen hath pled before my face. Wherefore, he suffereth for their sins; inasmuch as they will repent in the day that my Chosen shall return unto me, and until that day they shall be in torment;
40 Wherefore, for this shall the heavens weep, yea, and all the workmanship of mine hands.
When I think of the word 'Residue' I think of floaties in the bottom of a drinking cup. You know the nasty stuff that you'd never consider drinking? Yeah. That. The 'residue of the people' in scripture usually refers to the wicked. The leftovers. The ones we as humans sometimes give up on as 'lost.' The floaties... the ones that 'aren't worth saving.'
And yet Enoch records that God wept over these. Here He's got the City of Enoch in his bosom. He's perfect. He's got creations numberless as the sands of the sea. He is just and true and kind and has so many children who are doing wonderful things and coming unto him. But God still weeps over the floaties. The residue. Because he knows that these of his children will have to suffer if they don't repent. And the thought that any of his children will have to suffer is painful to him. That's why he prepared a way for all of his children to repent and come unto him.
So then I started to think: How deeply appropriate is the symbolism that Christ 'drunk the dregs of the bitter cup.' The very vilest sins committed by the very vilest sinners... the dregs, (which I think are pretty much just cancerous floaties)... Christ drunk those. He really did descend lower than us all. No one is beyond the power of His saving grace. He really does have a plan to save anyone and everyone who will come unto Him and allow Him to heal them.
Can you believe it? No one is past his compassion or his love. He loves all of his children equally. Knowing that he loves me unconditionally like this makes me want to work harder so that he will not only love me, but so that he will trust me as well. Because I can think of no greater joy than that which would come from being trusted enough by Him to help Him in His work. To not only be His child, but His servant. What an honor that would be, because if I prove to be a faithful servant, then He will grant me the blessing of being an Heir to his power and glory.
Oh how great is the love of our God!
Sunday, March 20, 2011
This is what it's all about!
Visiting teaching is pretty much the best thing ever.
One of my girls has been struggling. And I've spent a long time praying for her, and I've spent a long time worrying about her. And tonight I went to visit her, and she told me that she's had one of the hardest and one of the best weeks of her life. She shared with me some experiences that she has had, and some realizations that she's come to. She's decided to do some very hard things, and I'm so proud of her. She told me something that really touched my heart. She said that she was reading a talk by President Monson, and it reminded her of something that I had told her... she said something to this effect:
"I remember you telling me that you prayed to know if the Book of Mormon was true, and you didn't get a big answer, your answer was just small, and you said that Heavenly Father just told you that you already knew that it was true. Well, I was reading this talk and it talked about this young man who had made a commitment to never play sports on Sunday. Unfortunately his team had a game on a Sunday. He talked to his coach, and his coach told him he expected him to be there. So he went home to pray about whether or not he should play that day, and the answer to his prayer was 'why are you asking? you already know the answer.' and that just made me think of you... and I realized that I already know what's right... I just forgot a little bit for a minute."
I wanted to cry. This beautiful strong woman has had some very intense trials in the past few months, but she is coming out on top! And I did something to help... some experience that the Spirit directed me to share with her a while ago helped her in some small way, and I realized that this is what visiting teaching is all about. It's that help that you give, the love you show and the joy you experience when you see the light of the Gospel touch someones life and change it for the better, even if it's just in a very small way.
The Spirit is so cool. And I LOVE the Gospel of Jesus Christ!
One of my girls has been struggling. And I've spent a long time praying for her, and I've spent a long time worrying about her. And tonight I went to visit her, and she told me that she's had one of the hardest and one of the best weeks of her life. She shared with me some experiences that she has had, and some realizations that she's come to. She's decided to do some very hard things, and I'm so proud of her. She told me something that really touched my heart. She said that she was reading a talk by President Monson, and it reminded her of something that I had told her... she said something to this effect:
"I remember you telling me that you prayed to know if the Book of Mormon was true, and you didn't get a big answer, your answer was just small, and you said that Heavenly Father just told you that you already knew that it was true. Well, I was reading this talk and it talked about this young man who had made a commitment to never play sports on Sunday. Unfortunately his team had a game on a Sunday. He talked to his coach, and his coach told him he expected him to be there. So he went home to pray about whether or not he should play that day, and the answer to his prayer was 'why are you asking? you already know the answer.' and that just made me think of you... and I realized that I already know what's right... I just forgot a little bit for a minute."
I wanted to cry. This beautiful strong woman has had some very intense trials in the past few months, but she is coming out on top! And I did something to help... some experience that the Spirit directed me to share with her a while ago helped her in some small way, and I realized that this is what visiting teaching is all about. It's that help that you give, the love you show and the joy you experience when you see the light of the Gospel touch someones life and change it for the better, even if it's just in a very small way.
The Spirit is so cool. And I LOVE the Gospel of Jesus Christ!
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Apparently I looked 'beautiful' today...
Reading group this morning with my first grades was lovely. Usually the lessons are pretty routine, but today two of the kids were especially wiggly, which means the lesson was going slower than normal. Not a big deal though. We were in the middle of an exercise requiring them to recite letter sounds when one little girl raised her hand in the air.
As I was in the middle of telling another student that he needed to unwind his arms and actually look at the book I was holding, I took a minute before getting to her. She waited super duper patiently. Because having a student wait that patiently is so rare, I turned to her, gave her my full attention, and asked her what she wanted to say.
She pointed one finger in the air, and in a very dignified tone of voice (for a 1st grader) she said, "First, you look very beautiful today. And second..." and she proceeded with the rest of her comment.
My heart melted.
Yup. I love teaching kids.
(And sincere and unassuming compliments definitely don't hurt my ego either.)
As I was in the middle of telling another student that he needed to unwind his arms and actually look at the book I was holding, I took a minute before getting to her. She waited super duper patiently. Because having a student wait that patiently is so rare, I turned to her, gave her my full attention, and asked her what she wanted to say.
She pointed one finger in the air, and in a very dignified tone of voice (for a 1st grader) she said, "First, you look very beautiful today. And second..." and she proceeded with the rest of her comment.
My heart melted.
Yup. I love teaching kids.
(And sincere and unassuming compliments definitely don't hurt my ego either.)
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Heavenly Kisses
There is something extraordinarily wonderful about the moment when a snowflake lands on the very tip of ones nose. On the rare occasion it happens, I feel as if Heaven has just given me a kiss, and a divine whispering states: "I know exactly where you are Miss Krystal." And then I can marvel at how good the Lord is at steering snowflakes. Especially on evenings like tonight, when it was barely snowing to begin with.
There are so many beautiful things in this world to marvel at, and so many tender mercies... Snowflake kisses are just one of them. Some of my other favorites include: laughter, back massages, sunsets over the mountains, mittens, friends, big balls of snow shoved in your mouth, family, the smell of laundry detergent, teasing, overly large sweatshirts, rosy cheeks.... 'Raindrops on roses, whiskers on kittens... bright copper kettles and warm woolen mittens, brown paper packages tied up with strings, these are a few of my favorite things!'
Oh man, Julie Andrews definitely had it right with that song.
What are a few of your favorite things?
There are so many beautiful things in this world to marvel at, and so many tender mercies... Snowflake kisses are just one of them. Some of my other favorites include: laughter, back massages, sunsets over the mountains, mittens, friends, big balls of snow shoved in your mouth, family, the smell of laundry detergent, teasing, overly large sweatshirts, rosy cheeks.... 'Raindrops on roses, whiskers on kittens... bright copper kettles and warm woolen mittens, brown paper packages tied up with strings, these are a few of my favorite things!'
Oh man, Julie Andrews definitely had it right with that song.
What are a few of your favorite things?
Sunday, January 9, 2011
"I am not afraid of tomorrow, for I have seen yesterday, and I love today." -William Allen White
I was remembering. Remembering a night, a night not too long ago, a night when I cried. Tears of perfect joy rolled down my cheeks. I watched the sunset, just me and my Heavenly Father, and I told him that I knew life was going to change soon, because nothing so perfect lasts long... and I thanked him for allowing me that time. For allowing my life to be perfect for that little while.
I was remembering. Thinking of that time, that night, and I started to wonder. Why is it that moments of perfect joy and happiness have to be marred by the knowledge that the beauty will soon end? Why does the messy future have to creep in and mock the perfect stillness of that serenely beautiful moment?
But then I remembered. During the messy chaos of life, I am visited by a memory. A memory with an orange sunset, watery eyes and a soul that was soaring. And I realized: that evening visits me during the chaos. The chaos may mock me during the calm, but the knowledge that I will have another moment, another evening in the sunset, with just me and the Lord: that promise sooths my soul, because I know it will come again.
I was remembering. Thinking of that time, that night, and I started to wonder. Why is it that moments of perfect joy and happiness have to be marred by the knowledge that the beauty will soon end? Why does the messy future have to creep in and mock the perfect stillness of that serenely beautiful moment?
But then I remembered. During the messy chaos of life, I am visited by a memory. A memory with an orange sunset, watery eyes and a soul that was soaring. And I realized: that evening visits me during the chaos. The chaos may mock me during the calm, but the knowledge that I will have another moment, another evening in the sunset, with just me and the Lord: that promise sooths my soul, because I know it will come again.
Monday, December 13, 2010
You should know that
this December we get to celebrate the birth of the most glorious being to ever walk upon this earth. He happens to be my best friend, and I want to tell you some of the reasons I think he is so wonderful.
I was eleven, and I'd never been more alone... I cried to him, and he came to me -- wrapped me in his arms, and told me that he loved me. He does that a lot. In fact, he was there for me during those months when I lied to myself and everyone else... saying that I was happy when I wasn't. He held me. He got me through. Sometimes he comes himself, and sometimes when I cry to him he sends an angel to watch over me. No matter what, he never lets me down.
Another thing I love about him is that he is really good at listening. In fact, he's the best at listening. That summer evening a year and a half ago when I prayed over something that may have been silly... but was so valuable to me... he answered. More than answering, he cared. And those times when I prayed because I needed help, he showed me the best way to go. And sometimes when he has answered, but I wasn't listening very well, he's been patient and repeated himself.
I'm not a very good friend to him yet, but I'm working on it. Because he's so great, he's very patient with me. He's shared his love for other people with me. Did you know that he loves YOU a lot? More than a lot actually... he loves you perfectly. He knows everything about you. ALL the good, ALL the bad, and everything in-between, and he loves you still. There isn't anything you can do that will make him stop caring. I promise you that.
His name is Jesus Christ. And I want you to know that I believe him. I mean, I know he's the Savior of the world... but more than that, I believe what he said. I believe he wants me to be happy. I believe he can make me happy if I just let him into my life. I believe that he can make you happy too. But you have to let him. You have to trust him enough to do the things he says. He won't force you to be happy, but he will show you how, because he's great like that.
Did you know that a lot of people forget his birthday? Sometimes I'm not very good at remembering it myself... but this year I'm going to be better. I'm going to help someone that he wants me to help. That's going to be one of my gifts to him. I'm going to bear my testimony this season... that will be another gift. I can't give him a lot, but I can give him my heart, which is the most valuable thing I have to give. I know it will make him happy. I know he'll be even more happy if you give him your heart too. Not just part of it, but all of it. It'll be scary to do, but I want you to know that he'll take care of it. And he'll make you happier than you ever dreamed if you give it to him.
There are lots of other people who are good friends with Christ. They believe him. In fact, a lot of them are better friends to him than I am, I admire them and want to be more like them. Elder McConkie was a very good friend of Jesus. I love his testimony, he said: "I am one of his witnesses, and in a coming day I shall feel the nail marks in his hands and in his feet and shall wet his feet with my tears. But I shall not know any better then than I know now that he is God’s Almighty Son, that he is our Savior and Redeemer, and that salvation comes in and through his atoning blood and in no other way."
Can you picture it? That day when you will kneel before the Savior of the world and bathe his feet with your tears? That day when He'll pull you into his arms, and you'll know you are home. That day when you can whisper thank-you, mean it more sincerely than you ever have before, and know that despite it's inadequacy it will be accepted by Him.
I hope that you know this too. I hope that you have a Happy Christmas, and I hope that you will take a moment to stop and remember the real reason we are celebrating. I hope you'll whisper a thank-you to Him on Christmas Eve. And I hope you listen when He whispers back.
I was eleven, and I'd never been more alone... I cried to him, and he came to me -- wrapped me in his arms, and told me that he loved me. He does that a lot. In fact, he was there for me during those months when I lied to myself and everyone else... saying that I was happy when I wasn't. He held me. He got me through. Sometimes he comes himself, and sometimes when I cry to him he sends an angel to watch over me. No matter what, he never lets me down.
Another thing I love about him is that he is really good at listening. In fact, he's the best at listening. That summer evening a year and a half ago when I prayed over something that may have been silly... but was so valuable to me... he answered. More than answering, he cared. And those times when I prayed because I needed help, he showed me the best way to go. And sometimes when he has answered, but I wasn't listening very well, he's been patient and repeated himself.
I'm not a very good friend to him yet, but I'm working on it. Because he's so great, he's very patient with me. He's shared his love for other people with me. Did you know that he loves YOU a lot? More than a lot actually... he loves you perfectly. He knows everything about you. ALL the good, ALL the bad, and everything in-between, and he loves you still. There isn't anything you can do that will make him stop caring. I promise you that.
His name is Jesus Christ. And I want you to know that I believe him. I mean, I know he's the Savior of the world... but more than that, I believe what he said. I believe he wants me to be happy. I believe he can make me happy if I just let him into my life. I believe that he can make you happy too. But you have to let him. You have to trust him enough to do the things he says. He won't force you to be happy, but he will show you how, because he's great like that.
Did you know that a lot of people forget his birthday? Sometimes I'm not very good at remembering it myself... but this year I'm going to be better. I'm going to help someone that he wants me to help. That's going to be one of my gifts to him. I'm going to bear my testimony this season... that will be another gift. I can't give him a lot, but I can give him my heart, which is the most valuable thing I have to give. I know it will make him happy. I know he'll be even more happy if you give him your heart too. Not just part of it, but all of it. It'll be scary to do, but I want you to know that he'll take care of it. And he'll make you happier than you ever dreamed if you give it to him.
There are lots of other people who are good friends with Christ. They believe him. In fact, a lot of them are better friends to him than I am, I admire them and want to be more like them. Elder McConkie was a very good friend of Jesus. I love his testimony, he said: "I am one of his witnesses, and in a coming day I shall feel the nail marks in his hands and in his feet and shall wet his feet with my tears. But I shall not know any better then than I know now that he is God’s Almighty Son, that he is our Savior and Redeemer, and that salvation comes in and through his atoning blood and in no other way."
Can you picture it? That day when you will kneel before the Savior of the world and bathe his feet with your tears? That day when He'll pull you into his arms, and you'll know you are home. That day when you can whisper thank-you, mean it more sincerely than you ever have before, and know that despite it's inadequacy it will be accepted by Him.
I hope that you know this too. I hope that you have a Happy Christmas, and I hope that you will take a moment to stop and remember the real reason we are celebrating. I hope you'll whisper a thank-you to Him on Christmas Eve. And I hope you listen when He whispers back.
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
"I've got sunshine, on a cloudy day..."
I know, I know, two posts in one day is a lot... but I wanted to talk ok? Plus it's my blog and I can do what I want with it, so there.
This afternoon I found myself leaving my apartment in a a hurry... for I knew that I was going to be late to class. As I scurried up the street I looked up to see a gentleman from my ward (who happens to be an extremely attractive specimen of man-flesh, just so you know.) I was approaching the street that he was crossing, and as I noticed him he turned his head towards me. I thought I was too far away for him to recognize me... but then he kept looking. And looking. And looking. For a very much longer-than-normal sort of time. And so finally I raised my hand in a timid wave, (thinking to myself as I did so that he was probably looking at something or someone other than myself,) and to my genuine surprise, he waved back! I like to imagine that he smiled as he waved, but alas, I was too far away to tell.
So then, I turned the corner and hurriedly began the steep ascent against the general flow of traffic, all the while marveling to myself that I could be so lucky as to have such a dashing young man notice me. When out of the blue I hear an excited "Krystal!" and look up to see two beautiful Camilles smiling and waving at me. I responded in like, and before the smile even had time to fade from my mouth, I was punched playfully in the arm by another wonderful girl named Leisl.
Before I had made it halfway to class I saw no fewer than seven people who all know my name. And it's only a 12 minute walk for me to get to my class! I felt so loved. When I contrast the creature who bounced up the hill today, saying hello to friends as she hurried along her merry way, with the the solitary mouse who walked the same sidewalk with a very different attitude two years ago, I can't help but be amazed. Two years ago the girl walking to class viewed her world as lonely and constricted. But the girl who walked up the hill today, thoroughly grateful for the wonderful friend network she has, was not the same girl. They may look very similar. They may even share the same name, but they are definitely not the same girl. And I am grateful for that.
I heard once that the most beautiful word in any language is one's own name. I wholeheartedly believe that. I love hearing my name come out of other people's mouths, especially when it is said in a tone of excitement or tenderness. So hearing my own name so many times in so short a walk, was music to my ears. People shouldn't wear headphones as they walk around campus, because they are missing the opportunity to listen to the ring of their own name as it comes off of other's lips. I have the greatest friends. Oh golly. I love my life!
This afternoon I found myself leaving my apartment in a a hurry... for I knew that I was going to be late to class. As I scurried up the street I looked up to see a gentleman from my ward (who happens to be an extremely attractive specimen of man-flesh, just so you know.) I was approaching the street that he was crossing, and as I noticed him he turned his head towards me. I thought I was too far away for him to recognize me... but then he kept looking. And looking. And looking. For a very much longer-than-normal sort of time. And so finally I raised my hand in a timid wave, (thinking to myself as I did so that he was probably looking at something or someone other than myself,) and to my genuine surprise, he waved back! I like to imagine that he smiled as he waved, but alas, I was too far away to tell.
So then, I turned the corner and hurriedly began the steep ascent against the general flow of traffic, all the while marveling to myself that I could be so lucky as to have such a dashing young man notice me. When out of the blue I hear an excited "Krystal!" and look up to see two beautiful Camilles smiling and waving at me. I responded in like, and before the smile even had time to fade from my mouth, I was punched playfully in the arm by another wonderful girl named Leisl.
Before I had made it halfway to class I saw no fewer than seven people who all know my name. And it's only a 12 minute walk for me to get to my class! I felt so loved. When I contrast the creature who bounced up the hill today, saying hello to friends as she hurried along her merry way, with the the solitary mouse who walked the same sidewalk with a very different attitude two years ago, I can't help but be amazed. Two years ago the girl walking to class viewed her world as lonely and constricted. But the girl who walked up the hill today, thoroughly grateful for the wonderful friend network she has, was not the same girl. They may look very similar. They may even share the same name, but they are definitely not the same girl. And I am grateful for that.
I heard once that the most beautiful word in any language is one's own name. I wholeheartedly believe that. I love hearing my name come out of other people's mouths, especially when it is said in a tone of excitement or tenderness. So hearing my own name so many times in so short a walk, was music to my ears. People shouldn't wear headphones as they walk around campus, because they are missing the opportunity to listen to the ring of their own name as it comes off of other's lips. I have the greatest friends. Oh golly. I love my life!
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Aha!
Do you ever have 'culminating moments' in your life? Your experiences, direction, lessons... your whole life -- all the seemingly random bits and pieces that have led you to where you are now somehow converge in your mind, and you temporarily glimpse a bigger scheme. God's hand becomes clear, and you KNOW that he has put you right where you need to be.
One of those moments... where it feels like the sun is breaking through the clouds. Or the hallelujah chorus should start playing. It feels so... BIG.
I had one of those moments last night. It was/is a huge blessing for me right now. That moment when confusion melted, and I was allowed to understand for a brief second. Mind you, I don't understand everything... not even close. But the understanding that Heavenly Father does have a plan for me and he is using me, that's really all I needed to get.
I know I'm probably not making any sense at all... so I'll just leave you with a promise to explain in greater detail later on ;)
One of those moments... where it feels like the sun is breaking through the clouds. Or the hallelujah chorus should start playing. It feels so... BIG.
I had one of those moments last night. It was/is a huge blessing for me right now. That moment when confusion melted, and I was allowed to understand for a brief second. Mind you, I don't understand everything... not even close. But the understanding that Heavenly Father does have a plan for me and he is using me, that's really all I needed to get.
I know I'm probably not making any sense at all... so I'll just leave you with a promise to explain in greater detail later on ;)
Sunday, April 18, 2010
Nobel and Great
I feel like in the last 5 days I've learned a whole month's worth of spiritual lessons. I'd like to share one with anyone who happens to read this silly little blog of mine...
I went to institute on thursday, and we were studying part of Abraham. Now most of you all probably know the scripture Abraham 3:22...it's scripture mastery, but I'd like to stick it in here anyways. It says:
"Now the Lord had shown unto me, Abraham, the intelligences that were organized before the world was; and among all these there were many of the noble and great ones. And God saw these souls that they were good, and he stood in the midst of them, and he said: These I will make my rulers; for he stood among those that were spirits, and he saw that they were good; and he said unto me: Abraham, thou art one of them; thou wast chosen before thou wast born."
I think most of us have been told multiple times that this scripture applies to us just as much as it did to Abraham. Because we are of the House of Israel, (which is a HUGE deal... by the way) and because we were born in this time and place we know that we were valiant spirits. Secretly I've always kind of wondered if I managed to slip in by mistake. Maybe I was visiting a 'nobel and great one' when the Savior came to call them and I just went along with it... sometimes I'm so weak it's hard to believe that I was one of them. As I sat in institute though, and we talked about it, this wonderful warm feeling came over me, and I nearly started to cry, because I KNEW that I was among those spirits.
My wonderful teacher, Brother Dymock, told us that the thing that seperated the 'Nobel and Great Spirits' from the others was simply what they wanted. Not all Spirits wanted to become like our Heavenly Father and Mother, but those who did, those who wanted it more than anything else... they were the ones that God came and spoke to in this scripture. I can know I was one of them, because I want more than anything, anything in the whole world, to become like my Heavenly Father, and I want to be with my family forever.
I've always kind of left the scripture right there when I've read it before. But I realized thursday that the verses that come right after it are just as important. They say:
"And there stood one among them that was like unto God, and he said unto those who were with him: We will go down, for there is space there, and we will take of these materials, and we ill make an earth whereon these may dwell; And we will prove them herewith, to see if they will do all things whatsoever the Lord their God shall command them."
Christ came and talked to us! (Who else would be "like unto God"?) And he invited us to help him make the earth... we helped make it! And then he said, "We will prove them..."
He didn't say... "And God will prove them"
Or... "And I will prove them"
Or... "And you all will be proven"
He said... "We will prove them."
Now I don't profess to know exactly what this means... but I have a few guesses. And there is one thing that I know about it. It means that the reason I am here right now, is because I need to help my brothers and sisters prove themselves. As I help them, I continue prove myself. It's made me feel a lot more responsible to help those around me. It's made me want to be so much better than I am. And it's given me the courage and motivation to try harder to be better the past few days.
Isn't the Gospel of Jesus Christ wonderful?
I went to institute on thursday, and we were studying part of Abraham. Now most of you all probably know the scripture Abraham 3:22...it's scripture mastery, but I'd like to stick it in here anyways. It says:
"Now the Lord had shown unto me, Abraham, the intelligences that were organized before the world was; and among all these there were many of the noble and great ones. And God saw these souls that they were good, and he stood in the midst of them, and he said: These I will make my rulers; for he stood among those that were spirits, and he saw that they were good; and he said unto me: Abraham, thou art one of them; thou wast chosen before thou wast born."
I think most of us have been told multiple times that this scripture applies to us just as much as it did to Abraham. Because we are of the House of Israel, (which is a HUGE deal... by the way) and because we were born in this time and place we know that we were valiant spirits. Secretly I've always kind of wondered if I managed to slip in by mistake. Maybe I was visiting a 'nobel and great one' when the Savior came to call them and I just went along with it... sometimes I'm so weak it's hard to believe that I was one of them. As I sat in institute though, and we talked about it, this wonderful warm feeling came over me, and I nearly started to cry, because I KNEW that I was among those spirits.
My wonderful teacher, Brother Dymock, told us that the thing that seperated the 'Nobel and Great Spirits' from the others was simply what they wanted. Not all Spirits wanted to become like our Heavenly Father and Mother, but those who did, those who wanted it more than anything else... they were the ones that God came and spoke to in this scripture. I can know I was one of them, because I want more than anything, anything in the whole world, to become like my Heavenly Father, and I want to be with my family forever.
I've always kind of left the scripture right there when I've read it before. But I realized thursday that the verses that come right after it are just as important. They say:
"And there stood one among them that was like unto God, and he said unto those who were with him: We will go down, for there is space there, and we will take of these materials, and we ill make an earth whereon these may dwell; And we will prove them herewith, to see if they will do all things whatsoever the Lord their God shall command them."
Christ came and talked to us! (Who else would be "like unto God"?) And he invited us to help him make the earth... we helped make it! And then he said, "We will prove them..."
He didn't say... "And God will prove them"
Or... "And I will prove them"
Or... "And you all will be proven"
He said... "We will prove them."
Now I don't profess to know exactly what this means... but I have a few guesses. And there is one thing that I know about it. It means that the reason I am here right now, is because I need to help my brothers and sisters prove themselves. As I help them, I continue prove myself. It's made me feel a lot more responsible to help those around me. It's made me want to be so much better than I am. And it's given me the courage and motivation to try harder to be better the past few days.
Isn't the Gospel of Jesus Christ wonderful?
Sunday, March 7, 2010
One year older and...
not really wiser. At least I don't feel any smarter.
But I do feel blessed. I am such a lucky girl! Friday I was just finishing up work when I started to walk back towards the school building. I saw two ladies coming out of the front doors, and when they saw me they started waving like crazy at me. I was really confused, wondering who those silly ladies were, until I got closer and realized that my Mom and Bee (my Grandma) had come up to surprise me and take me to a birthday lunch. We ate at Cafe Rio, went shopping, and had a marvelous time!
Afterwards I got to hang out with some girls from my major, walk around campus with my darling friend Sharlee who came up from Snow to visit me... and then come back to my apartment. When I walked in the door, about 15 friends or so all shouted 'happy birthday,' and Matt started serenading me with "Happy Birthday" on the bagpipes outside my window. It was the best surprise party I've ever had, and so much fun! Then on saturday I got to go to lunch again! Play with Sharlee and Dora, and then go to an Aggie basketball game. The game was intense, and so much fun! It's pretty much been the best weekend ever, and I feel so lucky to have so many fantastic friends and family who decided to make a fuss over me this weekend.
But I do feel blessed. I am such a lucky girl! Friday I was just finishing up work when I started to walk back towards the school building. I saw two ladies coming out of the front doors, and when they saw me they started waving like crazy at me. I was really confused, wondering who those silly ladies were, until I got closer and realized that my Mom and Bee (my Grandma) had come up to surprise me and take me to a birthday lunch. We ate at Cafe Rio, went shopping, and had a marvelous time!
Afterwards I got to hang out with some girls from my major, walk around campus with my darling friend Sharlee who came up from Snow to visit me... and then come back to my apartment. When I walked in the door, about 15 friends or so all shouted 'happy birthday,' and Matt started serenading me with "Happy Birthday" on the bagpipes outside my window. It was the best surprise party I've ever had, and so much fun! Then on saturday I got to go to lunch again! Play with Sharlee and Dora, and then go to an Aggie basketball game. The game was intense, and so much fun! It's pretty much been the best weekend ever, and I feel so lucky to have so many fantastic friends and family who decided to make a fuss over me this weekend.
Friday, January 15, 2010
'Will Wonders Never Cease?'
On January 8th I told you about a miracle, last night I got another small one.
Three nights ago I was putting on my PJ's when I noticed some red bumps on the left side of my back- they didn't hurt so I didn't give them a lot of thought. Two nights ago they started itching, so I showed them to my roommate, and she was kind enough to give me some cortizone cream. Last night as I walked home from school, they were driving me crazy, so I texted my Mom to ask her what was best to put on my rash to treat it.
Following a thorough investigation where I got to describe, in great detail, exactly what my rash looked like and where it was, I found myself on the phone with a nurse that my Mom works with. She said that I needed to get it checked immediately- and if I couldn't she was going to have her doctor fax the nearest pharmacy to me a prescription. I didn't really understand what all the fuss was about, after all it's only a little itch; like a small army of baby mosquitoes got hungry one night and all randomly decided to eat the same spot on me.
I went into the doctors office, and unfortunately they had stopped seeing people already, but when I told them I had come in because a nurse on the phone had told me I might have shingles- they admitted me immediately and the next thing I knew, a doctor was writing me a prescription and asking me what I was allergic to.
It was kind of a crazy afternoon.
So I have shingles- which I'm told can become so painful it's hard to walk. Luckily I caught mine pretty early on, which should help, in theory at least.
So why do you ask is this a miracle? Well it isn't really... what is the miracle is that I have friends who were willing to run over at 9pm last night to give me a Priesthood blessing. In it I wasn't told that I'd get over it quickly or be healed soon- but I was told that I was given this, and other trials for a reason. I was given them because Heavenly Father loves me, and I was also reassured that I would soon understand why I need to experience these things.
I felt a warm comforting sensation begin at my head where their hands were, and it trickled down into my whole body. As I sit here, I feel so loved by Heavenly Father just thinking about the memory of it. And I am so grateful he gave me such amazing friends who were willing to drop everything they needed to do in order to come help me.
So while I'm not glad that I'm 'sick' and itching up a storm, I am grateful for the opportunity it provided for that blessing last night.
Three nights ago I was putting on my PJ's when I noticed some red bumps on the left side of my back- they didn't hurt so I didn't give them a lot of thought. Two nights ago they started itching, so I showed them to my roommate, and she was kind enough to give me some cortizone cream. Last night as I walked home from school, they were driving me crazy, so I texted my Mom to ask her what was best to put on my rash to treat it.
Following a thorough investigation where I got to describe, in great detail, exactly what my rash looked like and where it was, I found myself on the phone with a nurse that my Mom works with. She said that I needed to get it checked immediately- and if I couldn't she was going to have her doctor fax the nearest pharmacy to me a prescription. I didn't really understand what all the fuss was about, after all it's only a little itch; like a small army of baby mosquitoes got hungry one night and all randomly decided to eat the same spot on me.
I went into the doctors office, and unfortunately they had stopped seeing people already, but when I told them I had come in because a nurse on the phone had told me I might have shingles- they admitted me immediately and the next thing I knew, a doctor was writing me a prescription and asking me what I was allergic to.
It was kind of a crazy afternoon.
So I have shingles- which I'm told can become so painful it's hard to walk. Luckily I caught mine pretty early on, which should help, in theory at least.
So why do you ask is this a miracle? Well it isn't really... what is the miracle is that I have friends who were willing to run over at 9pm last night to give me a Priesthood blessing. In it I wasn't told that I'd get over it quickly or be healed soon- but I was told that I was given this, and other trials for a reason. I was given them because Heavenly Father loves me, and I was also reassured that I would soon understand why I need to experience these things.
I felt a warm comforting sensation begin at my head where their hands were, and it trickled down into my whole body. As I sit here, I feel so loved by Heavenly Father just thinking about the memory of it. And I am so grateful he gave me such amazing friends who were willing to drop everything they needed to do in order to come help me.
So while I'm not glad that I'm 'sick' and itching up a storm, I am grateful for the opportunity it provided for that blessing last night.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)