Good Talks

I came across these two talks recently talking about women of God and our divine purpose and potential. The first was given at a fireside by the prophet President Ezra T. Benson in 1987. The second one is a kind of follow up to that talk given by the prophet President Gordan B. Hinckley in 1996. Both are amazing talks that make me super excited for when I finally do get married and start that adventure. In the meantime, I like what President Hinckley had to say in his talk:

"There are many women among us who are single. Generally, this is not of their own choice. Some have never had the opportunity to marry one with whom they would wish to spend eternity.

To you single women who wish to be married, I repeat what I recently said in a meeting for singles in this Tabernacle: “Do not give up hope. And do not give up trying. But do give up being obsessed with it. The chances are that if you forget about it and become anxiously engaged in other activities, the prospects will brighten immeasurably. …

“I believe that for most of us the best medicine for loneliness is work, service in behalf of others. I do not minimize your problems, but I do not hesitate to say that there are many others whose problems are more serious than are yours. Reach out to serve them, to help them, to encourage them. There are so many boys and girls who fail in school for want of a little personal attention and encouragement. There are so many elderly people who live in misery and loneliness and fear for whom a simple conversation would bring a measure of hope and happiness.”

Here the the links to the talks. Read and enjoy if you have the time!

President Benson's Talk

President Hinckley's Talk

Edited 3.7.13 This past week, Elder Bednar gave an amazing talk that really hit home and in many ways relates to the above talks. It's really made me think. If anything, it's helped me to know that I am on the right track and know how I can be better.

Here is the link to the address:
Elder Bednar's Talk

The Temple

This past Wednesday, February 13 marked three years since I was endowed in the temple.

On Wednesday I had the opportunity to go with my ward to the temple for stake temple night. We got to hear a little from the Provo temple president. He talked about how the temple changes you as you go, especially as you go often. He also talked about how thin the veil can be in the temple.

His words made me realize some things. I definitely am not the same person that I was when I was endowed three years ago. I remember distinctly what I was going through at the time and it's hard for  me to believe that it was only 3 years ago that I was going through that. At the time, I immediately felt the increased strength and protection that come from keeping temple covenants. I think about all that I've been through since then and I know that without the temple I wouldn't have come out of those experiences as well as I have. In fact, I'm not even sure I would have made it through them at all. The temple is my lifeline. I've had many sacred experiences within the temple that give me the hope, strength, perspective, and peace that I need to keep moving forward. The temple has changed me in more ways that I can number. It has changed me in that I am closer to the Savior and I hope also that I am more like Him. The temple has made me happier as I've continued to learn His plan for me.

While I was in the temple, I couldn't stop myself from smiling as I thought about the day I was endowed. I cried on that day in the temple, a lot. It was such a huge deal for me because I felt like I had been waiting and waiting to receive those blessings and it felt like it would never happen. But it did! And when it did, I felt relieved and also so happy and excited. Writing this makes me realize that as I prepare and wait for marriage, I need to remember all this. It will happen!

I am happy, very happy right now. My ward is amazing and it's keeping me busy. I'm involved in a play that we are doing and from now until in March, my weeks will be filled with rehearsals. It's making me stretch out of my comfort zone, but in so many ways it's helping me just as the Nauvoo Pageant did. I wish I could express everything that I'm thinking and feeling, but this will have to do.

Flashback: