Thought #1- Heavenly Father loves us and is SO willing to bless us in our lives! Yesterday morning I started studying a booklet that our Stake Relief Society handed out as part of a 14 day program to come closer to Christ. It's a big deal that I did this in the morning, since my scripture study usually consists of reading a few verses before I fall asleep at night, and drifting off before I can write down what I learned. I could have/should have/would have been frantically finishing my reading for a quiz I had to take that morning in my Stress Psychobiology class (go figure, it would be so stressful!), but I decided to take my chances on the quiz and put the Savior at the top of my list.
So not only did I start out the day enveloped in a peaceful and happy spirit, but I continued to feel this joy throughout the day. And then four amazing things happened that assured me of God's blessings. It's like he showered them all down on me simultaneously just to assure me that when I put Him first, He will not withhold His tender mercies nor His mighty miracles!
First, my aunt who is my best buddy in the world and a radiant, elegant lady called and said that she is engaged to be married to a man we all adore. The wedding will be in March and I couldn't be happier for her!
Second, a close friend of mine who has been waiting for years for her chance to visit France has finally been presented with a once in a lifetime opportunity and a perfect fit for her! I hope it works out for her...and something tells me, this time it will!
Finally, a dear girl who I have had the privilege to get to know this past year has finally overcome the main obstacles in her relationship with a wonderful man, and they are making plans to be married next year. Yet another manifestation of God's perfect timing when we put our lives in His hands.
Thought #2- I didn't tell you the fourth big blessing. Did you catch that? Well, it deserves a section of its own because it affects 18 months of my life and has to do with proclaiming the gospel of Jesus Christ to people who are ready to receive it. Yep, you guessed it. After 2 years of waiting for the day I would be ready (more like 23 if you consider that I entered this world wondering where my black name tag was)...it's finally happening. I'm submitting my papers to serve as a full-time missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints! Originally the plan was to graduate first and set my availability date for sometime at the end of June 2012, but talking to my boss the other day and discovering I might need more pre-reqs for Grad School than expected, I decided, "Why put off for tomorrow what could be done today?" No need to rush through school and stress myself out. I'm finally in a place in my life where I am ready to serve my Savior full-time. So I will send them in right before Christmas and I expect to hear back probably around the time of my birthday. I'm hoping they come on January 18th, since that's my confirmation date and I will have been a member of this Church for exactly 15 years on that day. But we'll have to wait and see. I'll go where, and when, He wants me to go! I'm expecting state-side due to my medical history, so if I get a foreign language or a different country that will just be an added and unexpected bonus. But if I get called state-side, I can go back to visit more often! And maybe I'll love the area so much I'll decide to go to Grad School there! So it's time to hang up the old part-time badge. It's time to paint my masterpeice!
Thought #3- So with all this goodness, it turns out dreams really do come true! Maybe having Pascal as a hood ornament brought me good luck! When will my life begin? It already has, and it's been a great ride!Thought #4- Pictures are great!!! Here's some from our Halloween party, Amy and my True Blue Experience, Road trips to the Vernal and Jordan River temples, my time in St. George with some awesome friends, and of my cute nephew...because what would an Aubs Blog post be without showing off my little cuties!
I think this last picture best expresses how I feel about life right now. I'm having a ball and can't wipe this smile off my face. Things right now are better than ever, and the best is yet to come.
That doesn't mean I won't have days and even weeks like these...
But it does mean that no matter how dim and grim things get to looking...there's always a shower of blessings waiting for you down the road!
