something to smile about.

I hope that everyone has had a good weekend! I have been writing and reading a lot and there is so much to share:) ... 

Yesterday I had the chance to listen to the Women's Broadcast for the LDS church. It was beautiful and had some really powerful messages. I recommend listening to the entire broadcast on lds.org, but I wanted to touch on some of my favorites. 

"There are two important days in a woman's life. The day she is born, and the day she finds out why" - Elaine Cannon. 

We are all here for a divine purpose and our divine nature has incredible potential. Once we discover that in ourselves, we can begin to see it in others. Because we are Gods children, He knows what we can become! Sometimes I think we underestimate that potential and the power we have. If you are searching for yours, pray to God and ask Him to help you find it. It is time to find out why you are here on this earth:) 

'Through test, trial, and fear....be valiant.'

Elder Ucthdorf, one of my favorite apostles, told a story about faith, hope, and love. The old lady in his story was one of the happiest. Even though it was obvious she had had several trials in her life, she went along the path skipping and being joyful. When someone asked her WHY she was so happy, she gave a beautiful response. She said that there were enough things in life that didn't go right...we could be quick to focus on those things, or decide to be joyful no matter the circumstance and find the good in everyday. She had been very miserable at one point in her life, but the tool that turned things around for her was FAITH. That faith turned to HOPE. "No matter what happened in the past, your story can have a happy ending. You have a glorious future! Let faith give you the hope to live joyfully now--fill your life with meaningful things". That hope then turned to LOVE, which is the central focus of the gospel and life. 

My heart grew so full after these talks. Some of the things that I have been trying to work on and learn more about are Faith & the Atonement. The messages encompassed these topics so well and gave me a greater understanding. If we are filling our lives with meaningful things and doing all we can to follow the Savior, we have nothing to worry about. He will not let us "go amiss". 

Walk along a bring path and let hope open up your eyes to what God has in store. Let faith be in every footstep. I felt overwhelmed with the Spirit after this conference and for the first time in a long time... I felt my Heavenly Father's arms wrapped around me. I couldn't hold back the tears. I had let myself lose the Spirit for what seemed like so long.. and I had lost hope...and even though I am still working everyday, the progress I have made fills my heart with so much gratitude. I knew in that moment that my Heavenly Father was there and was truly taking care of me. I KNEW that he was aware of me and had been there all along. He knows my heart and my true intentions, and He is shaping me into someone better. Someone stronger and more valiant. For the first time in a long time I was crying happy tears... and it felt so good. 

I know that for faith and the atonement to truly work in my life, I first have to believe and HOLD on to that belief. You too... hold on to Heavenly Father & believe in His plan for you. Know that His atonement can and will work in your life according to His timing and that the person you are and are becoming is extraordinary. "Don't give up! Don't you quit! ...trust in God and believe in good things to come" 

Fill your life with meaningful things and try to find the good in everyday!! :) 

"God did not design us to be sad. He created us to have joy!"