feeling blessed.

so as most of you know my 3 very best friends are serving missions for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. although i miss each them so much, they constantly are blessing my life. i have recently learned through experience that the sacrifices of missionaries don't only bless their families but all those that love them. i can actually see the difference in my own life because of their examples. each of them send me letters that leave me so inspired and uplifted. Allie sent a quote in her latest email that i am obsessed with, it is from Elder Jeffrey R. Holland,

"God expects you to have enough faith, determination and trust in Him to keep moving, keep living, keep rejoicing. He expects you not to simply face the future, he expects you to embrace and shape the future - to love it, rejoice in it and delight in your opportunities. God is eagerly waiting for the chance to answer your prayers and fulfill your dreams just as He always has. But He can't if you don't pray and He can't if you don't dream. In short, he can't if you don't believe."

it is interesting this past week i have received personal letters from both Allie and Dylan reminding me of the importance and power of prayer. sometimes i get caught up in every life and i forget to remember that i owe everything to the Lord. he has given me all i could ever ask for and i never thank him enough. even if feeling sad or discouraged prayer can bring you an incomparable peace that you cannot receive anywhere else. the Lord knows every pain that we have experienced and he can give you a comfort that you cannot find anywhere else.

i cannot imagine living life without this knowledge. if any of you have never tried to pray to our Heavenly Father, please take just a minute to express any feelings that you have. you can receive a peace that will make your life more beautiful. we are blessed with so much! look at the world we live in and the things that we are blessed with whether it be a beautiful view or the love we feel for those we care about, these things are created by God. our happiness is possible because of God and Jesus Christ.

one last quote that i love and that i hope brightens your day is from the former president of the church, President Gordon B. Hinckley,

"...go forward in life with a twinkle in your eye and a smile on your face, but with great purpose in your heart."

this week i feel that a purpose in my heart is to try and help those around me to feel the same love and appreciation for life that i am overflowing with right now.

i am not even sure if people read this blog but if you do i hope that you are uplifted and inspired! our life and world is beautiful and we have so much to celebrate!