It was time for a change.

This change to my blog has come due to scripture study.  I have acquired a new lifestyle quest.

"Therefore, dearly beloved brethren, let us cheerfully do all things that lie in our power; and then may we stand still, with the utmost assurance, to see the salvation of God, and for his arm to be revealed." -Doctrine and Covenants 123:17

Love to you all,
Anna

3 Minutes

I'm at the library and thought I should update my blog.  They only give you one hour a day so of course I did everything else that is important.  When I looked at my remaining time there were just three minutes and three seconds left.

Some day when I really have three minutes left I hope that I would have said everything important to those I love and have those three minutes to listen.

Things that Never Happen

Snow never ceases to delight me.
Hot chocolate never makes me sad.
Never have Christmas without a tree?
This year that "never" came to be.

Loved ones are never too far away.
Carols never made us closer.
Childhood songs never seemed to say,
"Comfort family not here today."

Never forget to share of your light.
You never know who you will touch.
Never forget what happened that night.
Never will be a hope more bright.

Hats off to Rachael

I am at work.  I know, I should be working.  It's just been a terribly long day, with little work.  So I am in this little office, with little to do.  I talked to Cuauhtemoc during his breaks like 5 times today.  Heehe.  On other days like this I dream up choreography and listen to music, make plans and file my heart away.  But today, I just didn't have the notion to do so.  I started reading off my blog list and read Rachael's.  Bless her heart.  Really- Rachael your blog just made me happy!  We should be in love with life.  I should be in love with the fact that I can be blessed with a job while we get settled here. I have been prepared to help this company out, even though I never knew that would be happening. So Rachael this is Cuauhtemoc's and my love list:


1- Eating ice cream together, right out of the container.
2- Having a bed.
3- Pretending to speak Italian in Spanish.
4- Watching the news while cuddling - how romantic.
5- Reading from Proverbs once a day.
6- Helping friends just because we think they are our family.
7- Cooking accidents - Megan, I can't imagine what it would have been like if we hadn't cooked together last year.
8- Sleeping in on Saturdays.
9- Serving with ALL our heart, might, mind, and strength even when I feel like I fall short.
10- Making plans - all sorts: babies, travel, school, career, serving missions, you name it.

So here's to Rachael and loving life!

Day 49

Time is so interesting, we have a way of measuring and yet it still never makes sense. Cuauhtemoc and I have been married almost two months. 7 weeks. 49 days. Really? We met nearly one year ago. We are amazed at the things we have done in such a short time.
We had a most enjoyable honeymoon in Bear Lake! We even went to Paris...Idaho. We brought back antiques that we bought as souvenirs. Love it there!
Now we are preparing to say good bye to my sister as she heads off to new adventures in Italy. Yes, I said Italy. God will keep her safe and guide her steps. <3

Joy

I just ate a Dove chocolate. On the wrapper it is written, "Joy is found in the smallest of moments. Like now!" - Ashley, Sumter SC. I love that a simple reminder just came to me with chocolate attached!

As I contemplated the things of that moment, with the purpose of finding joy, there were many happy sights. I saw a young woman modestly and attractively dressed, hair combed with a flower pinned above her ear. What joy to know that she values herself as a daughter of God. I saw two men kindly discussing in the hallway. What joy to know that they value each others opinions and care for one another. The roof here is glass and the sun is shining, what joy to know that I can look forward for sunny days and warmth.

Joy really is found in the smallest moments and the simplest things because God loves us. What joy to know that.

What Think Ye of Christ?

Christ, speaking to the Pharisees, asked, "What think ye of Christ? whose son is he?" (Matthew 22:42)

In essence, Christ is asking, "Do you know me?" In the intercessory prayer found in John 17. He teaches why it is important to know Him. "And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent." (John 17:3)

Everything Christ is has everything to do with the Father. Heavenly Father loves His children. Christ is His Only Begotten Son. Christ loves Heavenly Father. Christ loves His children. He teaches the Father's children to love the Father. His sacrifice was made with the purpose of bringing us back to our Father.

In this life we have the opportunity to come to know them, the Father and the Son. As we do so, it will become natural for us to share with others. They are our brothers and sisters. Christ said, in Luke 22:31-32, "Behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren."

It is my desire to learn of Christ, come to know Him and by Him, my Father. The more we reach out to strengthen our brethren, the more He will reveal Himself to us. In Doctrine and Covenants 88:67-68 we are told, "And if your eye be single to my glory, your whole bodies shall be filled with light, and there shall be no darkness in you; and that body which is filled with light comprehendeth all things. Therefore, sanctify yourselves that your minds become single to God, and the days will come that you shall see him; for he will unveil his face unto you, and it shall be in his own time, and in his own way, and according to his own will."

The glory of the Father is "to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man." (Moses 1:39) Christ is the means by which that can happen. It is our opportunity to participate in Salvation, be it our own or that of our brothers and sisters.