Simplify. Simplify. Simplify.

I always thought simplifying was just throwing away clutter and giving away clothes you don't wear anymore.


But.


I read an excerpt from a book about simplifying your life, and it showed me a whole different perspective. You can emotionally simplify! What an incredible concept! Having your mind cluttered with bad thoughts are just as bad- if not worse- than papers, books, old clothes and shoes.


What feelings do I harbor? Feelings of envy, anger at something a friend said in a thoughtless moment, variance of opinions, negative attitudes, regret, untrue assumptions, pride, hurt from feeling slighted, anger, resentment? Sadly I admit that all of those emotions I have been feeling. And not just recently, it's been over the past few months. It is hard for me to 'let go' of hurt, resentful feelings.
So I decided to do a emotional cleansing. I'm trying to not speak ill of anyone. Whether it's about someone from a long time ago that I don't even talk to anymore- or my every day interactions with friends, family, co-workers or strangers. I started on Saturday, and I've found that my anger about situations dwindle, my mood is enhanced, and I'm a lot more positive.

"Conversion basically represents the transformation from the 'natural man' to becoming the 'man of Christ'. It is labor that takes more than an afternoon."- Neal A. Maxwell

Since I began reading "Not my Will, but Thine" by Elder Maxwell, I've learned a lot about not only myself, but the Lord. My relationship with Him has grown in such a short time, and all it took was simple steps that I oft forgot to do. Remembering to pray, frequent temple worship, trying to improve my thoughts and actions, doing my best to pay attention and feel the Spirit during church.

I've been on such a spiritual high these past few weeks, and I find myself always starting my blog entry with something ordinary, and ending with me bearing my testimony of Christ. That's the wonderful thing about the Gospel! It can be attributed to any situation in life we are in, big or small.

Anyway, it will be a long process, but an amazing one. :)

Can I just say?

That going to the temple by yourself gives a whole new meaning to making spiritual goals?


Wow...

"Do we periodically participate in all of the temple ordinances and thus receive the full blessings of vicarious work for our ancestors? Do we return to the temple often to receive the personal blessings that come from regular temple worship?"
-Gordon B. Hinckley

Regular temple worship. Alex and I do try to go at least once a month, and I would say we are mostly successful... but would I call that regular? Especially now, before we have kids? Especially now, where I live 15 minutes away from the nearest temple? Especially now, when I'm strengthening my testimony to be a rock for my husband and future children? No, in this juncture in my life, I would not say that is regular.

I've been feeling the lack of the Spirit in my daily routine. Yesterday while at work, I made the decision to go do a session straight after work. I haven't gone by myself before, and it was absolutely incredible. I love going with Alex, don't get me wrong, but when you are in the House of the Lord by yourself, it forces you to look inside, and see where you've been lacking.

Definitely some serious introspection involved.

I've decided that for the next couple months, I'm going to go to the temple once a week. Alex has school at night, so it gives me the perfect time to go. I feel it's going to get me back on track, and help me get through this rut I'm in. Also, there are many big decisions that will need to be made, and I want to make sure that we're following His council, and we're completely in tune with the Spirit.

It seems that I've felt the urge, or rather the need to go to the temple more often. Sometimes it's hard to just sit at home for a minute without thinking, "I should be at the temple right now." When I ignore it, it only becomes more persistant. Interesting how that works...

I am so grateful for the knowledge I have.

Introducing..

Our newest addition.

Yes, you are seeing correctly. We no longer have a card table with paint on it, and blue, metal chairs. We have a wooden table and wooden chairs. Alex and I are more than thrilled. :)

Yep. We're movin' up.

Once in a Lifetime

My lovely friends Brynnly and Alan were sealed for time and all eternity on Saturday. Alex and I were fortunate enough to attend, and it was a beautiful ceremony. Turns out that Brynnly's dad was college roommates with D. Todd Christofferson, so he asked him if he would do the sealing. What an incredible experience to be in an intimate room with an Apostle of the Lord! The Spirit just radiates off of him and you could see the light of Christ in his eyes as he spoke. After the sealing, he stood by the door and shook everyone's hand individually, asking us to introduce ourselves. That is an experience I'll never forget. Thank you Brynnly and Alan for inviting us to be apart of it.

Alex and I were called to be primary teachers this past week... and I will tell you, we were not particularly excited for it. It feels like we can't ever get away from this calling, and that is probably all the more reason why we keep getting this calling. I'm sure it is because of our attitude. I just love Relief Society so much, and I feel like I'm missing out on so much when I'm having to teach Primary. That's definitely something I need to work on... attitude.

Speaking of self-improvement, another goal of mine this year that I failed to mention is reading more uplifting literature. I love, love, love church books- so when my inlaws purchased this book for me by Neal A. Maxwell, I was excited to read it. I love to increase my spirituality as well as other areas of my life.

10 years ago today, my dear father passed away. Can't believe it's been that long.... Time seems to be gaining speed. Alex and I have already been married 7 months. It has flown by, and I've loved every minute of it. Being married is quite the journey, and I know we have so much more to experience together.