Grace of God

Ever since we moved to Richmond I have been dying to go to the temple. Unfortunately all of the elements have been combining against my wishes ...

• The closest temple is 2 hours and 15 minutes away
• Chad has class all week while I have classes all weekend
• Add up the time it takes to drive to the temple, do a session, drive back it totals about 10 hours per temple trip.
•  D.C. traffic.

Even with all of that I have been dead set on making it to the temple this month. You know what? By the grace of God Chad got out of class at 11 a.m. yesterday and we made it our goal to go to the temple. I have been praying since Sunday (when we planned on going) for it to be a great experience.

Lately I've been stressed and worked up about things that really have no eternal significance. I knew that if we went to the temple I would feel that peace I so desperately needed. 

All I can say is "wow." When we drove up and I saw Moroni on top of the spires, my heart stopped. When we got closer and I saw the entire temple I felt overwhelmed with joy. There was no other place in the entire world I would have rather been at. 

Inside was beautiful and stunning. It is easily one of the most beautiful temples I have ever been through. The entire time I was there I felt absolutely at peace. I felt a calmness and assurance that can only come from God. Sitting there with Chad, glimpsing into eternity with him was perfect.

I cannot describe how happy, joyful, ecstatic I am knowing that I have the gospel in my life, and an absolute assurance that Chad and I will be together FOREVVVVVER. How many people can say that? Needless to say, it was a fantastic trip. Well worth the 10 hours. I cannot wait until we go again when Harry gets home.

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God is good

Today is one of those days that I am overwhelmed by the goodness of God. I am overwhelmed at the blessings he gives me, and how kind he is towards me and my family.

Sometimes I have a hard time accepting all that he has given to me, sometimes I think, "but why?" Why am I so fortunate and lucky and blessed? Why have I been given so much, when others have so little?

I read a story about a wonderful RM who was in a car accident. He went into a coma for about a month. He finally came out of it but he has to re-learn EVERYTHING. Walking, talking, breathing. As I read the story I couldn't help but get tears in my eyes. Why was this young man given this trial, when I am so blessed to have a physical and capable body without limitations?

Then I thought to some people I know, they are in their twenties but have gotten married in the temple, then divorced. Why did they have spouses who chose different paths? Why am I given the most amazing man in the world to be my husband?

I kept thinking, why do I have an amazing job? Why do I have a wonderful family who was able to put me through college? Why do I have a car, a home, food to eat, clothes to wear?

I'm no better than anyone else, why have I been given so much?

Then I remembered some scriptures that touched my heart:

“For verily I say unto you, blessed is he that keepeth my commandments, whether in life or in death; and he that is faithful in tribulation, the reward of the same is greater in the kingdom of heaven.

“Ye cannot behold with your natural eyes, for the present time, the design of your God concerning those things which shall … follow after much tribulation.

“For after much tribulation come the blessings” (D&C 58:2–4).

Everyone has trials, and everyone's trials are different.

God has blessed me with more than I can ever thank him for. But that doesn't mean I won't have trials. In the foreseeable future I can see medical school being a trial. So maybe that is a trial that is tailor made for Chad and I. Where someone who is out of work, that trial is tailor made for them.

God knows us more personally and intimately than we know ourselves. That means he knows how to bless us, and how to try us. In the times of blessing I need to be grateful for all I've been given. In times of trial I need to also remember all I've been given.