Friday, February 4, 2011

The Month of Love

Who do you Love this month?
Who will be your Valentine this year?  This picture was taken on Valentine's Day last year.  Once again, my Valentine will be my Dad. Valentine's Day never really has been my favorite Holiday: always high expectations ending up in disappointment. Having a Valentine like my Dad is a safe bet.

Replacing Fear with Faith

If you are reading this, I am flattered.  I just wanted to start this as a way of keeping a journal and sharing my thoughts.  Right now I am 23 years old and I just graduated with my Bachelors of Art History degree at Southern Utah University.  I recently moved back in with my Mom and Uncle "Jessie." (aka Uncle Sam).  We are your modern day "Full House."
I have my problems, Uncle Sam has his, and with my mom's share, we can all confide in each other and help each other out. I don't have a clue where my life will take me next and it it scares me to death.  However, I have recently decided to replace my fears with faith: Faith in my Heavenly Father who knows all and I know that if I strive to seek him daily and do my best while I am here in Provo, not really knowing what is in store for me, things will fall into place. 

 I lost my dad this summer and I miss him every day.  Especially being back in Provo, I see my Dad's face as I drive the same roads I drove him to and from his doctor's appointments and dialysis, eating at restaurants like Sizzler, and shopping at Smith's.  He was a great guy and I feel bad for anyone who missed their chance of meeting him.  However I find strength in praying and reading the scriptures, especially the Book of Mormon, where I can find all of my answers; including where my Dad is: "...taken home to that God who gave them life. 12. And then shall it come to pass, that the spirits of those who are righteous are received into a state of happiness, which is called paradise, a state of rest, a state of peace, where they shall rest from all their troubles and from all care and sorrow." Alma 40:11-12. 

I don't know about you, but that sounds pretty good to me.  What I do know is what I need to do so I can see him and talk to him again. 
Anyway, life here in Provo isn't so bad... I just got a job at a fancy shmancy restaurant called Pizzeria 712 and I am taking an interesting, insightful, and wonderful class once a week at the BYU art museum.  The church is true, life goes on, and I am going to strive every day to replace my Fears with Faith.

Finally, I wanted to share one last scripture for tonight that is also in my theme for this year:
"That which is of God is light; and he that receiveth light and continueth in God, receiveth more light; and that light groweth brighter and brighter until the perfect day." -Doctrine and Covenants 50:24