Monday, May 22, 2006

Temple Balloons aka Tender Mercies of the Lord

I was sitting at the reflecting pool. looking up at the temple, when something yellow and floating caught my eye. It was a bright yellow balloon, that had been left in the flowers. The wind had picked it up, and it was flying this way and that, just narrowly missing the pool. I thought it inappropriate that it should go in the reflecting pool, so I tried catching it to throw it away. I chased it around the crowds, close to the fence, just outside the pool, but I couldn't catch it. Then, I got an idea. I stood still to watch it's pattern, and I stood in one place with my hands outstretched. After a few seconds, it flew right into my hands. A lady walking by, watching me this entire time, said, "Timing is everything!" How fitting! It still amazes me that Heavenly Father will send us the right messages at the right time, exactly when we are ready to hear them. Spencer W. Kimball said, "God does notice us, and he watches over us. But it is usually through another person that he meets our needs."

Sunday, May 21, 2006

Well, it's certainly been the most... emotionally wrecked vacation ever! And even better news, it's only half over! First, I told a guy I liked him, and apparently, that was a mistake. Second, the epitome of everything manly and wonderful, wrapped up in one cute ball, is with someone else. There's only two people that I want to see him with, and the other isn't her. Too bad she's super nice. It makes is a lot harder to hate her. I think I may try a little harder. Just kidding. Sort of.
I was thinking lots of thoughts this week, and I came up with a couple that really represent my dilima. First: Heavenly Father gives us His Son and His Spirit to guide us in the right directions, to give us an example in all things. The Holy Ghost can give us comfort, guidance, warnings, and inspiration. There is only one position that the Holy Ghost cannot fill: that of companionship. Heavenly Father gives us yearnings for the company of another so that we are driven to find an eternal companion to fulfill that station of the eternal family. What happens when that role is not found? What happens when, after all you can do, the companion you long for isn't there? I know the missionary answer, which is that He knows what we want, and what we need, and often they aren't the same thing. Be patient. Pray. Come closer to the Spirit so that we can know when we find our eternal companion. But it's hard advice.
Second: Standing in line watching... long story, and don't want to cry anymore *great quote at the end, though, about tears* We all have trials in our lives. I know that I have it easier than others. In fact, I have it downright easy. But there are still trials, and there are still things that I need to learn... and learn again. We have trials to prepare us for events ahead. Once again, Heavenly Father knows our wants and needs, and will help us through those trials that we NEED to have, because He knows what's coming up next. Sometimes our tribulations are ways to prepare for the bad times, to store up our faith and help us to have a reference point. And sometimes, He gives them to us, or, rather, we agreed to them, to help us see how easy the good times can be. And even further, we get them to see how faithful we can be. Those I'm not so good at. And I'm not too fond of the ones that lead to hardter times, either.
My thoughts on tears, especially the ones we shed for the opposite sex, vain and repitious as they may be:
There have been many; there shall be many still.

Where do you go, when there IS nowhere to go?

Tuesday, May 09, 2006

On the road again...

Utah, here we come! We're about to embark on a trip of a lifetime, to the beautiful, gorgeous Utah! We'll be driving, so watch out! It's going to be so much fun, and we get to see all the "Mormon" sights, plus all the cute boys we haven't seen in a while. Mad props go out to Bob and Sherri Rudy for lending us their house for 2 weeks! Good luck to whomever is called in the new presidency, and I will miss my twins so much! Steve, thanks for the directions... gas should be about $200, based on an average of $3 per gallon. Hopefully we'll get there in 24 hours!
Love ya'll, and see you soon!
~Brooke