Happier Than Ever

I have been thinking a lot lately and I have concluded that right now in my life I am happier than ever.
I can't tell you another time when I have felt happiness, peace and love at this kind of level. It has something to do with the fact that I am no longer a college student jumping through hoops for my professors and everything to do with the fact that I love my little family and the stage we are in at this very moment.

Our life together is not perfect but it is in my eyes as I seek to find the good in those less than perfect moments. We still make very little money working less than ideal jobs but somehow we make ends meet for the necessities and whatever we have leftover we spend happily on movies and food. We have always loved living close to both of our families but we find ourselves enjoying it even more as Rosie gets to know her grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins so well. We are so fortunate to have good friends who we love spending our nights with playing cards and talking about life and of course laughing a lot too. Andrew and I have told each other countless times since Rosie was born how blessed we are to have a healthy and happy little girl. She fills each day with new and exciting wonders and so much joy. We have and are currently seeing so many blessings pouring into our lives and we are grateful for the gospel that helps ground us and provide hope for the future.

Life is simple but wonderful right now and I dare say that I am happier than ever.

Rosie's Blessing

Rosie was able to be blessed by her sweet Dad this past Sunday. He put a lot a thought into the words he said.

He blessed her to be a faithful daughter of God with a strong understanding of who she is.
He blessed her with a desire to serve others.
He blessed her to be healthy and strong as she obeys the commandments.
He blessed her to have a desire to strengthen her mind and to learn about the joys and wonders of the earth.
He blessed her to be happy and caring toward others.

Probably my most favorite part is when he blessed her to be able to confront difficulties with joy.

This picture absolutely melts my heart.

Spiritual Nourishment

This weekend, is the LDS General Conference, an event that happens twice a year and I look forward to a lot. Here's why in a nutshell: "The purpose of conference is that we may refresh our faith, strengthen our testimonies, and learn the ways of the Lord from his duly appointed and authorized servants. May we take this opportunity, then, to remind each other of our covenants and promises and commitments." -Spencer W. Kimball

I like that President Kimball uses the word "refresh" because that is exactly what conference does for me. After listening, taking notes and pondering on the words that have been said, my whole being feels like it got a jump start.

I think my favorite talk that I have heard so far is Elder Quentin L. Cook's talk about peace. For some reason his words struck me with a lot of power this afternoon and I frantically began taking notes on the things he said and the way I felt about them. I will share some of those with you below:

-We all seek after peace.
-Sources of peace--not found in wealth, power, pleasure, leisure or entertainment. The Savior is the our source for peace.
-Peace of conscience leads to contentment and this ultimately comes from our ability to repent and become clean through the Savior's atonement
-“Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid” (John 14:26–27).
-"That in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world" (John 16:33).
-Hymn # 129 Where Can I Turn For Peace?

I cannot wait for more spiritual nourishment to be provided by tomorrow's sessions of conference. I would love to hear about your favorite talk and any thoughts that you have had while watching conference. Share with me if you would like.

..Enriched..

This past weekend was enriching. I feel renewed.