30 Day Photo Challenge: Day 26

Day 26: Something that means a lot to you.

My faith and religion. Nothing means more that knowing that I have a Father in Heaven who I can go to at anytime, whether it's just to talk or if I need something, and he will be there to listen. He sent his song, Jesus Christ, to earth to suffer and die for us on the cross, because he loved us so very much that he wanted to make sure we could be forgiven of our sins, be purified, and live with him again. I know that through him, I can be with my family for all eternity. I know that through the gospel of Jesus Christ that anything is possible. I'm thankful for the knowledge that we have a living prophet, Thomas S. Monson, on this earth who recieves direct revelation from God and leads and guides us. I'm thankful that I can have personal revelation through my personal relationship with my Father in Heaven. I know that it is the only way for me to truly be happy. I can't even begin to say how much I have been blessed. I know for a fact, that if it weren't for my faith, that I would not be here on this earth. I love being a "Mormon". Sometimes it's really hard, but in the end, it's always worth it. I love this gospel with all my heart and all that it stands for. It means the world to me.

3's and 7's

So... they say death happens in 3's and 7's. So, I hope this is the end.

In October, my beautiful, sweet, amazing dog, Hanna, died of cancer.

In January, my loving, soft, sweet, and amazing cat, Miss Cleo, died of cancer.

Last week, my strong, hardheaded, gentle, inspiring, amazing grandfather, Billy Jack, died.

Last week, my roommate's 2nd cousins on her mom's side and on her dad's side both died.

Today, a teacher at my school, whom I wasn't personally acquainted with, except for having the door opened by him and the occasional smile, but who meant a great deal to a lot of my friends, died of lung cancer.

That's 3 in my family 7 from people in my close circle.

My granny, who means the world to me, was just diagnosed with cancer last week.

I know that with death comes a relief from pain and a reunion with our father in Heaven and that it isn't really a bad thing, but I pray to God that the cycle has stopped. I pray to God...

I dedicate this blog to all of those who have recently passed with love and admiration for the lives they lived.

Sunday Fun-day Life Lessons

God works in mysterious ways. On the way to church today, I was talking to a friend about a certain situation in my life and how I've been praying for confirmation one way or the other, but I seem to be stuck in limbo. I was also saying how, since I've been such a good girl for so long, I feel slightly entitled to have my prayers about this answered. Looking back, I know this was all a bit selfish and I see my lack of faith, but in the moment, it was, and has been the way I really feel. So, when we got to church, we went straight to Gospel Doctrine (which is like a Bible study class) and we were talking about Zaccarius's lack of faith when an angel told him his wife would become pregnant and him, subsequently, being stuck dumb until the birth. In contrast we were also talking about Mary's faith when the angel told her that she was going to give birth to Christ. The teacher ended up saying almost the exact phrase that I said in the car about feeling entitled to answers to prayer. I knew at this point in time that Heavenly Father was telling me that I need to have more faith. He always answers prayers, but he does it in his own time, in a way that he sees necessary. It was exactly what I needed to hear at this time in my life. I'm so glad that I have the gospel of Jesus Christ in my life and the opportunity to receive personal revelation. I now he loves me. As I said before, God works in mysterious ways.

May you all have a week full of love and happiness and may you all see the beautiful ways in which God works.