We are not alone

Composed Jan. 17, 2013

While sitting in a session at the temple today I realized symbolism. Throughout the whole temple there are workers there to help you. If you get lost. If you forget anything. They are there.
Maybe I'm stretching it a bit but it's like the atonement. You do your absolute best and, although it's still not perfect, Christ fills the void.
A couple days ago I was explaining what I would tell somebody who felt like they were not prepared to go through yet. I was saying this exact thing.
I think there is a lesson I need to remember this week.

Remember to Smile.

Composed Jan. 16, 2012

First off:

Happy Birthday Richard! I am so happy that we have become so close:) You have been such a blessing in my life!

Happy Birthday Kelsey! You just have the sweetest smile. It is contagious.

Happy Birthday Natalie! You're not home right now so I'll post something sentimental later:)

When you make the effort to smile, your mood automatically improves.

I've realized that as people we do not like to do this because we like to stay mad/frustrated. At least in my experience.

So just smile today. It will make it better.

(Sorry I just had to.)

Kung Fu Panda 2

This is my first post while on my mission... although at the moment I'm not actually yet... you get it.

Anyway.
I wanted to share something that I thought of while watching one of my nephew's favorite movies.
In the second movie of Kung Fu Panda, Master Shifu reveals the final thing Po must learn to be finished with his training; inner peace.
It is only till the end when Po speaks to the soothsayer that he can learn inner peace.

"Your story may not have such a happy beginning, but that doesn't make you who you are. it is the rest of your story, who you choose to be... So, who are you, Panda?"

Our lives are filled with hardships, pain and sadness but that is the point of it all. This life is a test and it is what we choose to do with it that matters.
I can't remember where the quote is from but we need to "take the good and the bad and just say ok." I believe this is how we endure to the end.

One last quote that ties in. My mom has it cross stiched, hanging up somewhere in our house. Cliche', but I like it.