Hello from Arizona!

Hello family and friends,

A few have encouraged me to begin my own blog from my perspective while Joshua is away. I have been hesitant for many reasons, for one I am not much of a writer and certainly do not have the story telling skills my husband does, and two I just have not been sure what to even write about. However, today I felt compelled to start. As people have asked how I am doing while Joshua has been deployed, I often reply that I am doing well and keeping busy. Which really has been true. Joshua and I have been so grateful to stay connected daily over facetime, I have had many visits from family and friends, and my internship/school has filled my time. There have been so many blessings, so many people who have served me, and so many things that have brought me joy during this time. And yet, amidst that, this has been a season in which I personally have felt challenged emotionally and spiritually. There are moments, when I slowdown, and recognize the weight of all of it. I had one of these moments today, where things felt heavy in ways that are hard to articulate. I decided to kneel down in prayer and did my best to communicate to my Father all the things that were on my heart. As I finished my prayer and began studying Mosiah 24 from this week's Come Follow Me, I came across verses 12-16. It felt as though the Lord was speaking directly to me. My heart filled with His love, knowledge, and understanding of me.

12 And Alma and his people did not raise their voices to the Lord their God, but did pour out their hearts to him; and he did know the thoughts of their hearts. 

13 And it came to pass that the voice of the Lord came to them in their afflictions, saying: Lift up your heads and be of good comfort, for I know of the covenant which ye have made unto me; and I will covenant with my people and deliver them out of bondage.  

14 And I will also ease the burdens which are put upon your shoulders, that even you cannot feel them upon your backs, even while you are in bondage; and this will I do that ye may stand as witnesses for me hereafter, and that ye may know of a surety that I, the Lord God, do visit my people in their afflictions.

15 And now it came to pass that the burdens which were laid upon Alma and his brethren were made light; yea, the Lord did strengthen them that they could bear up their burdens with ease, and they did submit cheerfully and with patience to all the will of the Lord.

16 And it came to pass that so great was their faith and their patience that the voice of the Lord came unto them again, saying: Be of good comfort, for on the morrow I will deliver you out of bondage.

 

 

I know many of you carry burdens heavier than mine. Perhaps, some that are only known and seen by the Lord. I testify that the Savior is our strength. He remembers and fulfills His promises. He is always the answer! "...and none could deliver them except it were the Lord their God." (Mosiah 24:21).  I am grateful to have my faith renewed in Him today. Joshua and I pray for each of you and love you very much. We are grateful for your prayers for us!

 

I don’t have too many pictures but here’s some from when mom came to visit, and a trip I took to the Mesa temple this week, since Phoenix was closed.

 

 

 

 

P.S. – Let me know if you know anyone looking to own two baby turtles lol.