Me and NieNie

I met Stephanie Nielson and her husband, Christian! As I waited in line to get her new book signed, I took a moment to look at her.  I noticed her arms and hands, so badly scared from the burns she sustained in a plane crash a few years ago.  I watched her fingers as she struggled to hold a pen to write.  And here she was, signing hundreds of books for people she doesn't even know.  Her husband was right there by her side supporting her, loving her, and radiating happiness (he too was burned in the crash). My heart was immediately filled with love.  I felt Christ's love coming through her and into my heart.  Here she was, nine months preganant, about to pop, not to mention the pain and challenges of being burned over 80% or her body, hardly able to hold a pen, and yet she was happily signing books and talking with each person individually.  She was so gracious, so loving, so real, so happy.  That is what life is all about.  That is was love is all about.  That is what Christ's gospel is all about. 

When my turn came, I introduced myself.  Stephanie said, "I hope you like the book."  While she was signing I turned to her husband and said "I'm so glad you are here too."  He replied that he always goes with her. Stephanie piped in an said "I don't go anywhere without him" and he replied that he didn't go anywhere without her either.  They have such a beautiful relationship.  I have been touched by their love and devotion for each other as I have seen and read about their relationship.

I got a quick photo with both of them.  Stephanie said, "It is so nice to meet you."  I thanked them, though a thank you seemed hardly enough for what I had just experienced and felt.

It was 30 seconds of "heaven." (Her new book is called "Heaven is Here."  I'm so excited to read it!)  My heart was full.  And when I feel full of love, I just want to share it.  I even hugged my new friend I had talked to while waiting in line (who was a total stranger just 30 min. before).  The Spirit of Love was so strong as I pondered on my drive home.  Life is hard.  We all have trials and struggles, some are more visible than others.  But we can find joy and happiness as we live the gospel of Jesus Christ and as we take the time to love, serve, and reach out to the people around us: our families, our friends, and even people we have never met.  Life can be heavenly. 

God is good.  Life is good.

-March 31, 2012

P.S.  I'm even in a picture on Stephanie's blog!  Check it out!

http://nieniedialogues.blogspot.com/2012/04/photos-from-book-sigings.html

"You are amazing"

I got a mysterious email today that appeared like it was sent from my own email address.  It simply said:

"You are amazing. 

Don't ever forget that you are a daughter of God who loves you!"

Thank you to whoever sent that to me.  I don't know who it was or how they made it anonymous.  Thank you.  That meant a lot to me!  (and I would love to learn how they did that)

Don't forget who you are! 

You are a child of God.  You really are! 

And He loves you.  He really does!

Making Lemonade . . . where's the sugar?

I was reminded recently of the saying, "When life gives you lemons, make lemonade."  My response was, "Well, where am I going to get the sugar!"  Life has given me plenty of lemons in the last little while, leaving my hopes and visions tainted with sourness.  But I started thinking about the "sugar" in my life realized I have plenty of sugar to make some delicious lemonade!

My sugar:

my faithful and loving parents

my sweet and amazing brother

friends who support me and love me

a knowledge of my Heavenly Father who loves me and want me to be happy

a Savior Jesus Christ who made it possible for me to overcome my weaknesses

a place to live, food to eat, clothes to wear, blankets to keep me warm

a healthy body that allows me to learn, think, communicate, and experience joy

good music, photography, books, movies, and dancing

reading in my hammock, bike rides, frisbee, and hiking

beautiful nature, warm sunshine, and refreshing rain

and the list goes on . . .

Thank you Sis. Beck!

Since Sis. Julie B. Beck was released as the General Relief Society President, I have been contemplating how much I have learned from her and how much I have loved her.  I will never forget the talk "Mother's Who Knew" that she gave in conference shortly after she was called to be the president.  That talk spoke of the kind of woman that I am working to become.   

 

I also had a recent experience with Sis Beck (on February 3, 2012).  I was with my family at the Mt. Timpanogos Temple doing baptisms for some of my ancestors.  A temple worker came into the room and said we had a "special visitor" and in walked Sis. Julie B. Beck.  Wow!  She came around and shook each of our hands.  When she came to me she looked right into my eyes.  I could feel her looking into my soul.  It was so powerful.  She was asked to share something with us on the spot (what an example she is of being in tune with the Spirit to be able to share messages without any notice or preparation).  She talked about how the power of God is manifest in the ordinances and quoted D&C 84:19-21.  The Spirit of God was so powerful as she testified. 

I am grateful for Sis. Beck's example, service, and love.  I look forward to continually learning from her legacy, as well as learning from the new Relief Society Presidency.