Cars, decisions, and a seal of approval

A week and a half ago my transmission went out. I was a bit surprised since it was only three years ago that it was replaced. I was frustrated and unprepared to buy a new car. I tried to move forward by illiciting the help of my father. He immediately gave me suggestions. It was perfect timing because he was researching various vehicles and was extremely helpful. The vehicle highest on his list caught my attention. My dad felt that it was the best deal and I felt good about it. I was excited and I felt I had Heavenly Father's seal of approval.
Considering this was the biggest purchase thus far in my life I felt determined to look into all my options before making the purchase. I looked into other makes and models. I researched online and test drove various cars at dealerships. I sought personal knowledge. I wanted to feel like I had made the decision, not others.
In the meantime, the "perfect" car was sold to a quicker buyer. And I found a different car. The car I'm buying is good. It meets my needs. But it doesn't excite me as the first car did. Through this experience I realized that sometimes large decisions come when we least expect. We can find ourselves feeling unprepared to make the decision. However, when we have Heavenly Father's "seal of approval" we need to accept his will and move forward in faith. If I had done this with my car I would have the "perfect" car. I would have something that made me excited and not just meet my basic needs. However, I'm grateful to have learned this lesson when all that is at stake is a car and not my eternal happiness. Heavenly Father loves me and He will not lead me astray. I do not need to know all of the options when I'm making decisions. All I need to know is what Heavenly Father wants me to do!

Out of the mouths of babes

Last night my little sister called. She left home for college a year ago. When she arrived at college she planned to become an interior designer. She was dedicated and determined. But to no avail; she wasn't accepted into the program. I was surprised when she took the news in stride. She was calm and ready to move on. Her plan for the summer was to work and save money for school. However, despite her efforts she hasn't been able to obtain a job. She never gave up. She continued to apply for menial jobs. She was willing to accept pretty much anything. Her summer is almost over and nothing happened as she desired. I was shocked and impressed when my little sister explained to me that she has learned so much from her experiences over the past year. She said that she used to want things to happen her way, now she realizes that Heavenly Father will take care of her and that she doesn't need to worry about it. My baby sister is confident in Heavenly Father's plan; what an example! I'm appreciative to the strong people in my life. My sister is an incredible example to me!

Curling with a flat iron

Years ago a friend attempted to teach me to curl my hair with a flat iron. I really liked the result of curling with the flat iron vs. the curling iron. I had the desire to learn! I tried over and over to learn this technique. I even solicited the help of other teachers; maybe someone else's take on the technique would click a little easier in my mind. But alas, I couldn't grasp it! I practiced and practiced but to no avail.
Then this week I had a little extra time, and once again the desire to curl my hair with a flat iron, so I tried. It worked! What changed? Not the movements, but the force of the movements. In the past I had pulled the hair tight from the flat iron because I felt that it would curl more tightly. I was wrong! The tighter I pulled, the more my hair refused to do what I wanted.
The same can be true of life. . . the more we try to force the future, the more we don't get the results we desire. With patience and a soft hand, we can accomplish the very results we desire.

The Beauty of Knowing

How does one thank people who do more for us than we can even comprehend?! I have no idea! Sometimes there are those in life who know exactly what we need. They can read us so clearly that everything about us is open. This can be a little scary; there is no way to hide the facets of ourselves which we don't like. But there is beauty in knowing someone's soul and loving them for all that they are: good and bad.

Masterpieces

The human body is incredible! Last night I went to the symphony. It was phenomenal! It is amazing to watch the movement of the instruments and musicians, all working together to create a masterpiece. I play the violin and piano and understand the dedication that is required in order to play any instrument well. I appreciate good music and people who create good music.

What more can ye ask?!

I can't help but be in awe of the price Jesus Christ paid for you and me! I've been pondering the depth and breadth of this incredible gift. Although, at least in this life, I will never understand the full implications, I'm deeply grateful for a gift that only Christ could give.
Jeffrey R. Holland said, "Because Jesus walked such a long, lonely path utterly alone, we do not have to do so. . . We will never be left alone nor unaided, even if sometimes we may feel that we are. Truly the Redeemer of us all said: 'I will not leave you comfortless: [My Father and] I will come to you [and abide with you].' "
The Savior of the world can provide comfort and peace unlike any other source. I have been blessed with this peace numerous times and am grateful to Him who brings it.

Nigh unto perfection

There are a few things in my life that are nigh unto perfect: crepes, friends, family, and my job. I have made crepes twice in the past week. They are so divine! They are sweet but not too sweet for a nice breakfast. Crepes bring my heart to home and all that's divine.
I became quite sick about a week ago and it granted me the opportunity to see that my friends are nigh unto perfect. A few friends made me dinner and provided companionship when I wasn't able to leave my house. Wow! What more can you ask for?!
Three days from now I will be on my way to the annual family campout! This is one event that I dearly look forward to each year! I have many fond memories of playing cards with my cousins, hiking, warming water to wash our faces, walking to the bathroom with a flashlight, roasting marshmellows over the campfire, etc. I eagerly anticipate the reunion!
Since I've been unable to work the past few days I've realized how much I love my job! I have the opportunity to work with children in need; what job could be more perfect? And my co-workers are a second family; we are united in purpose and love each other!