Answered Prayers

I've been pondering many important decisions. Many things are up in the air with regards to my future. I try to look at the decisions with perspective of my priorities. Everything we choose in life is evidence of priority. The ultimate question is: what is best? There are so many good things in life but what is ultimately the best decision? What decisions will affect eternal consequences? Sometimes decisions seem to be daunting and eternal although they aren't.
My ultimate dream is to be an inspiring wife and mother. But what decisions will lead me up that path? I become so encompassed with daily decisions some of which matter more than others. It is ultimately Heavenly Father who can help us know which decisions need extra effort, or are more important. And it is in making those decisions that we are led on a divine path.
I'm in the midst of making some potentially eternal decisions. . . I suppose all decisions are eternal because every choice leads us to our future. But I'm pondering a few choices which could affect my eternal destination. . . I'm so grateful for family, friends and a loving Heavenly Father who guide me. This week has been phenomenal with regards to receiving inspiration and guidance. Whenever the stars seem to align and I feel Heavenly Father's guiding hand I feel of His love. I realize in these moments that He cares about me and my eternal destiny. He loves me, my family, and my posterity. And He will do all in His power to help me return to Him. I'm grateful for His involvement in my life.

Chocolate Chip Cookies

I love to cook; I especially love to bake! For the past few months I've been looking for the "perfect" chocolate chip cookie recipe. For a few years I thought I was in possession of the "perfect" recipe I am now in search of. From my perspective, the "perfect" cookie is soft, a little poofy, but not cakey. I've been experimenting with recipes, oven temperatures, cooking time, and baking sheets. I have yet to find the "perfect" cookie but in the process realized that the "perfect" cookie requires balance. The ingredients, oven, temperature, and cooking time all affect the final product.
In our lives, balance is just as important. So often I have noticed in my own life and in the lives of my friends, an unequivocal imbalance. I think it's human nature to focus on one thing at a time. But why?! In different periods of my life I have been focused on school, career, family, or a social life. I have found times when I lean more to works or faith.
There are extremes in anything. Extreme diets end in unhealthy eating habits, potentially binging. Extreme perspectives in political agendas may help to initiate change but once the goal is obtained, pushes the agenda further than originally desired. Even devoting all of one's time to the church negates the responsibility of family and community. Extremes aren't healthy. I have most recently seen the effects of extreme beliefs and actions have on the unhealthy lifestyle of the individual. The sad reality is that once we become extreme in mindset, it is difficult to accept or view reality. We become enveloped in beliefs which isolate us from the norm.
Even in the small things it is important to maintain balance. The most important thing in my life is the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Christ was a balanced leader. He is my exemplar! In order to maintain balance I need to begin each day by acknowledging His influence in my life. And in the process He can help me to balance family, friends, career, education, community, and church.

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.