Spirituality

I've always struggled with scripture study, and since Tyler has been on my case to read the Book of
Mormon for the last little while, I decided it was time to create a new habit. For the last three days, I've been reading a chapter of the BoM out loud first thing in the morning, and another right before bedtime.

I gotta say that I'm responding well to the structure, as I usually do in most cases. I've been trying to be more flexible and spontaneous lately, or at least not as scheduled to the minute. Perhaps by having a more structured AM and PM ritual, I will have an easier time being spontaneous throughout the day.

Also, I realized this week that I spent more time at the Temple than I do in class! Seriously, I have class twice a week from 5:30-8:20pm (2hrs and 50min x2), and a 6hr shift on Saturday mornings.

Crazy!

But anyway, as busy as I feel sometimes, I don't feel busy enough to think that I'm missing out on living my life. If anything, all of these commitments are enriching my life in ways I hadn't even thought about. I feel very blessed.

the last day

You know, I realized that my writing has taken a back-seat since the semester started, ergo I have been trying to remedy that by turning to Pinterest for inspiration. I came across a writing prompt that basically said your character wakes up and a figure in black tells them they will die at midnight. It also said a bunch of other stuff, but I wondered what I would do if I were that character.

It came down to a few things: family time, last meal, and artistic expression. I would spend time with the kiddos and my family, stuff my face with Cafe Rio, and paint the rest of my day away.

Kind of morbid, yeah?

There is nothing morbid about Cafe Rio! It is pure deliciousness.

A little random, yes, but hey, what are you gonna do?

Brief Update

So yeah, things have been kind of crazy since Tyler came home. Spring break happened, I started working at the temple, the homecoming party and talk happened, classes resumed, etc.

I'm busy, although that's always been the case. I'm struggling to get back into my school routine after not having my Tuesday class much of this month. Actually, I'm really struggling emotionally right now, more than I'd like to admit.

I'm carrying around a lot of emotional stress, and it's starting to spill out and affect my interactions with others. I guess the fact that I'm talking about it is a good thing, but being so emotionally exhausted is not a healthy way to function.

The first thing I need to do is maximize my 'me' time. It's not that I don't have enough of it, but that I need to make sure I'm getting the most out of it. I think I'll start using the hot tub after class from now on, so that I'm super relaxed and ready for bed when I get home. See, I know I just need to do more relaxing activities to keep myself centered and balanced.

Anyway, school is good, work is good, and the temple is good.

Happy Monday!

in the wee hours

Today I had my first shift at the Salt Lake Temple!

It began when my alarm went off at 3:45am so that I could shower and make myself presentable for my six-hour shift.

I decided not to have any technological distractions, so I didn't check my phone, use my iPad, or my computer. As I drive to the temple at 4:30am, I listened to my Jenny Jordan-Frogley mix on my iPod, and I was ready for my morning to begin.

I won't go into details about the going-ons of the temple, but let's just say I had a lot of behind-the-scenes experiences with weddings today.

It's so funny, I ended my shift running wedding gowns to the dressing rooms, carrying them exactly how I had to when I worked as a bridal consultant. My arms ached after a few minutes, and I had flashbacks to my time at Gateway Bridal.

I guess I really have come full circle. I used to sell the gowns that girls brought to the temple, and now I was carrying them down for the brides to put on after their sealings.

I can't wait to tell Victoria! I learned so much about about sealings today, and I know I was right where I was supposed to be. I am where I need to be right now.

This is what I looked like right before my shift started at 5am

This is what the world looked like at 11am when I left the temple

The Long-Awaited Return of Elder Larsen

Waiting for Tyler with our special banner that Kate helped me make.

Family shot, plus the kiddos.

Father and son

Mother and son

The proud parents and their missionary!

One very happy big sister.

Tyler and his friend, another elder 

Listen

I like to think I'm a good listener, but I notice that I'm not very good at listening to certain things.

For example, I'm not the best at listening to myself.

Like, when I feel sick but I go on with my daily plan regardless.

Or when my heart wants me to acknowledge its opinion regarding a certain matter.

Even times like this week, where I was desperately listening to the spirit for answers to some of my questions. Part of me was like, "I already know what I want to do, and I'm going to do it." The other part of me said, "Just wait. Just listen. Everything will work out."

I guess I'm so incredibly forward with my decision-making because I like to think that I always know what's best for myself. Lately I've been practicing letting the big man upstairs point me in the right direction. This has become a daily part of my prayers. I ask for guidance, encouragement, strength, and understanding of the world around me.

Anyway, I was in the shower one of my mornings last night, and I got my answer. It was such a surreal experience, like someone was saying the words in my head and the voice wasn't my own. I don't feel the need to say what I heard, but I heard it nonetheless, and now I know what to do.

Ever since that morning, I have been at ease. My doubts have subsided for the time being, and I have peace.

Even this past Sunday, I recognized the remnants of that voice when I suddenly had the desire to bear my testimony during Sacrament. The voice told me what I knew I wanted to say. It was amazing.

To conclude, sometimes you just need to pause and listen. You might be surprised at what the world is trying to tell you.