"...God is the ruler yet."

I love this quote by President Monson. It gives me comfort when something goes differently than I had planned out in my mind. I need to have the faith that Heavenly Father is in charge and knows what is best for me.

"Often doors have closed before you that seemed to lead to opportunities you thought you had to have. You may have assumed that the closed door was a reflection of some inadequacy in yourself; but perhaps the closed door had nothing to do with whether you were good or bad or capable or incompetent. Rather, even now a loving Father shapes your path according to a prearranged, premortal covenant; the opening or the closing of these various doors is dependent on the Lord's perfect perception of your developmental needs... He says that he does nothing save it be for the benefit of the world. He has promised that, if you will be faithful, all things will work together for your good in order that you may be conformed to the image of His Son."

Kids say the darndest things...

I'm currently working in the school district here in Lexington. I had the following conversation last week with a little 7 year old boy in the first grade.

J (the boy): When we get married we can move to Florida.
Me: When who gets married?
J: You and me.
Me: Well, I don't think I can marry you.
J: Yeah, you can. When we get married I can also kiss you.
Me: Stunned silence *and laughing inside my head.*

I sometimes wonder where kids get their ideas. He would probably want to go to Walt Disney world everyday, and I just don't have the money for that!

Today, I found out that he now has a "girlfriend" in the class. But sadly, for him, she whispered in my ear that she doesn't like him. Ahh, the trials of young love. Just imagine what he will be like when he's older...already so focused on marriage and girls.

This same little boy said to me yesterday, when I asked him to put the crayons back in their container and he refused, "you can't change my mind, because I have the wizard power." No, I can't change your mind, but I have the teacher power...

I Dreamed a Dream

It's not very often that I watch shows such as America's Got Talent or Britian's Got Talent, but I do enjoy the results and stories that come from these shows. Susan Boyle is one such lady. The reaction of the audience and judges is priceless. It seemed they were almost expecting her to fail, based on her appearance. She just blew them away. It goes to show that dreams can come true. Also, check out Paul Potts. I really hope these two make your day.

P.S. I found this blog post (yes, I admit it. I blog stalk) that is really wonderful. Please read it! Please. I think you will more fully understand how great this is.

He is Risen...

"Because He lives, we too shall live."



Happy Easter!

Although I may appear to be harmless, I've been trained in the ancient martial arts of the Orient

Have you ever had those times where you lack confidence? Or do you ever have trouble encouraging yourself to do something? Specifically, asking someone out for a date? Well, don't fear, you can take comfort from this boy and learn karate. Apparently it helps. "Just do it. Tell yourself you can do it and do it."

Come, Listen to a Prophet's Voice

Today I had the opportunity, for about three hours, to help campus contact with the elders here in the branch. We (several others in the branch, the elders, and myself) passed out invitations to General Conference to students on the University of Kentucky campus. I had a lot of fun, but realized how rusty I was as far as talking with people about the church. Several of the people I talked with seemed genuinely interested in coming. I would ask them "How would you feel if you knew there was a prophet of God on earth today?" Often their answer was, "Wow, that would be so cool" or "awesome." Then I would invite them to come and listen to a modern day prophet's counsel. The warm feeling and happiness was worth standing out in the cold and windy weather inviting others to come. It definitely caused me to miss my mission.



I am so excited for General Conference. What a wonderful blessing it is to have a modern day prophet. I know that Thomas S. Monson is the true prophet here on earth today. I know that the direction and guidance we receive from President Monson and the other General Authorities is specifically for us. They tell us what we need to hear. To get ready for conference, I often read the previous conference issue of the Ensign and prepare specific questions I have which I hope to receive an answer for during the conference sessions. Do you do anything to specifically prepare for conference? Only one more day!!

You can find more information here. (Thanks, Sam, for letting me know how to add a link!)