You Are Enough

I am no longer a Fox, but fully and completely a Carraway! Al Carraway-  here's to happiness with a companion! Still will be blogging. Still making videos. Recording audio this week for our newest video that we've been trying to get done for a while now. It's coming, I promise! I'm really excited for many reasons. One being, the topic. Any guess what it is? Two- being, did any of you noticed that I said "our" and "we"?
I definitely married above myself.  I strive to have as much faith as he does, and to be the example that he is. I'm confident that if others knew him, they would be askin him to give Firesides and not me. Seriously.

I am proudly, and far beyond excited, to introduce to you, Benjamin Carraway. Best friend. Companion. And husband. Here's to a life with no longer "I's" and "me's", but "our's" and "we's." 


It's funny, I never put thought into getting married until I got baptized. I joked saying I swallowed some of the baptism water, because quickly after then I had thoughts of, "Where's my husband?!" Haha. And exactly 4 years later, to the date, I got married and sealed. How's that for a baptism anniversary! A few short months after my baptism, Elder Krause and Elder Richardson gave me a lesson on Eternal Marriages- one of them said that in their Patriarchal Blessing their future wife is preparing from him right now. I decided right then and there that I was going to do that too. I knew the only way to do that is to become as close to the Lord and I possibly could. They also made me write a letter to my future spouse, which was a little awkward at first not knowing who he was at the time, but proved to be an awesome thing. It was the start of 2010 I did that, right before I would pack up my life into a 2-Door Alero Oldsmobile and drove across the country to UT, for who knows why at the time, where I would eventually meet him 3.5 years down the line. 

It wasn't until Utah that my life took a turn in a direction I didn't even know was a possibility for myself. The closer I became to my Savior and Father, (not just because of my future spouse, but out of pure joy and desire,) the more my I started doing things I never thought I could ever do. Not once has things gone the way I had in mind, which can be really difficult at times- you have those fleeting thoughts of if God truly cares about you, or if He actually listens to your prayers and knows you- but how grateful I am that they did not go the way I had in mind. Because they have been profoundly better.  Looking the way that I do and moving to Utah, I had it in the back of my head that I would never get married because of the looks and reactions I would get. But I knew that nothing should override my initial and prominent goal: to live and share the gospel. To love and live for my God. Never would I let what I didn't have get in the way of that. Never would I let a change of course take away from the unchangeable truth that if I were trying, I would be blessed. I would be taken care of, no matter what.

Life is hard. Strength wasn't as strong as I needed it to be some times. Times where it was so hard I would lay on my floor yelling at Him. Asking Him where He was. Telling Him I can't do this, whatever it was at the time. But my commitment was never wavering. Had I not made that promise to myself and to God, I'm not sure if I'd be where I am today, doing the things I'm doing.  Sometimes, forcing myself to use this faith that I didn't think I had, but using every bit of me to never lose sight of the faith that I did have. Sometimes grasping to it with every bit of energy that was left, sometimes it seemed by my fingertips and someone was pulling me by the ankles in the opposite direction. Holding on to blessings I had received and what I had read in the scriptures. That if I put Him first, if I put God first, everything else would fall in to place. That I would be blessed from my efforts of trying, not perfection. That I would be taken care of with what I can do, and not compared to someone else’s strengths or weaknesses. Just mine. That I wouldn't know and strengthen if I didn't experiment with His word. That I wouldn't be helped if I didn't act. If I didn't do. The only option to me, was to keep going. To keep going with Him. Every single time, being shown that His ways are greater. That with Him can I overcome anything that comes my way. And each and every single time it would lead me to something better in my life, that wouldn't have been there if I didn't push through, have those hard times, and trust. Each time, my love for Him would grow. I would strengthen. I would receive. And have a continuance of comfort and happiness. The only way I have come to know how great our God is, is never leaving Him during my times of weakness, times of un-sureties, times of anger and lack of understanding. With Him am I truly happy. The more I served the happier I was.  The more I tried, the better I became. The more I was helped, the more I wanted to share. I blogged with no shame or fear of my trials and conviction to my Father in Heaven. I started traveling to speak at firesides several times a week, while working full time. I got endowed in 2012 and just 2 weeks after I did, I started working as an ordinance worker in the Provo Temple on the only night I had free for myself. And the way the story goes for me, it wasn’t until I was doing everything I could and magnifying all the opportunities that arose-whether they were planned and wanted, or by surprise and

doubted- that I met him. That I met Ben. My companion. My best friend. My biggest support.   

“...I am finally becoming the person Heavenly Father wanted me to become all along. My best self meant for you. In 1 week I leave behind my family. In 1 week I leave behind the only way of living that I know of...everything is so different, and I have to just continue to be led by the spirit no matter how hard or lonely it is. ...I wish I knew you right now. I wish you were here with me as I go through all of this...When you read this our wait is finally over because it seems so far away right now. ...But I'm glad you are here now. I'm glad that I never have to be alone again.” (Letter To Husband, 2010)

Life is hard, but oh so beautiful. Forget not whose hands we’re in. Forget not that you are not meant to just ‘get by’, but to give you the absolute best ever created. Forget not that His ways are always better and how comforting to know He knows us better then we know ourselves. Never should it be about what you don’t have or haven’t gotten yet. Don’t let it be about what you don’t know, or can’t do. Embrace what comes your way, especially that which you didn't initially invision for yourself.  Trust. Allow Him to show you how great our God is. Do not be ashamed or embarrassed. And more then anything, do not think you cannot do this. Do not let giving up be an option. Focus on Him, knowing that you will be blessed with the best ever created. What you know and what you have is enough for His help and guidance. You are always worthy of your God’s love. Prioritize. Turn to Him. Experiment. Act. Focus. Commit. Try. Hold on. Embrace and receive.

>>>>>    >   >>            >>>        >        >>                >>>>>>>>>           >   >>         >>.>               >       >>



For those of you who don't know how we met, watch this video, HERE.
The both of us started a family blog as well, so if you'd like the behind the scenes, everyday kind of stuff, updates on us, follow our blog: WaysOfTheCarraways.blogspot.com ! AND! You can watch our Wedding Video here:

#UseTheInternetForGood  #SpreadTheSpirit

Youtube  /  Facebook  /  Twitter  / Soundcloud  /  Email

Promised & Committed

My Turning Point Promise:

It's memorial Day- which marks me being in Utah for 3 years exactly!
And what a story that was! It was one of the more difficult things I've done in my life- but probably the biggest turning point in my life. This was where I broke down & made a decision that has led me to where I am now doing the things I’m doing.  

Most of you have read before that moving to Utah is not something I wanted to do; I wanted to go on a mission. When I asked Heavenly Father about that, I knew my answer was going to be Yes! Because that is a righteous, good thing to ask for- Why be denied a good thing, right?  Well, my answer was not yes, it was move to Utah. I was in denial. My answer came as a repetitive thought- a thought that I figured if I ignored long enough it would go away. It didn't. Weeks even and I tried to ignore the thought, but what it came down to was: I just found out that God is real. Not only that but He in reality speaks to us; answers prayers. And who would I be if I said, 'Hey God…you're wrong" So I decided to follow through and move.  And that was really difficult, because no matter how many times I asked-begged-and pleaded to know why I needed to move, Heavenly Father would not give me that answer. What great comfort that would have brought to me to at least know why! When my family found out they were so confused, and concerned, hurt and worried! 'Al, why are you leaving us? Why are you moving all the way across the country to a place you had never been where you don't know a single person, why? This church IS tearing our family a part!"  And what was I supposed to say? "Hey, God told me to…" They wouldn't have understood that! And how heartbreaking it was to leave them when they felt that way. How hard it was to leave all my family when they were so hurt- confused- worried- and for me to still beg for an answer from Heavenly Father and not get one. I was leaving behind my family. Three family members to which I would never see again because of death. I was leaving behind the only way of living that I knew of. And it wasn't like a mission or school where you have the idea where you could maybe end up back home- I was going, and I was to stay. So I fit my life into a 2 Door Allero Oldsmobile, which wasn't much at all haha especially since I’m taking along my 70 lb dog, Lucas. And it was interesting to see the few things that I did end up taking with me- but even more interesting to see most of my tangible life on the side of the road for the garbage man to pick up.  I was so scared & upset I couldn't even turn my key to start my car- I cried all the way

to the Pennsylvania border. I drove 12 hours to Chicago & stopped to eat & rest. I remember looking outside my hotel window and realizing I didn't recognize a single thing. It was then, when I stopped to take a break that I was absolutely- completely and physically consumed with all of this fear. All of this anxiety. Doubt. Temptation. Temptation to give up. To turn around & quit. And loneliness. Oh man, I had Never, ever felt more alone that strong & that powerful before in my whole entire life. I felt completely alone & abandoned. I fell to my knees and I found myself just screaming at Heavenly Father, yelling, “I can’t do this! I can’t, I’m not this strong- you have the wrong person.” How badly I wanted to turn back where things made sense, where I was comfortable. How badly I wanted to at least know why I needed to move to make this a little bit easier- how badly I wanted Him to answer that question and He didn't  With how difficult it was to leave & the adversary just filling me with more & more doubts. Did I even need to move? Did I really even hear that right? Just yelling at Him, “Are you even listening still? Do you even care? ARE YOU EVEN THERE STILL?” I cannot properly write all of the emotions and thoughts I was having. But I was consumed. I felt broken & inadequate. Confused. It got to the point where I physically exhausted myself to where I couldn't even yell anymore. I couldn't even speak to Heavenly Father because I was so drained. And it was then that I finally allowed myself to Listen. Listen to Him. To His spirit. The spirit always speaks to us, but always comes back to us & if we are actually listening- or perhaps we’re so set on listening for what we want to hear- and not openly & faithfully listening to His counsel. It was then- an hour later- laying on the floor of a hotel room- in downtown Chicago- by myself did I finally listen. Receive. I pictured Christ. I pictured Him standing right in front of me. And He smiled-at me. It was then that all of those emotions & thoughts completely disappeared. In that exact moment I knew – completely & confidently knew- that what I was doing, He was happy with. That no matter how hard it was, no matter how much I didn't understand I knew He was happy. That it was right. So I made a promise to myself. It’s a promise I meant very literally at the time- but it is a promise I try and keep spiritually every day. To Keep Going. Keep going always. No matter what. To not stop. To not even take a break. Because the moment you stop- the moment you take a break, even a short one- that is when fear- and doubt- and anxiety- and temptation start to creep in. I knew that if I took a break again I would end up in a direction Heavenly Father does not want me to go in. At the time it was probably back home to NY- but I think you know where I’m going with that. So I said- ‘Ok, I’m going. I’m going and I'm not stopping.’ And I didn't  I drove from Chicago all the way to Pleasant Grove, Utah, without taking a break. I didn't even stop to eat- that’s how much I didn't stop. I couldn't  I drove just over 22 hours straight and it was the most uncomfortable drive you could ever imagine. Because I am driving in the hottest weather- with my car absolutely packed- and my driver side window won’t roll down- and AC is broken- annnnnnd my Cruise control is broken- and I have a 70 lb dog breathing on my face!

But I made it! And for all of you who have read my ‘TattooedMormon’ post on what happened my very first day of getting here- you will know that those hard times did not go away. In fact- those hard times got even harder. Consistently harder. This wasn't the last time I felt alone. This wasn't the last time I felt confused or found myself yelling at Heavenly Father saying my strength has just run thin and I can’t do this. I've been in Utah for 3 years and I have gone through things 10x harder than this. Yeah hard times will be there- that won’t change. Hard times willconsistently be there. But so will Christ. And with Him are we able to overcome & conquer. With Him are we able to Keep Going always. To keep going through absolutely everything. Every struggle. Every trial. Every feeling of fear. Feeling of doubt. Despair. Loneliness. Every temptation. Every time- everyday do I recommit myself to that promise I made in Chicago. Recommitting to Keep Going. Recommitting to my Father in Heaven. Recommitting to His will. Every day having to recommit to His ways. To trust. To move forward always with Faith. And how grateful I am! How profoundly grateful I am to that. Not once has things gone the way that I had in mind. And that can be really difficult at times- especially in prayer- especially when you think it is a righteous, good thing you’re asking for. You have those fleeting thoughts of, ‘Are you even listening. Do you even care? Are you even there?’ 

But how grateful I am that I chose to keep going- how grateful I am they did not go the way I had in mind. Because they have been profoundly better than what I ever could have imagined on my own! When I think back the past few years since moving here I am beyond humbled & just completely shocked and blown away with the direction my life has gone in. The things I've done and seen have left me speechless. The things I have accomplished still surprise me. The people I have met. The courage I have seen & stories I have heard. The opportunities that have arose.  I cannot explain how guilty I would have felt if I didn't allow myself to let Heavenly Father guide me. I cannot even imagine for a moment what my life would be like if I didn't trust Him. If I quit. If I turned back. If I took a break. I know I wouldn't be a sliver of what I am now if I did.

Don’t you stop. Don’t you dare give up. Not even for a moment. Even through the worst of times you can feel Him. Do not stop yourself. Help is always there. Comfort is always there. Christ is always there. Not ever will He leave. Not once. Not even for a second. Turn to Him. Trust. Listen. Keep going always. And receive the best ever created for you. You can do this. And it will be greater than you ever could have imagined for yourself. And you will look back and be blown away and left speechless with the direction your life has gone in.

2 Nephi 24:27 ‘And His hand ISstretched out- And who shall turn it back?’

Alma 56:46     ‘Behold, Our God IS with us- and he will not suffer that we should Fall- Then let us Go Forth!’

Watch this video interview if you haven't yet with Seth Adam Smith on Finding Faith & continuing during those hard times:

Fun Update: August 22nd, 2013 I will be sealed to my fiance, best friend & biggest support Ben Carraway- how grateful I am for his example & strength in my life! Few months I wont be Fox anymore!  Watch a video of how we met HERE.  And read my favorite posts on overcoming- He wrote a super honest & genuine post on overcoming fear of repentance- and mission. Read HERE.

And also a shout out to Richard Meade Photography simply because I'm super impressed with him & his work. If you're looking for great photos check out his page HERE! 

Or email him Here.

Youtube  /  Facebook  /  Twitter  / Soundcloud  /   Book a Fireside  /  Email

Share it if you Like it! #UseTheInternetForGood

#SpreadTheSpirit  

Quotes

SHARE Them If you Like Them:     #UseTheInternetForGood  #SpreadTheSpirit 

Youtube  /  Facebook  /  Twitter  / Soundcloud  /   Book a Fireside  /  Email

"Tattooed Mormon"

GET THIS BLOG POST AS AN MP3! Click HERE to listen to my Voice Recording of this post & Download for FREE

Boy have I been kept busy! A good kind of busy. March Madness doesn't just apply to basketball, but to me & speaking at Firesides. I've been traveling all over speaking at least 4 times a week- which has really reflected on my lack of blog posts. Now that I've healed from surgery & have caught my breath from my travels, adjusted to my schedule, I promise I will not go this long without a post. A lot of new subscribers & emails have come from my feature in LDS Living Magazine, as well as Deseret News, in response to having a hard time feeling like they do not fit in. Feeling that they are judged for their mistakes. Want to return but are worried what others may think. Or others who have become offended & do not want to return.

Let me share with you a story that I tell during my firesides that everyone gasps out of shock to. An experience that happened to me- due to my appearance- that when I say it everyone reacts  the way I did when it happened. Although, truth be told, if it wasn't me telling the story to them, it could of very well been any of them that did the same thing as this man did. 

This happened 3 years ago; my very first day in Utah. After the long, uncomfortable and terrifying trek across the country by myself to a new place where I didn't know a single person. I moved, against my will, because I knew that's what Heavenly Father wanted me to do. I moved regardless of how hard it was & regardless of the fact I had no idea why I needed to be here. And I was scared. Not just because it was new, but because of the warnings I received from so many people. 'Al, don't move to Utah. No one will like you. Al, if you move to Utah, you will NOT fit in." That was really hard to hear and I tried my hardest to ignore those remarks.   

So here I am, my very first day across the country in my new home, and what am I suppose to do now? I haven't the slightest idea. Heavenly Father didn't tell me that much yet, haha. I ended up at Cafe Rio- we don't have those back home- and you have to know I have a thing for tacos. So, you have to visualize this, you know how the line kind of snakes around, so you are in a big group of people while waiting? Well, I was right in the middle of it. And I was holding a church book in my hands. It was more of a grasp/hug to this book; it was a biography on one of the prophets. And while I was waiting in line I felt very tense. I could feel stares in every direction; it felt like lasers. I stood there stiff trying to ignore it but I couldn't. I could physically feel the stares from everyone. Finally, the guy next to me tapped my on the arm and said, "You know...it's pretty ironic you look the way you do holding that book." 

My heart broke. Stomach knotted. Eyes teary.

It took a bit for me to react. So many emotions ran through me, and I had to decide which one I was going to express to him. What I so badly wanted to do was to turn to him, and yell. Yell & cry to him, "Do you know what I just went through?! Do you know how hard this is! Do you know who- and what- I had to give up to be here, and I don't even know why!"  

How badly I wanted to walk around everywhere with my scriptures so that the 'lasers' would stop. And they didn't. I so badly wanted people to see me for who I've become. I literally craved more than anything for people to just know that I was trying. That's it. That I was trying. And they couldn't, and it hurt me so badly that it became physically exhausting. 

How easy it would have been to yell at him. How easy it would have been to get mad. To get offended.  How easy it would have been to not just take it out on him, or the people of the city as a whole. But furthermore, how easy it would have been to be upset & confused towards Heavenly Father for leading me to such a place with so many lack of answers, answers that would have been very comforting during those experiences that so frequently occurred. How hard it was at this time to have just been baptized, still with such a small sliver of knowledge of the gospel & feel that.  To not have any boys talk to me because they are looking for temple worthy girls. Because they are looking for someone I do not exactly portray, that they didn't even talk to me.

Yeah- how easy it would have been to feel & react that way.

But I fought it. I decided otherwise.

I turned to this man in Café Rio. Introduced myself. Shook his hand. I smiled so big and simply said, “I just got baptized, this is my first day here!” I said it with happiness. I said it with pride. With confidence.

How different things would have gone if I didn't do that.

I had to make a decision. And it’s a decision I have to make every day. One you have to make every day. Several times a day. And what that is, to choose to get mad. Choose to get offended. Bothered. Confused. Or….not.

The decision to keep going. The decision to be happy and follow the spirit & counsel given….or not. Chose to have faith. Choose to trust. Or not. What it came down to- and what it alwayswill come down to- is choose God. Or not.

And I already chose who I wanted to follow, didn't I?

That is what happens when you get baptized.

To keep in mind, always, that everyone is at different spots in life. Everyone needs to learn different things, different ways. And to know, that I could maybe be the one to help them learn. That you could be. To not get mad and prove them right, but to be me and prove otherwise. It’s a question I often thought of following my baptism & my family’s disapproval, and that is, “How do you teach someone that doesn't want to listen?’ ‘How do you teach someone that you may never get to speak with or meet?’ And after much thought & prayer, I came up with an answer. An answer that inspired this blog to be started in the first place. An answer that inspire me to make Youtube videos. And answer that triggered my ‘March Madness’ traveling allover speaking for the past 2 years. And that is, by example. Teach by example. And what happiness that has brought! How many incredible people I have met because of that decision. How many incredible experiences! How many blessings.

When those times arise where you have to make that same decision I did, think to yourself, ‘is this worth giving up my eternal salvation?’ Is that comment your ward member said to you worth giving up your eternal happiness? Is that look someone just gave you worth giving up the profound, indescribable blessings Heavenly Father has to give to you? Is it worth stopping yourself from returning to live with Him again? Is it worth your exaltation?

To all those that feel that they do not fit in, I tell you with confidence, that you’re wrong. To all those who are afraid to return because of past mistakes, I say, Come! To all those who sit there offended and holding yourselves back, I ask, is it still worth it?

This gospel is for you. These blessings & promises are for you. You belong a part of this.  This- what we’re a part of- is real. What you do does make a difference. His ways- His promises- are worth it. And how grateful I am that I decided to keep going. How grateful I am that I made the decision to trust. The decision to have faith. How grateful I am for the decision to choose God. I do not have words adequate enough to express my gratitude I have for how I feel. For who I have become. For what my life is today. It would not be have I not made those decisions. 

Choose. Choose Daily. Choose God. 


Listen to my Interview on The Cultural Hall in Response to this post: Find out the guy at Cafe Rio's reaction was HERE. 

Youtube  /  Facebook  /  Twitter  / Soundcloud  /   Book a Fireside  /  Email
Share it if you Like it! #UseTheInternetForGood #SpreadTheSpirit  

Visit LDS Living here. Or order a copy of the magazine here. Available until the end of April 2013!

NEW Video: 'STAND; Be Not Moved'

This was inspired by a few things: My previous blog post, My love for the Temple, and the New Youth theme for 2013! What a blessing it's been in my life, not just as a patron but also an ordinance worker.  Click HERE to watch it!    'SHARE it if you like it!'

A Huge special thanks to Youtube sensation StuartEdge, who was able to edit & match my vision I had for this perfectly, if not a little better! If you want a good laugh, watch his prank videos HERE.
And also to the talented Dylan Bitton for filming; visit his website HERE.


Audio Text:
"How grateful I am to be a member of this church. I am a part of the greatest thing to ever be a part of! 
My joy is not just full, but overfilling! How great is our God! How great is what He has in store for us! How great are our blessings & happiness when we turn to Him & when we simply try. I am overwhelmed with how great & true & real Heavenly Father's promises are. His promises are real. His blessings are so real, and they are so great!
How grateful I am for this Gospel. How grateful I am for His teachings & commandments. For covenants. For what's asked of us. To be able to receive the greater things. 
Making and keeping covenants opens the gate to an outpouring of blessings. Never should it be viewed as a burden or approached apprehensively, but rather sought after & embraced & kept with excitement and joy to be able to partake more fully & receive the best things ever created. Not just in the eternities, but here-daily- in mortality. 
The Temple has blessed literally every aspect of my life. I am able to keep going- confidently-  and with strength & happiness. I am able to receive, in abundance, when I still have an immeasurable amount of room for growth & improvement- complimented with my imperfections & shortcomings. 
How great is our God! How great are His ways & His plan. How great is the love He has for all of us.
Do not hold yourself back. Do not shortchange yourself. Take confidence! Take confidence in Him & His ways & promises! His hand is never shortened. Keep going. Try. Embrace. And receive the greater things.  
I don't know what I'd do without the Temple. It's home."  



Be sure to subscribe to LDS Living Magazine  and look for  Mariama Kallon and I on the cover of their March/April issue! 

Youtube  /  Facebook  /  Twitter  / Soundcloud  /   Book a Fireside  /  Email

Share it if you Like it! #UseTheInternetForGood #SpreadTheSpirit 

Be Not Moved

My schedule the past year-ish has been busy speaking at least twice a week to the youth. I absolutely loved last year’s theme, Arise & Shine Forth! But I have to express the excitement I have to base my talks on this year’s Youth theme, Stand Ye In Holy Places, and Be Not Moved. Going from Arise, to Stand! 

I can't help but think of all that has happened since joining the church. There's not a post on my blog of what I had been through since baptism, but if you have been to one of my Firesides you'll know that most of the stories I share are those difficulties that followed after. I do that for a reason. My message is not & will never be, that with the gospel your life will be perfect. Immune to trials.  It is a message of continuing.  A message of overcoming. Of faith. Endurance. Taking confidence in Heavenly Father's promises. 

I was not looking for the church. The church found me, and all I did was just follow happiness. That happiness led me to baptism. Which then led to loss of friends. Family. I recall perfectly my best friend, my Dad, telling me he didn't want to talk to me anymore. He made me pick. This church, something I had just barely found out about weeks ago, or Him.  And I thought… what an easy decision, for a difficult situation. I already choose who I wanted to follow, didn't I? That's what happens when you get baptized. I already recognized that this happiness, one that I didn't even know existed, a real & lasting happiness, only came from the Gospel. So I decided, right then and there, I didn't need time to think about it.

Since then, I have been through trials that had made me feel completely alone. I have been prompted to do things that I didn't understand. Things that were incredibly difficult. Since then, I have been through things that made me feel like I didn't fit in. Times were I felt as though my prayers were not being heard. Times were I felt like my strength ran thin & I didn't know how much more I could take.

And each time I was shown that I could keep going and do so with strength & guidance because of this Gospel. Because of Christ. Heavenly Father. Each and every single time I was shown that even in the hardest of trials, I could be consumed with peace & this physical love that He has for me. 

During my devotionals, I speak on thosetimes because you need to know that,that happiness, through everything, has only gotten stronger! 

Each time I have been blessed with something better then what I had in mind. Each time over coming something I never thought I could. Each time learning much. Growing. Becoming better.

My joy is not just full, but overfilling! OH how great is our God! How great is what He has in store for us! How great are our blessings & happiness when we turn to Him and simply try.I am overwhelmed with how great and how very true & real Heavenly Father’s promises are. When things are hard or not going as I had planned, it becomes fun to see how they will work out, because they always will & it will alwaysbe better when we turn to Him. When we keep going. When we hold tight to what we are taught.

How grateful I am to be a member of this church, for what we are a part of and what is asked of us! Making covenants open the gates to an outpouring of blessings in our life & should never be viewed – in any degree- in a negative way. They should not be approached apprehensively, but rather soughtafter & embraced with excitement to partake more fully & receive the best ever created & prepared for us- not just in the eternities, but here- daily- in mortality.

How grateful I am for all the times I made the decision to choose the Gospel. All the times I made the decision to stay with its teachings- commandments- covenants.  The decision to trust. The decision to stand.  How grateful I am I made the decision to choose God. His plan. His ways.

How grateful I am for Heavenly Father’s promises. For the Temple. For covenants. Commandments. For this gospel.  I find myself overwhelmed with the direction my life has taken. How grateful I am with all the talents & opportunities that I have been given.  For receiving more than I am able to bear- in abundance- when I still have an immeasurable amount of room for growth & improvement, complimented with my imperfections & shortcomings. How grateful I am for this love that He has for us that I do not fully understand. OH how great is our God! 

Do not do anything that will stop you from receiving more fully the best ever created. Fear not. Forget not who’s hands you’re in. Choose. Keep going. Overcome. Grow. Embrace. Receive. Stand. And be not moved. 

 
Be sure to subscribe to LDS Living Magazine  and look for  Mariama Kallon and I on the cover of their March/April issue! 

Youtube  /  Facebook  /  Twitter  / Soundcloud  /   Book a Fireside  /  Email

Share it if you Like it! #UseTheInternetForGood #SpreadTheSpirit