Building Intentional Bridges: Reconciling Faith and Sexuality

by madisenB 6/17/2021 0 comments

Beyond the Vest

by madisenB 10/06/2020 2 comments

Isn’t time the most incomprehensible thing? It’s been a year. It’s passed by so fast, yet so many of the days have felt so long. Today, as I’ve pondered on the life of one of my hero’s, I am brought to tears of both joy and of sorrow.

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This time last year, I had intentions of documenting a tribute, or rather record some of my favorite memories that I always want to remember, though the procrastinator in me got the best of me... or you could say that I chose to postpone sitting in the inevitable pain that comes from reflecting on what once was.

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Well, leaning into all the feelings that coexist, some of my most potent memories of my grampa are ones that demonstrated to me how patient and humble he is. When I was growing up, I don’t think there was a summer that passed by without quality time at my grandparent’s house. At the time, I think the atmosphere of their house is really what drew me in. I could let my hair down. I could run around and get dirty. I could be free. My grandparents worked hard to create this home, and it was the foundation we built onto as I grew older. I had those memories and I craved more, but as an adult my intentions started to become more and more about the connection and relationship. Spending time together as I grew older, that’s when I really started to see him.

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He claimed to be impatient, which in his minds eye is why he would wait and watch the water begin to boil, the food spin in the microwave, or the irrigation water creep up the lawn. But if you ask me, I’d say no impatient person could wait around as long as he did for those things.

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He sometimes appeared skeptical and sometimes even stubborn; he came to see an animated film with me for my 24th birthday. He said to me, “Why are we seeing a kids movie? Aren’t you turning 24?” But, he saw the movie with me anyway. Following the movie he said to me, “You’re right, Mad, that was a good movie.” I have countless experiences like this. The time I was holding a fundraiser and he pulled me aside to have a conversation with me about what I would do if I didn’t raise any money; I could hear the pessimism in his voice, though I could tell it was coming from a place of wanting to protect my heart and keep me safe. Even with his skepticism, he still hosted that fundraiser, supporting me every step of the way, and yup, you guessed it, he followed that fundraiser with the words, “You’re right, Mad, that was a huge success.” Then, there was that silly time with enchiladas... I invited him to try my favorite enchilada recipe. He replied with a firm, “I don’t like enchiladas.” Sometime after dinner, my grampa approached me and said, “Mad, you made a believer out of me.” After further inquisition, I discovered that he had went back and tried the enchilada and ended up really liking it! This experience speaks volumes to me, because he didn’t have to let me know that he ended up trying it. I never would have known. He was always quick to admit when he was wrong. He may appear skeptical and even stubborn, but in my eyes the man is both loyally supportive and humble.

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He has a soft spoken demeanor; I could tell when he was deep in thought and pondering about life, he was always so thoughtful in his delivery. A man of few words, but when he spoke you listened. A lot of my memories with my Papa Norm we’re enjoying our time in silence, usually outside; one night he woke me up to go outside and watch the northern lights from their back yard. I don’t remember if we really spoke, but I cherish sharing that moment with him. They add up. We had this running joke, he could sleep anywhere... I even wrote a book about it when I was younger. He is generous and giving. His laugh was contagious. He would do the silliest things that would always be a surprise, even though he was silly often; they still make me smile to think about. I have memories on hikes and relaxing around the fire. It was the perfect setting to recite what I assume was his favorite poem, the story of Sam McGee. He would say that he would recite it from time to time to keep his memory sharp. I hope to be able to hang onto these and many more memories and lessons, but the main take away from all of it is... I always knew that my grampa’s love and support was endless. And I love him too.

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When I decided to pursue a Master’s degree, I essentially knew that if I chose to move to Oklahoma that I would not be able to be by my grandparents side when it was finally time to say goodbye in this earth life. This was one of the hardest aspects of my decision, but with his nod of support, and his family united in love, I knew I could do it. Sometimes it doesn’t feel real, being so far away from home and the reality of his absence. Other times it feels too real to comprehend. But overall, I like to remember that nod of support and the countless memories I have of his love and hold them close. Thankfully that is something I have learned can transcend time and space.

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I miss you, Papa Norm. What once was, shall always be.

❤️

October 17, 1937 - October 6, 2019

p.s. you pull off a vest better than anyone

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P.p.s.

Three years prior to his passing he had a stroke that changed his life, and the life of those around him. I know that to say it was a challenging three years is an understatement, and to ignore the unity that took place within my family over that time would also be a remission. My grampa’s love for his family was palpable, and our love for him has really united us. I couldn’t find a place this fit organically in the post above, but it’s definitely notable. Prior to his sudden stroke, I thought he was invincible. I will forever choose to live in the moment and soak up my time with my family. Assuming at least my mom made it to the end of this post... I forever love you guys 💕Grateful we’re forever.

True to the Faith

by madisenB 7/20/2019 0 comments

The first time I remember receiving my own witness that Joseph Smith was the Prophet of the Restoration of the Church of Jesus Christ, I was about 13 years old.

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I have never been very musically talented myself, but I do consider myself to have been blessed with the gift of taste. Music, the lyrics coupled with the melody, has been a means to opening my heart for as long as I can remember. 

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When I was 13 years old, I was with a youth group that was celebrating the 175th anniversary of the organization of the church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. We were singing Joseph Smith’s First Prayer, a song that beautifully depicts the moment where the boy Joseph, 14 years old at the time, saw our Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ descending from above. I remember being overcome with the Spirit that testified to me that the words I was singing were true. Ever since then, I have been blessed with a renewed testimony every time I hear the account of the boy Joseph as I feel the spirit yet again enter my heart. This is something that I try hard not to take for granted, recognizing that this is a gift to me to be able to have this experience renewed so many times. 

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Last week I was blessed with the opportunity to visit the town of Nauvoo and Carthage, Illinois. I was watching a pageant that was depicting many of the accounts of the early saints there in Nauvoo and the joy that they felt there after having been chased out of so many towns before. As I watched the actor for Prophet Joseph describe his experience on stage, I felt that same sweet spirit come into my heart.

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Having grown up in the church, I was raised hearing of the many sacrifices that the early saints made and the persecution they went through. It was something special to physically be there in Nauvoo and hear so many personal accounts in the words of very real people. One of the most amazing things to me was to learn of the hope that they held onto and the joy that they were able to experience amidst the persecution. It became clear to me that in order for them to be able to hold to hope, they had to have had their own personal experiences with God through the Spirit to know that what they were standing for was good and true. Because they had their own experiences, nobody was able to tell them that it wasn’t true, they were there for it, nobody could take that away from them.

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The Prophet Joseph Smith sealed his testimony with his blood, as did many others. When the Prophet was martyred, many thought the church would go away but it did not. Heavenly Father continued to lead and guide his children. The early saints must have been devastated to have to leave yet another place that they thought would be their home, yet they knew that Heavenly Father would continue to guide them and that He knew what was in store. They even wrote in a Hymn, “and if we die before our journey’s through, happy day, all is well”. They trusted in this. They allowed the martyrdom to be a testimony that this was not Joseph’s church, this was the Lord’s church. They continued to stand for their beliefs that God’s authority and mouth-piece was back on the earth, as it was in ancient Biblical times. This was important to them as it is important to me because it means that our Heavenly Father still speaks to us, He still leads us, His gospel continues, He sets us up for success in His desire to have us return to Him one day, He shows us the way to be happy in this world that’s ever changing, His priesthood authority is on the earth to baptize and seal us together for eternity with our families as one big link in God’s family. 

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This is my heritage. This is your heritage. The early saints withstood much, and I have to believe that they knew that what they were fighting for was beyond themselves; I have to believe that they knew that their sacrifices would bless their posterity and many many others throughout the eternities.

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I grew up knowing of these accounts in my head. My time walking the streets of Nauvoo and hearing specific accounts from these early days of the restoration, I felt them move from my head to my heart. I desire to have the heart of a pioneer! I desire to live true to my testimony of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and honor the sacrifices of those who stood strong so that I could have what I have today.

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Next week, July 24, we celebrate Pioneer Day, celebrating their trek from Nauvoo to Utah where they were finally able to settle, after having lost so many. I have a feeling that this Pioneer Day is going to mean more to me than any previous Pioneer Day.

A Life Full of Train

by madisenB 7/09/2019 0 comments

On June 21, 2019 I met Pat Monahan of Train. I have put off documenting this moment because honestly I’m still processing through it. This was a moment I knew would happen eventually. Mostly because it was a decision I made years ago. But can one really prepare for a moment like this?
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I was surprised at how surprised I was by how star struck I was upon meeting him. Why wouldn’t I be? I had listening to and internalizing his creations since 1996.
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This moment. Words. Words are hard. They were hard that night and they are hard now. Pat is a real person, you guys. I wanted to treat him like a human. I wanted to be the same, as opposed to a robot or broken record. What I presented was a star struck, stumbling fan-girl. You guys, my breathe was literally gone. He could tell I was nervous. He was so kind to me. He was real. He was a calm and welcoming presence to be around. And although he didn’t see me as I wanted to present myself, he did see me in my real, exposed human self. It’s a wild thing to consider that he, even for just a moment, knew I existed.
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What he doesn’t know is that he’s a part of my family. Growing up, my family could always agree on one thing. Train!
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I have countless memories of my whole family screaming those lyrics at the top of our lungs for entire road trips, word for word. And sometimes even mishearing lyrics and laughing later at what we thought it said.
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Train, while intentionally creating music, also created family memories as a byproduct of providing something to bond over.
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See this rad Train pin on my collar? Pat complimented it. I honestly don’t even know that I responded. But what I would have liked to have told him was that my sister gifted me that pin, shout out to Adaley Jean Busenbark. Everyday-Madisen would have explained to him that she and I have a summer tradition to attend the Train concert together every year and that this was the first concert without her there, since moving away from home for graduate school. Wearing it was my way of bringing Sis with me. Everyday-Madisen would have expressed gratitude for giving my family a commonality to bring us together.
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Individually, these are more than just songs. They are life markers from as early as I can remember till now. I reflect on certain songs, what I was experiencing when they came out, what they meant to me then, and how they’ve changed meaning since slash how different lyrics stand out at different times. I may not have my own musical ability, but I sure have appreciated the ability to process and even discover emotion through consuming others expressions. Shout out to mom and dad for sharing their taste with me!
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Everyday-Madisen would have asked Pat what his favorite song is. Every-day Madisen would have asked him his favorite Train song. I’d like to imagine that we have the same favorite song. When I hear him sing When I Look to the Sky, I feel so much passion emit from him. I would, much like nearly every Train fan out there, express that this song reminds me of my family from afar and helps me feel close. As I listen, as I feel, I am reminded that the relationships we create in this life will expand into the next. Again, filling my heart with gratitude for the time, talent, and emotion he puts into his work. And that he’s willing to share that with others.
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This week has been filled with a particularly large amount of love for my family. I am grateful for them. I am grateful that Pat has been a part of it. So I suppose this is a two part post. I am grateful for how my love for my family and my love for music crossover in such a beautiful and meaningful way for me.
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Friends, if you made it to the end of this post, what would you want your favorite singer/songwriter to know if you had a chance to tell them?
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Pat, if you see this post, thank you for being kind to me in more way than you know.
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#Train #Trainsummertour2019 #music #family #Ijusthavealotoffeelings

Gratitude in Haiti is Tangible

by madisenB 7/31/2017 0 comments

One year ago (yesterday) I was hosting a fundraiser in my grandparent’s backyard with some friends and family. The fundraiser was for Operation Shield. April of this year I was able to personally make a visit with this organization and I would like to publicly thank everyone who supported me in this with their time, energy, funds, and/or other resources. I saw endless smiles light up the sky during my short time in Haiti. And that was because of you! I can’t say it enough, I believe I can speak on their behalf too when I say, thank you.

I’ve heard people say that service trips like this do more damage than good because they promote dependency or that one week isn’t long enough to make a difference but it is long enough to get a child attached to you just to watch you leave. I recognize that many trips might sadly fit into this category. I am praying that mine did not. I recognize that we need to take into consideration ways that we can promote a long lasting impact. I plan to continuously seek for ways to do this. I recognize that these trips are about the people, not about me. Yet I was still inevitably changed.

I believe that even one smile is worth all the time and energy put into this type of thing. I do not believe a smile, even though temporary, is a waste.

Here’s a little bit more about my experience…

I was reading a nonfiction book about turning oppression into opportunity (“Half the Sky” by Nicholas Kristof and Sheryl WuDunn) when a sentence jumped out at me. “I’d rather have someone come here and see what’s going on than write a check for one or two thousand dollars, because that visit is going to change their life.” I knew at that moment that I would be leaving the country soon.

I love children and families and I seek to fight for those who cannot fight for themselves. I found Operation Shield through a community club I volunteer with and could tell that it was a cause that I wanted to get behind.

Operation Shield has a mission to help trafficked victims find life after they’ve been liberated from captivation. It is an organization that funds therapists in Haiti providing them with jobs and training to offer trafficked victims specialized therapy. In addition, average people like you and I can go to Haiti to get involved in a numerous amount of service opportunities. During the short time I was in Haiti, our team was able to provide material to build a couple chicken coops and aid them in the construction (it was so fun to teach some of the teenagers how to do this- we could not communicate through words very clearly but they learned through observation very quickly and were very smart!), assist in the laying of a foundation for a church building that when finished will be able to hold feeding programs that will feed neighborhood children one meal a day (when parents feel as though they are taking care of their child, they are less likely to sell their child), teach young women about menstrual cycles and deliver reusable feminine hygiene kits(there were many older women I met who prior to this encounter believed that something was wrong with them and they were thrilled to learn that this is natural and healthy), teach people how to crochet (there was this one lady who learned so fast that she surpassed the teachers almost instantly), and so much more. All things that I personally believe have a lasting impact. And most importantly, we got to know each other. We got to learn from one another, and change our mindsets about how we view who we are as people. Connecting with others and learning about their motives and desires is one of my favorite things to do. Upon arrival in Haiti, I was greeted with kindness. I knew instantly that these are our brothers and sisters and I was grateful that I got to be there to connect with them.

FUNdraiser

In preparation for our service trip, I held a fundraiser to help fund the trip. I use to think that my financial situation as a “poor college student” would hold me back from such opportunities, but this was important to me and I was determined to make it happen. Honestly, the fundraiser was half of the fun! I was able to spread awareness of human trafficking, educate, and provide many people the opportunity to get involved. Not everyone is in a place where they can “come here and see what’s going on”, so it was great to see so many people come together for a common cause that I had found passion in.

Upon Arrival

When I arrived to Haiti, all the time and preparation was instantly worth it. Over the course of the time that I had prepared for this service trip, I had grown to love the people there. This made it natural to love them even after brief encounters. So, when I actually arrived and was able to meet so many amazing people, my heart was full. And the feeling hasn’t left. The quote became my truth. My life was undoubtedly changed.

I saw so many people who were humble, grateful, and loving. I saw people who were happy, no matter their circumstance. Their energy was amazing, and it was very fulfilling to be able to add to it whatever I could. No matter what it was, big or small, their gratitude was nearly tangible. I learned so much from them and I will forever be grateful for the lifelong friendships that I was able to gain this summer. I will forever be grateful for the service I was able to do alongside such great people from all over the world. I am grateful for my renewed appreciation for life. I pray that the friendships I made will continue and that our efforts last. I will actively seek to remain involved and I encourage you to get involved in the service of those around you, near or far, however you personally see fit. Service makes me happy. People are my passion. I do not believe that any effort goes wasted as long as the intention is to help another person feel the truthfulness that they are loved.

Proxy Thank You

Again, I cannot thank you enough. From both them and myself, I appreciate you.

This Crazy "Fight" is Not Against Each Other

by madisenB 7/09/2017 0 comments

It’s been nearly 4 months now, and I still can’t get it off my mind. The Big Apple. The city so nice, they named it twice. New York, New York. More specifically, I was at the United Nations. I was with a group of rock stars at the Commission on the Status of Women promoting the family. Literally rubbing shoulders with some of my heroes.

Fighting for a Cause

There were people there from all over the world fighting for causes that they believe in, seeking to come together to be able to accomplish great things. The main hang up, though, was that not everyone holds the same values.

I myself was there promoting the family and some of the things that I have found that provide the family with the best opportunities possible to succeed. You see, when you strengthen the family you strengthen society, you strengthen the economy, you strengthen the quality of living, and the list goes on and on. This was our message to delegates from all around the world, and we came with research to back these claims.

“Opposing” Views

When I first arrived, I was a bit shocked at how much hatred I felt toward the values that I promote. There were times that I did not feel heard. There were times where I felt attacked and definitely misunderstood. I felt alone in the cause. (Even though I would later learn that that was definitely not true! There were TONS of people, all around, who would eventually make themselves known.) I had to actually work hard not to become defensive. I worked hard to listen. I realized that those whose opinions “opposed” mine were likely speaking out of defense themselves. That can be a pretty vicious cycle to work with- defense responding to defense responding to defense. I’ve learned that if you really take the time to understand someone and respond with love, they’re much more willing to do the same for you.

The Fight is Not Against Each Other

When I listened, I quickly realized that it’s not so much that we’re fighting against each other. I don’t believe that any of us are “bad” people seeking to destroy one another. We just see a different means to the end. I would even venture to say that if you were to pick any one person out of a crowd and ask them what they are most passionate about, it’s likely to be something that they believe would be for the benefit of another person. We all, generally, want good things for people.

Again, we are NOT fighting “against” each other! At least I hope not. We ARE fighting for things that we believe in. No matter what your beliefs are, remember that those you perceive as “opposing” you most likely believe what they believe just as strongly as you do.

Great People Everywhere

I met so many incredible people. People who are fighting for what they believe in. People who I never would have met had I not been willing to step outside my comfort zone.

Most of the experiences that I personally had (that I count as a “success”) were more individualized, one on one experiences. In those experiences, there was always always a mutual respect for one another, which involved listening to understand before listening to be understood, even if neither of us walked away having convinced the other person of our personal goals.

These Are Our Allies

After my experience at the UN, I know that I will never stop promoting the family as a fundamental unity of society. I will continue to advocate wherever I am; whether that’s the halls of the UN, the subways of New York (I met some awesome people there too, by the way. There are such good people everywhere!), or the little town I live in here in Idaho. However, I will seek to be cautious of those around me as I do so and seek to work with them rather than against them. There will still be times that we disagree, there will still be times where neither of us can obtain what we want without unintentionally hurting someone else, but it is my sincere hope that we will be able to (at the very least) hear one another’s voice and seek to work together in whatever way our conscious will allow.

From Pain to Passion

Throughout my life, the gospel of Jesus Christ has always been what I was most sure about. It drove all of my decisions. I knew exactly what I wanted my life to look like, and it was heading in that direction. In fact, everything was lined up perfectly and I thanked my God every day that He was allowing me to pursue my dreams; I was turning my love of the gospel into a career and worked for EFY (Especially for Youth) and was on my way to becoming a seminary teacher.

Shortly after returning home from serving an 18-month mission for my church, however, life got challenging. I don’t have time to tell you the whole story, but what’s important to know is that everything was going right and then before I knew it, it was not going so right anymore. And to make it worse, I felt like I had no one to blame but myself.

This was a hard time for me. It was a huge adjustment for me to accept the reality that I would no longer be able to work for EFY or to be considered to become a seminary teacher. Now I do not tell you this for sympathy or anything of the sort. Many of you know that I am beyond happy doing what I do now. The purpose of me telling you this is to help you understand that it was a painful process. It was so painful that I hid from the world, trying to handle it on my own. I moved to my grandparent’s house in the middle of nowhere and did a semester of school online because I simply wasn’t ready to be around people. I was broken and I took the time I, at the time, felt necessary to heal.

You Are in Control

One day I realized that I couldn’t stay hidden forever. Although I did want to. I needed to find something to do with my time that was greater than myself. I needed to “Awake! and arise from the dust..”

I have learned that because of our Savior we have been redeemed from the fall of Adam and Eve and because of that we have become free forever, “knowing good from evil; to act for [ourselves] and not be acted upon…”

It was hard to put into action at the time, and honestly still is, but I was taught in that moment that I had control in my life because I have been made an agent to act rather than an object to be acted upon. For some time I had allowed myself to be an object. I allowed things to happen to me and I felt like I had to simply submit to the fact that that was my new life.

As soon as I realized that I had not ruined my life, and that I actually still (likely) had a long life ahead of me, my world began to shift. I began to see the beauty that was around me once again.

I know God is merciful because He never left me alone. He didn’t say, ‘Good luck, you got yourself into this mess, now get yourself out. You’re on your own.’ He didn’t let me ruin my life. In fact, I approached Him with a hand full of ashes and He exchanged it for something beautiful. He was ready and willing to bless me, but first I had to act and before that I had to believe and I had to hope.

Your Brain Believes What it Thinks

My studies at BYU-Idaho have led me to appreciate the power of the brain. The brain believes what it thinks. In a BYU devotional this past January, Craig Manning, a performance psychology consultant, shared many experiences where positive thought not only helped but also transformed performance. (For more information on his findings, check out the link.)

I believe that we have a lot more control over the outcome of our lives than we sometimes think that we do.

You Are a Creator

We are spirit children of a Creator. We too can be creators. Just as our God first created this earth spiritually before He created it physically, we too can create our lives spiritually. We can look forward with an eye of faith and create. Often times that begins with our thoughts; the way we view ourselves and the way we view the world around us. We can pray to our God to see with eyes of faith. Through God’s mercy and strength, we can obtain the life that we desire.

Wondering Where Your Heart is? Where is your Treasure?

I found direction in yet another scripture. “For where you treasure is, there will your heart be also.”

I knew that the gospel was my treasure. I knew that I could no longer continue pursuing the career that I once was. I knew that was out of my control. These were a few of the things that I knew, so I submitted to that reality and decided to only worry about what was in my control.

Many of you know that I love the family. I advocate for the family and seek to protect it against many different threats. This pain that I’ve been speaking of is what lead me to that passion. I once viewed my goal to center my life around the gospel very narrowly and literally, hence wanting to teach the gospel for the Church Education System. I realized, however, that when you strengthen the family you strengthen God’s kingdom because the family is central to His plan.

I saw with new eyes and this became my new, revised passion.

It drives everything that I do. It gives me a reason to get up in the morning. It gives me a reason to study and learn. It gives me a reason to connect with people and seek volunteer opportunities. It brings me happiness.

And quite honestly, without the opposition in all things (especially this) I don't know that I would be capable of being as grateful for my current situation as I am now because of it. The contrast of what I felt then to what I feel now is so different that it's hard to miss. This can happen to us often, with both big and small things.

God Blessed the Broken Road

~~(Why yes, yes I did just quote Rascal Flatts.)~~

Through God’s Prophet’s we are taught that He will make weak things strong.

I believe that He will not only turn our weakness into strength but can also turn our pain into passion in order to help us become the disciple that we individually are to become.

Some people may discover their passions through their pain. Some people will have their direction made clear to them through other means. And some people will choose something and allow their passion to follow them rather than having a passion to follow. Feelings are fickle and fleeting, so sometimes choice can even be the most secure option to rely on.

Your passions will likely be different than mine. We cannot all do the exact same things. God gave us all our individual strengths, talents, and gifts so that we could work together to strengthen His Kingdom and serve His children. ~~(Whatever you do, be the Leslie Knope of that thing.)~~

Each of us has something unique to offer. God needs each of you.

Spiritual Gifts

In Tuesday’s devotional address, Elder Lawrence spoke of spiritual gifts and how it is completely appropriate to ask God for them. It is also appropriate to ask Him what gifts you have been given and how He would like you to use them. God is our Heavenly Father and He sees us more clearly than anyone. He is in every detail of our lives. He can guide us and help us discover what mark we are to leave on this world.

We can take those things that come naturally to us, or maybe those things that don’t come so naturally but we desire them, and bring them to God so that He can strengthen them and refine them to help us be the agents that God intends for us to be.

The Ultimate Purpose, The Ultimate Example

If you are having a difficult time finding a direction in this life, remember that Jesus Christ gives us direction and purpose. He is the ultimate example of service and love. Service brings love and love brings joy. If you are looking for something to drive you, follow Christ. I assure you that when God says that the sure way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the work of God, He is telling the truth.

I challenge you to ask God what strengths and gifts you’ve been given, seek to use them to strengthen others, let the passion follow you, and allow God’s blessings to change you.

Christ is the reason I was able to get back up on my feet. Christ is the reason I was able to find joy in the service of others. Christ is the reason I didn’t give up or give in. Christ performed the Atonement not only for sinners but for all those who feel any type of pain that comes to us in mortality.

Beautiful People

Elisabeth Kübler-Ross put it beautifully when she said,

“The most beautiful people we have known are those who have known defeat, known suffering, known struggle, known loss, and have found their way out of the depths.

These persons have an appreciation, a sensitivity, and an understanding of life that fills them with compassion, gentleness, and a deep loving concern.

Beautiful people do not just happen.”

My friends, God wants to refine us and transform our pain into something beautiful. Let’s make a commitment right now to allow him.

~~Remember, without ashes to rise from, the Phoenix would just be a bird getting up. (And yes, I did just quote Schmidt in a post that is heavily religious.)~~

P.S. If it feels like all I did was revise a sacrament meeting talk then that’s because that’s exactly what I did. It was originally given on June 18, 2017 and has been adapted just for you! It is a message that is very close to my heart. I am grateful that I was able to take the time to articulate this for my speaking assignment which prompted me to write it down and share it with all of you. Have you seen these things in your own life? Let me know!

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