A Child of God

One of my all time favourite things about being a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is having an eternal, loving perspective all year 'round. I have become exceptionally good at seeing things beyond what the eye can see.

 Recently, my cousin's younger brother, Jared, had a birthday. It was quite the shindig for a one year old that I'm sure didn't quite know why all these people had invaded his home. At one point during the party, I proceeded to go upstairs to lie down on my cousin's bed, as a result of my intake of candy. When I walked into my cousin's room, I saw a picture of him hanging above his bed. It was a simple picture - he was sitting on a tree with his face resting on his fist, such a casual pose. What did strike me was the light of purity in his face. His innocence was so impeccable that it made me feel such a sense of clarity with what I was seeing.

 Parents have a huge responsibility, gift and power to alter and influence their children´s lives. Babies come into this world untouched , unaware of the technologies or temptations of the world. The first emotion they get a taste of is their mother's love, then their father's protection. They are a blank canvas just itching to be painted. They seek love, wisdom, guidance and secuirty - but also liberty to grow. I am one to vouch for free agency but I cannot begin to explain the great importance that is to have steady role models in the younger, forming years. It is crucial to have a loving and supportive enviornment so that children can feed their curiousities and ideas. Parents are indeed part of the shaping process of a child. Parents. A father and a mother. Children need gender specific support, and to recieve it, there needs to be sincere support within a marriage. "Choose your love. Love your choice". Prophet Thomas S. Monson said that once. Marriage is inevitably an everlasting trial but it is also an everlasting blessing. It is to be seeked when you are ready to give it all you have and appreciate the flaws of your spouse; loving them for who they are now and for who they can be.

What really touched me of this photograph was knowing that my cousin Joshua was absolute. He is untainted, he is clean. He is clean because he chooses the right on the basis of what his parents have taught him. He is clean because he goes to church weekly and feels that he is a Child of God. He feels his Father's love and knows that the path to righteousness is lit, it is His.

I am beyond grateful for such a remarkable power, like a mother's love. I know for a fact that my aunt's love and consistency is a contributing factor to the current state of my baby cousins. A mother's love is infinite. I have that in my life, and I have nurtured my own love throughout the years as I have experienced being in that role. My mother's love is true. My mother's love is constant, perhaps not always through words but through gestures of kindness and teachings. I see myself in my mother, and many times my mother sees herself in me. I have been created literally in her image, and we have been created in His. If their nobility, compassion and kindess are all the gifts I could ever have recieved in this life, that is divinely okay with me.

I know that one day, I will have the God sent blessing of being a co-creator with God. I'm excited for showing my future children the hidden glories on this Earth, the upside of every downside and that laughter really can heal a broken heart. I am excited for being there in every moment, for earning the title of best friend, for embarrasing them both intentionally and unintentionally and to teach them that mom and dad really are a team.

"We believe that the ultimate treasure on Earth and in heaven are our children."
- Elder Dallin H. Oaks

For the first time.

When you felt it for the first time, did you know that was it? Did love hit you like a bullet, effortlessly yet so blunt? Did it hurt? Were you scared? Did you welcome it? Or did you neglect it?

 I remember for me, it was like a soft passing. It was a feeling similar to the one where you find this really great song, not a super upbeat one, but those soft and gentle songs that make you feel like you're riding on a wave. For me it as an instant of realization and acceptance, which if you know me at all, it takes me ages to even admit to myself, let alone to the world, that I like a guy. I don't know what it is. Maybe it's my desire to be sure of things, or to truly know who I'm going to spend my thoughts on or possibly let into my heart. I've never had a fear of rejection, but perhaps a fear of not knowing. Which, I guess might sound like a scribble of confusion. I'm all for surprises, I like that within the future lies the unknown, but when it comes to this girl's ticker, I just don't like to be on the edge. Perhaps it's the fact that I don't normally let anyone in (more like ever), that I really want to triple-check before I open the door to my very core. Being completely raw is a frightening thought. You're exposed. Every bit of you, every window, door and hidden compartment in your mind is free for interrogation, free to either embrace or totally just mess with. There's so much more to being physical when you love someone - I feel like this is a contemporary issue. Love is so beyond what you see. You don't just skim the surface of someone you love. You don't just know that one look, or their family members' names, or their favourite color and where they grew up. I think, and I know this because I've lived it, when you love someone, you know every gesture. You know how their eyes bright up when they're happy, and you can tell just by looking at them when the person you love is sad. You know their childhood stories, you know their ambitions and dreams, you know their parents' names, birthdays, how they met, how they compliment each other. You know that person's thoughts and you know their imperfections. You love them with imperfections, not in spite of them. You support them, tolerate them and by their tone of voice and way of expression know when they're mad, about to joke, excited, or whatever mood they may be in. You know just how much they miss you or need you by the strength of the squeeze from them holding your hand. When you love someone, you can feel how they are, content or in need of motivation, because somehow, from the unexpected journey of friendship to what you are now, you fell for that for that person. And I don't mean "fell" like you see in the movies, so mystical and magical, because laughing about it, we all know love isn't perfect. I don't think it ever was meant to be. Love is growth, in unison. Love for sure is patience. Love is having found yourself. I guess that's why the cheesy "you complete me", "you're my other half" lines exist. That makes sense now. Now ask yourself, how can you know so much about a person? In the most simple yet honest way? How? Because you love them - and when you love someone, knowing them from the inside out just comes naturally. All that in itself is incredible - when you discover not that love existing between two people makes everything magically okay, but that love is magic. It's kind of like the fairy dust the kids use in Peter Pan, have you seen that movie? It's like the dust that makes you fly. But, you can't fly if you don't believe. Loving someone and discovering that love is real, it's not just a myth, and you can just love one person for an eternity, is something every human being on this earth will discover and feel, in this life or the one that awaits us. There is no one singular way that one can confirm that what you feel for a person you've been with is love, there's just something inside you that will click and with a smile on your love struck face, you'll know. Realizing you love another human being for all that they are will hit you just as hard when you realize that someone out there loves you for all that you are - you. The crazy, noble, indecisive, funny, stubborn, music loving you.

"We know the Lord makes His servants bold."

Have you ever been so sure of something, that something was completely true, that you would defend it with your life? That's how I felt today. Today was a reaffirmation of what I believe in.

I had the opportunity to be present at the Ogden temple dedication, here in Richmond, Utah.
I was able to see Henry B. Eyring, Jeffrey R. Holland and other leaders through a projector screen. But even then, I was overwhelmed with the spirit. I saw these two men standing before me, declaring and proclaiming the gospel's truth to all those that were there to bear witness of the event today. I saw them let go of tears of joys as they too, felt the spirit so strongly. I admire those men, for their steady testimonies that do not quake upon pressure or the things of the world. I appreciate their existence, for they guide us in the right direction and share with us what our Heavenly Father wants us to know.

I testify to you, to whoever may be reading this, that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is the one and only true church here on this Earth. I know this. I believe this with every fiber of my being. It makes me want to cry tears of pure happiness to know that I have had the blessing to have been born in the gospel. It is a great joy and comfort to know that my Heavenly Father exists, that He loves us infinitely, so much that He sacrificed His only Begotten Son and that our brother, our Redeemer, went through all that He did here on Earth so that we may be saved through the Atonement of Christ. Sometimes I ponder, what if I hadn't been born in the church? I think my heart would've called for this gospel, for because I hold a strong testimony of my faith, I am more than anxious to preach what I know to all my lost and troubled brothers and sisters. I can bring them home. I know I can. I know, perhaps not to the fullest extent, but I know my divine potential. I know that my Heavenly Father has a plan for me. He has given me gifts and talents that are meant to be shared, and I know that in the pre-mortal existence I rejoiced in making sacred covenants with Him.

It is at this time in my life that I know I am to serve a mission. That journey is already set, all that's left is for me to embark on it. Life is a result of choices. I choose to serve a mission. Although I have not been called yet by the prophet, I have been called so in the pre-mortal existence, by my Heavenly Father and have forever engraved my nametag on my heart. I don't doubt that being a missionary will be difficult, I know that the wonderful things in life are meant to be fought for.

 I choose to fight for my Father and Heaven.

My name is Laura, I am a latter day saint, and a daughter of a King.

A part of me.

There's something utterly divine about nature. I believe nature is God's way of constantly reminding us that everything will be okay. How can you not look at a clear blue sky and feel like you can fly? How can you not drive by a field of green and feel from terrible to incredible, and everything in between? I could get lost in the mountains for days, head straight for the view without any initial regard for food. There's something about the unknown, the undiscovered that totally captivates me. I believe part of it is that I seek for challenges because I liked to be challenged. I know that through obstacles and difficulties, one will grow. It is inevitable. Trees have been my immobile friends that shadowed me on my sad and troubled days, they have listened to me speak without any judgement or interruption. The grass has been my comfort and have felt my hands lingering clutch on an angry day. The wind has blown through my hair and surrounded me with peace. I have walked on tore down roads when I was torn down. The moon has guided me home. The dirt has been at my feet but I have been at theirs. Ultimately, nature has been my blanket of hope and safety.
And just as much as it's been there on my darkest days, it's been there on my brightest. The sun has kissed my skin when I've felt ever so free, as the petals of roses have danced in the wind with me. The sky has saluted me as I've stepped out to conquer the world, the clouds have carried my dreams and faithfully remain to accomplish them with me. I have touched the bark of an abandoned tree as I've thanked my heavenly father for all the blessings. I have danced on green and grassless mountains in pure glee, and have had my heart revive on them ever so effortlessly. I have learned about love as I've stared into the distance of a place that I hold so dearly, I have grown and blossomed in the middle of God's creations. I have felt what it is like to be purely and innocently happy within it all.
I thank my Heavenly Father for it existing.

I believe.

I believe that if you want something in life, you must seek it.
I believe that I was born with a natural and everlasting love for my brothers and sisters.
I believe that love came from Him, that He has transmitted that part of Him in me.
I believe that we all have a purpose in this life. I believe that we are part of this divine plan.
I believe that everything happens for a reason - the good and the bad.
I believe that with every obstacle there is a lesson to be learned, and with every tirumph there is thanks to give.
I believe that every day is a gift; that with every breath and step I take, I am living. Oh, how sweet it is to feel alive.
I believe that children are a sacred and heavenly part of life. I believe that families can be together forever.
I believe that who we are reflects in what we do.
I believe in love. I believe in the expression of love through actions, not just words.
I believe in miracles. I believe in innocence. I believe in creativity, in dedication, in sacrifice.
I believe in pain. I believe in overcoming pain.
I believe in forgiveness. I believe that you forgive others not just to have them in your life, but for yourself. I believe that grudges can and will make you bitter and fill you with hate.
I believe in second chances. I believe in change. I believe in the simplicity of things.
I believe that happiness is created, it is worked for. It is something you choose to be.
I believe in many things, like you and me. I believe in me.
I believe in the power of music. I believe in art, in history, in the comfort of books. I believe in dreams.
I believe in faith, I have faith. I believe that life is what you make of it, that it truly is in your hands to build something wonderful for yourself.
I believe that believing in yourself is where it all begins.


What do you believe in?

Amada por El.

Recuerda siempre que las acciones hablan mas fuerte que las palabras.

Diciéndoles eso, les digo lo siguiente: Nunca, en esta vida, he estado frente a frente con Dios, en esta tierra El no me ha dicho que me ama, pero ni dudes que lo ha mostrado, a través de Sus acciones. Dios, mi Padre Celestial, me ha bendecido increíblemente, me ha apoyado, guiado, amado, a pesar de mis imperfecciones. Yo he sentido Su amor, y siempre lo siento. El no me lo tiene que decir. Se con cada fibra de mi ser, que El me ama. Me ama por lo que soy, por lo que no. El ve lo mejor en mi, incluso cuando yo misma dudo mi potencial. El amor de nuestro Padre Celestial por cada uno de sus hijos es algo que no podemos comprender. Es un amor infinito. El nos ama tanto que dejo que Su Hijo, nuestro hermano, Jesucristo, muera por nosotros. Gracias a nuestro Salvador tenemos la Expiación. Y gracias a eso, tenemos el plan de Salvación. Podemos ser salvados. Que gran bendición vivir tu vida sabiendo eso, sabiendo que hay algo después de la muerte, que ha morir, podemos regresar a vivir con El. Muchas veces le he agradecido a mi Padre Celestial, por haberme dado la hermosa bendición de nacer dentro de la iglesia, de crecer con el evangelio, de tener el Espíritu Santo en mi hogar, de saber que las familias pueden ser eternas, y tener mi proprio testimonio que este evangelio, y esta iglesia es la verdad. Su amor ha sido una motivación para mi, un consuelo, esperanza, una luz dentro de la oscuridad.

Todo lo que El pide de mi, de nosotros, es ser obedientes, y en eso, obedecer los mandamientos. Lo cual es tan simple, pero al mismo tiempo, es difícil vivir una vida recta, correcta, sin error - pero no es imposible. Porque Jesucristo lo hico. Y nosotros si lo podemos hacer. Y por eso El nos pide esto. Porque de esa manera le mostramos ha El, nuestra dedicación, nuestra gratitud, nuestro compromiso con los convenios que hemos hecho con El. Esta es la prueba querido hermanos. Y Dios nunca nos hace pasar por ningún obstáculo que no podemos conquistar.

Se han imaginado como será ese día? Como será el día que lo veremos otra vez? Nuestros corazones se llenaran al instante de alegría al estar en frente de El, al ver su rostro, al abrazarlo, sentir su amor y mirarle a sus puros ojos y agradecerle por absolutamente todo.

Quiero que sepan que Dios siempre esta ahí por nosotros. El nunca nos ha fallado. Solo esta una oración en distancia. Y no toma nada arrodillarse y preguntarle lo que uno quería saber, lo que uno necesite de El. Si es bueno para ti, el te lo dará. Siempre contesta nuestras oraciones en el momento adecuado. Abecés no es la respuesta que queremos, pero siempre es lo mejor para nosotros.

Cada uno tenemos un divino potencial, tenemos un propósito y hay un plan. Estamos aquí para desarrollar nuestros talentos, nuestro testimonio y nuestra fe. Estamos aquí porque decidimos venir aquí. Que gozo me da saber que yo estuve con Jesucristo en la guerra pre-mortal.

Dios te ama, te quiere ver feliz, quiere que seas exitoso en esta vida, que escojas lo correcto porque tus decisiones aquí determinaran tu lugar en la próxima. El quiere que regreses a vivir con El y Su hijo, nuestro amado hermano, que estés en Su presencia, como una vez lo estuviste.

Eres su hijo, su hija, y eres amado por El. Eternamente.
 

Julio.

I met a little boy named Julio a while ago. He used to live in an orphanage here in Cineguilla, Peru. He was the first individual there that lovingly offered me his friendship, all it took was one question, "Hola, cual es tu nombre?" And with that, Julio became friends with Princesa Camote Papas Fritas (that's the name I presented myself with). What was so beautifully endearing about this child of God was his spirit. He is one of those people that you'll have the opportunity to meet through out your life and think: where did you come from? He had an angelic look in his eyes and his kindness was infectious. Inevitably, I grew to care for this little criatura just as I have for all the other kids there - Julio taught me to be kind, patient and to love others. I don't think he realized that he did what he did, that he inspired me and unintentionally made me a better person. You see, this is why I love volunteering there. Every time I leave the orphanage, I leave with a lesson learned.


Every one should be more like Julio. He exemplifies a love for others that warms the heart and makes you think. How easy it is to be kind but we choose otherwise. Imagine if every one in the world made an effort to be a little kinder to one other - from family to friends to strangers - imagine if we just tried to be kind, even if it's a quality that isn't natural to us.


What the world needs is eyes that will look at you without judgement, ears that will listen with intent, and mouths that will speak with love and sincerity. There are plenty of worldly issues out there, but I'd like to think that if we were kinder to one another, it would be the beginning of something wonderful.


We went to the orphanage on Tuesday. When I arrived I was greeted by Victor, a charming little boy that loves technology, music, and always is eager to hear me rap. I started to look for Julio, but I found out that he wasn't there anymore, as well as Jon. I was told that the government gave them to families. My first initial emotion was sadness. I thought of how I didn't get to say goodbye. I thought of how they might be feeling to have to suddenly leave the only place they know of as home. Then my mama bear complex kicked in. Are they okay? Are they adjusting well to their new families? Are these families treating them with the love and care that they so honestly deserve?


After we got back from the orphanage I was talking with a friend and he explained to me exactly how the orphanages work here in Peru, and how before they are given away to a family, the families go through a rigorous process to see if they qualify. I was told that "the government gave them away to a family", so that's how I thought it literally was.
After learning this, my thoughts changed and my heart grew soft. I thought of how lucky these families must be to have these new children in their homes, I thought of how Jon and Julio will bring so much joy and life lessons to those families. I pondered of how good their life could get now - and in the most sincerest place in my heart, I wished that they would be showered with love and have a life full of happiness, wherever they may be.


Here's to Julio - for teaching me to be kind, patient and loving. Here's to the stranger that became my friend and reminded me what a true friendship is all about. Here's to a child that has been through a lot and effortlessly manages to be happy. Here's to innocence. Here's to what the future could be like - if we all just try to be a little kind.