Love the weird

Sitting on the school's "sick bed" reading my Valentines from my second grade classmates. This is a memory of Valentines day that I will never forget. That's what too many sugar cookies does to you and too much candy. I remember warning my sister at recess that my tummy hurt but she said that candy would fix it. And now she's a dietetics major. Love you Ave. ;)

My past Valentines Days have been stressful and lonely. I usually get my t-shirt out that says, "No Boyfriend, No Problems." I grew though so now its my little sisters. Elementary I remember freaking out about giving each person the perfect card! Because you can't give the boy you like or really don't like the card that says, "Be Mine Wildcat." (high school musical cards two years in a row). Or even High School when I decided instead of hating the world I would love it by making sixty handmade heart cut outs that said "Happy Valentines Day."(dorky!!) Last year my friends left a stalker note on my car that talked about my chocolate brown eyes and how I was admired all over the school. But despite all these great memories I have decided that I might like Valentines Day. As I have grown up my favorite part of the day now is reflecting on my sweet grandpa whose birthday was on Valentines Day. He was the most kind, gentle, and loving person I have ever known. I hope that someday I can love as much as he loved and have someone love me as much as he loved my grandma.

Sending Grandpa a letter in a balloon on his birthday!

I believe in today's world we spend so much time envying others and facing life like it is a competition. Maybe it is a competition but I believe its not others we are trying to beat, we are trying to beat ourselves. Hate takes so much energy. We all have those struggling days where our attitude of people and the world is negative. Or as my brother Trey would say, "Everyone is a critique." But why? Why are we critiquing others when maybe we have just as many problems?

For example my problem of failure selfies. Weirdo right here.

 This week I really have been struggling to like a person I face quite often. I was then reminded of this scripture in Matthew 5:44, "But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you." I prayed so hard that my Heavenly Father would help me love this person. I know that God loves others just as much as he loves me and that he wants us to be kind and loving to all of our eternal brothers and sisters. I know that we are all children of a loving God. We each chose to come down to this earth to be tested of our faith, kindness, and obedience to God.

One last thought and sorry if I sound scattered, but I am forever grateful for the temple. I know that through the temple I can be sealed to my family, and my future family for time and all eternity. I believe that being unified in the temple is the greatest love you can share with others.

Love the Salt Lake Temple!