Hillary Clinton has just announced that she is officially going to run for President of the United states in 2016. Already I am seeing the expected hashtags: #teamhillary, #hillaryforpresident #hillary2016. I probably would have just overlooked these, as she isn't quite my cup of tea- but I began seeing a few people coupling these hashtags with ones like #genderequality or with statements like 'it is time for a woman president'.
This brings me to my point-- we have a very serious and very real lack of understanding for the true meaning of gender equality.
Gender inequality is a very serious problem in today's world. Women in many countries are not allowed to participate in the workforce. Even here in the United States that is a massive wage gap. Society makes condescending, sexist jokes okay-- as women and men we are beginning to unite to change this. But, this is really just the beginning..
Ladies, you may think that voting for a female candidate is what is going to propel us into a world of gender equality. However, this is NOT true. In fact, voting for Hillary simply because she is a women is the exact opposite. Showing we are willing to vote for someone because of their genitals and not because of their political standing is a HUGE part of the problem-- regardless if this leans in favor of males or females.
I don't care what your gender, ethnicity, religion, or sexuality is. If I think that you are not the best candidate to run this country I will not vote for you. I will not vote for Hillary Clinton simply because she is a woman. That is NOT okay, that is NOT gender equality, that is NOT looking at the candidates based on their platforms and political views.
If you really think that Hillary Clinton is the one who is going to help our country get out of the mountain of serious issues that we have piling on us, then by all means, vote for her. I do not think that she's the one that is going to help us. In fact I think she's nothing more than an idiot and a hypocrite.
In fact, if she wins, I might seriously consider moving us to Canada.
My point is, do not vote for someone just because they are a woman. There are plenty of men AND women that I would vote for before I would give her a chance. Do not vote for a woman thinking it is going to propel us into a magical land of gender equality. That is not how it works. Pick your candidate regardless of their sex, based solely on political standing.
Making any other decision is just going to keep us in a cycle of ignorance.
Sunday, April 12, 2015
Saturday, April 11, 2015
Updates..
I have been going back and forth for a few months. I've had the desire to blog and yet, no time. Things have been pretty crazy but tonight, call me nostalgic or just bored- I felt the desire to blog again.
To catch up, I'm working as a preschool teacher- a job which I find both incredibly challenging and incredibly amazing. The kids I work with are truly rewarding and teach me even more than I think I teach them- even though on some occasion that lesson is patience.
Seth and I are coming up on our 4 year anniversary. I can't believe that. Time flies. Sparks fade, and the love is still there. He's my best friend..
I'm working on my Masters degree. I'm about one year done. Two more to go. It is by far one of the most challenging things I've ever done.
However, I am feeling overwhelmingly blessed. Even as I sit here with a shirt Carter has stained, laundry waiting to be finished, and a bathroom sink that desperately needs to be cleaned- I can't help but have a smile.
Today we had to fix a flat tire on our second car... Doesn't sound like something many would be thankful for, but I am. I'm thankful that we have a second car to help on nights when I have school our when our schedules conflict. I'm thankful that we had a little spare cash to just go and put a new tire on. This is something that not many people have.. and I'm thankful.
My little boy turns 2 this week. I can't believe I have a two year old- and I am so proud of him. He knows all of his numbers and letters and has begun working on his shapes and colors. He amazes me every day, but more than that- he inspires me.
On days where I'm feeling particularly cruddy, or where I'm overwhelmed with the stress of school and work, his face comes to mind and I am reminded that I'm doing it all for him. I want to provide the best for him. On days where I'm just plain grumpy, he always does something silly and makes me feel better. His awe of the world and excitement for the little things is nothing short of inspirational, and I couldn't be more thankful.
I'm so in love with my life, even when I fall out of like with it. Things get hard but it is important to remember the little things.
To catch up, I'm working as a preschool teacher- a job which I find both incredibly challenging and incredibly amazing. The kids I work with are truly rewarding and teach me even more than I think I teach them- even though on some occasion that lesson is patience.
Seth and I are coming up on our 4 year anniversary. I can't believe that. Time flies. Sparks fade, and the love is still there. He's my best friend..
I'm working on my Masters degree. I'm about one year done. Two more to go. It is by far one of the most challenging things I've ever done.
However, I am feeling overwhelmingly blessed. Even as I sit here with a shirt Carter has stained, laundry waiting to be finished, and a bathroom sink that desperately needs to be cleaned- I can't help but have a smile.
Today we had to fix a flat tire on our second car... Doesn't sound like something many would be thankful for, but I am. I'm thankful that we have a second car to help on nights when I have school our when our schedules conflict. I'm thankful that we had a little spare cash to just go and put a new tire on. This is something that not many people have.. and I'm thankful.
My little boy turns 2 this week. I can't believe I have a two year old- and I am so proud of him. He knows all of his numbers and letters and has begun working on his shapes and colors. He amazes me every day, but more than that- he inspires me.
On days where I'm feeling particularly cruddy, or where I'm overwhelmed with the stress of school and work, his face comes to mind and I am reminded that I'm doing it all for him. I want to provide the best for him. On days where I'm just plain grumpy, he always does something silly and makes me feel better. His awe of the world and excitement for the little things is nothing short of inspirational, and I couldn't be more thankful.
I'm so in love with my life, even when I fall out of like with it. Things get hard but it is important to remember the little things.
Sunday, November 17, 2013
Carter's 7 month update
I have to tell you- the last few weeks have been both long and rough! We've had so much going on. I don't know WHEN the last time my house was clean! But, times have been good- this weekend I spent a ton of time just relaxing with the family. Though there was plenty else that could have been done, I decided to (or, seth pushed me to..) relax and put the 'to-do' list off. For this, I am thankful.
Carter is now 7 months old. He's been crawling like a speed racer since 5 months, standing since not long after that- maybe at 5 1/2 months- and is now trying to stand without holding things. He's super picky and stubborn- I blame myself for that one. "Mamama" is his favorite babble (aww), he loves puppies and uses his stuffed shark as a pillow. He loves to swim, and loves his mickey mouse. Right now we are working on- feeding himself, and dunking under water. He's fascinated by water bottles- and if mom and dad are eating, just believe he's gonna eat too. His favorite food, I think, is guacamole (Or his crunchy organic cheetos and his yogurt things- cause he can grab and chew those).
As a momma, I cannot believe how fast he is growing. He shows so much personality and it feels so amazing every time he learns something new. He's such a social baby- he loves to smile and play with everyone.
In the next month I'm looking forward to- Carter's first thanksgiving (and first night away from mom and dad - since we are going Black Friday Shopping), Pictures with Santa, Family Pictures, and Carter getting to meet so many of his cousins! Also, I'd like to say I'm predicting walking by the end of the year.
But that's plenty of gushing. Here are a few pics.
Here's carter being a big boy at 7 months, and he was feeding himself some finger foods (after some baby food- hence the messy face)
A preview of carter in the outfit that SETH had the idea for his Santa pictures- so cute!
Carter is now 7 months old. He's been crawling like a speed racer since 5 months, standing since not long after that- maybe at 5 1/2 months- and is now trying to stand without holding things. He's super picky and stubborn- I blame myself for that one. "Mamama" is his favorite babble (aww), he loves puppies and uses his stuffed shark as a pillow. He loves to swim, and loves his mickey mouse. Right now we are working on- feeding himself, and dunking under water. He's fascinated by water bottles- and if mom and dad are eating, just believe he's gonna eat too. His favorite food, I think, is guacamole (Or his crunchy organic cheetos and his yogurt things- cause he can grab and chew those).
As a momma, I cannot believe how fast he is growing. He shows so much personality and it feels so amazing every time he learns something new. He's such a social baby- he loves to smile and play with everyone.
In the next month I'm looking forward to- Carter's first thanksgiving (and first night away from mom and dad - since we are going Black Friday Shopping), Pictures with Santa, Family Pictures, and Carter getting to meet so many of his cousins! Also, I'd like to say I'm predicting walking by the end of the year.
But that's plenty of gushing. Here are a few pics.
Here's carter being a big boy at 7 months, and he was feeding himself some finger foods (after some baby food- hence the messy face)
This was last month at the pumpkin patch
A preview of carter in the outfit that SETH had the idea for his Santa pictures- so cute!
Thursday, October 24, 2013
The great importance of being "just" a mom.
I know it is has been far too long since my last blog. Occasionally, something happens that sparks the idea for a blog, and then life simply gets in the way. However, this time, I found something that I'd really like to discuss.
Earlier, I got into a bit of a debate about various things, including the topic of stay at home moms. This person felt that a stay at home mom who was surviving off of her husband's money was the same as a stay at home mom who collected welfare. This person also felt that stay at home moms basically sat on their behinds all day and spent their husband's money, because, staying at home- as this person put it- really isn't that difficult. This is where we disagreed, and thus, the point of the blog.
I'll start with my opinion. Being "just" a mom is the most difficult, rewarding, and important job that a woman can have. There is nothing more important than raising future generations that will later inherit the earth. Mothers are responsible for nurturing their children, for teaching them to love, for instilling morals. I don't know about you, but as a stay at home mother, I was responsible for the laundry, the cleaning, staying up at night with the baby, shopping, running errands, dr's appointments, cooking, other various appointments, etc.
This is not to say that fathers don't play a large role in raising the children or helping out- even when I was staying at home my dear husband helped out tremendously. Additionally, this is not to say that working moms cannot raise wonderful children. I am not blind to the fact that many families need two incomes. This is why I went back to work part time. However, if a family can afford to, mother's have a divine responsibility to really take their job of motherhood seriously.
Before I go all religious on the spiritual significance of motherhood- let me just point out a couple of facts. John Carnochan, a world famous expert on violence, linked some of the issues he dealt with as a policemen to inadequate care of children under three. John Bowlby, stated that infants needed to experience a warm constant and continuous relationship with their mother in order to thrive. The attachment theory states the same thing. Child psychotherapist Robin Balbernie and David Howe stated how problems in society such as depression can also be due to poor relationship with parents as infants. The evidence is everywhere.
In my opinion, raising my child is the most important part of my life. Do I really want to trust teaching them about life to just anyone? Do I want them to learn destructive and negative behaviors without being there to intervene? Do I want them exposed to some of the evils of the world without being able to guide them appropriately? No, in short.
From a religious standpoint, motherhood plays a very large and significant role in the eternal perspective. First of all, we bring this spirit to earth in our womb, allowing he or she to have a body so that they can become Christ-like. How amazing this privilege is, and it is only the beginning! We are responsible for supporting our priesthood holders so that they may be good examples to our children. By design, we are primarily made to nurture our children.
While all of this may just be my perspective on the matter, I think it is really something to think about. Often, mothers who choose to stay home and raise their families are frowned upon. Stay at home mothers work hard to make happy, healthy, Godly, and smart children. No lazy person would make a good stay at home mother. A job as important as building up the future generations, as being responsible for a human life, as nurturing and teaching someone the way that they should behave- should be honored.
I don't know about you, but I take my job very seriously. While I must currently work a few hours a day to help out with my family, I spend much of the time fulfilling my DUTIES as a mother, and I enjoy every minute of this very difficult work.
If my primary focus in life is on raising my children, being "JUST" a mother is all I want to be.
Earlier, I got into a bit of a debate about various things, including the topic of stay at home moms. This person felt that a stay at home mom who was surviving off of her husband's money was the same as a stay at home mom who collected welfare. This person also felt that stay at home moms basically sat on their behinds all day and spent their husband's money, because, staying at home- as this person put it- really isn't that difficult. This is where we disagreed, and thus, the point of the blog.
I'll start with my opinion. Being "just" a mom is the most difficult, rewarding, and important job that a woman can have. There is nothing more important than raising future generations that will later inherit the earth. Mothers are responsible for nurturing their children, for teaching them to love, for instilling morals. I don't know about you, but as a stay at home mother, I was responsible for the laundry, the cleaning, staying up at night with the baby, shopping, running errands, dr's appointments, cooking, other various appointments, etc.
This is not to say that fathers don't play a large role in raising the children or helping out- even when I was staying at home my dear husband helped out tremendously. Additionally, this is not to say that working moms cannot raise wonderful children. I am not blind to the fact that many families need two incomes. This is why I went back to work part time. However, if a family can afford to, mother's have a divine responsibility to really take their job of motherhood seriously.
Before I go all religious on the spiritual significance of motherhood- let me just point out a couple of facts. John Carnochan, a world famous expert on violence, linked some of the issues he dealt with as a policemen to inadequate care of children under three. John Bowlby, stated that infants needed to experience a warm constant and continuous relationship with their mother in order to thrive. The attachment theory states the same thing. Child psychotherapist Robin Balbernie and David Howe stated how problems in society such as depression can also be due to poor relationship with parents as infants. The evidence is everywhere.
In my opinion, raising my child is the most important part of my life. Do I really want to trust teaching them about life to just anyone? Do I want them to learn destructive and negative behaviors without being there to intervene? Do I want them exposed to some of the evils of the world without being able to guide them appropriately? No, in short.
From a religious standpoint, motherhood plays a very large and significant role in the eternal perspective. First of all, we bring this spirit to earth in our womb, allowing he or she to have a body so that they can become Christ-like. How amazing this privilege is, and it is only the beginning! We are responsible for supporting our priesthood holders so that they may be good examples to our children. By design, we are primarily made to nurture our children.
While all of this may just be my perspective on the matter, I think it is really something to think about. Often, mothers who choose to stay home and raise their families are frowned upon. Stay at home mothers work hard to make happy, healthy, Godly, and smart children. No lazy person would make a good stay at home mother. A job as important as building up the future generations, as being responsible for a human life, as nurturing and teaching someone the way that they should behave- should be honored.
I don't know about you, but I take my job very seriously. While I must currently work a few hours a day to help out with my family, I spend much of the time fulfilling my DUTIES as a mother, and I enjoy every minute of this very difficult work.
If my primary focus in life is on raising my children, being "JUST" a mother is all I want to be.
Wednesday, July 11, 2012
Man and Woman. Created Equal?
A friend made a post- and it got me thinking.. So, rather than argue or anything (because that is not what I'm aiming for) I figured, I'd like to put my thoughts in a blog... So here goes.
Man and Woman. Are we created equal?
In today's society it is hard to say something without offending anyone.. But I'll do my best. Currently, there is a huge feminist movement going on- that women are equal to men. Some religious groups do not believe this. They believe that women were created for the sole purpose of supporting men, and that men are - in all ways- superior. So, what is the truth?
Let's turn to doctorine.
In "The Family: A Proclamation to the World", it first covers ALL individuals. It states:
"All human beings—male and female—are created in the image of God. Each is a beloved spirit son or daughter of heavenly parents, and, as such, each has a divine nature and destiny. Gender is an essential characteristic of individual premortal, mortal, and eternal identity and purpose."
Later, it states:
"By divine design, fathers are to preside over their families in love and righteousness and are responsible to provide the necessities of life and protection for their families. Mothers are primarily responsible for the nurture of their children. In these sacred responsibilities, fathers and mothers are obligated to help one another as equal partners."
So, according to this piece of doctrine, it is pretty clear that men and women are equal- that they were created for one another in order to help one another in their different responsibilities. Honestly, this entire article below I found fascinating- but this woman quoted something from "Priesthood and Church Government" by John A. Widstoe-
“Women of a congregation … may be wiser, far greater in mental powers, even greater in actual power of leadership than the men who preside over them. That signifies nothing. The Priesthood is not bestowed on the basis of mental power but is given to good men and they exercise it by right of divine gift, called upon by the leaders of the Church. Woman has her gift of equal magnitude” (Priesthood and Church Government, Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1954, p. 90).
And finally, plain and simple, let's take it from the bible.. I don't think we can get more basic than Genesis, so that is where I'm going to pull from. In Genesis 1:26, it states "... and let them have dominion", in 1:28 it states the same thing. If men were meant to dominate over women- why would he have stated (more than once) this simple, yet overlooked, detail? Not to mention, let's be honest- a lot of times in the bible when it says "man" or "men" it means "the human race". That is common sense, and we should all be careful to not over think it.
Anyway, these all make an important point. Heavenly father looks upon all of us equally- that is fact. Equal does not mean the same, however. Men and women are given different responsibilities, in the mortal existence and after. Men were created to lead and provide for their families. Women, on the other hand were created to nurture and help her family. If men and women are not equal- is this to say that providing for the family is more important that nurturing them?
Personally, I think that Heavenly Father does view men and women as equals. Men and women were created to be a team- to support one another, to care for one another in every way possible, and to love one another. I don't think that being smarter or stronger has much to do with it in the eternal perspective, if you ask me.. Cause it isn't really what is important. Is it?
Man and Woman. Are we created equal?
In today's society it is hard to say something without offending anyone.. But I'll do my best. Currently, there is a huge feminist movement going on- that women are equal to men. Some religious groups do not believe this. They believe that women were created for the sole purpose of supporting men, and that men are - in all ways- superior. So, what is the truth?
Let's turn to doctorine.
In "The Family: A Proclamation to the World", it first covers ALL individuals. It states:
"All human beings—male and female—are created in the image of God. Each is a beloved spirit son or daughter of heavenly parents, and, as such, each has a divine nature and destiny. Gender is an essential characteristic of individual premortal, mortal, and eternal identity and purpose."
Later, it states:
"By divine design, fathers are to preside over their families in love and righteousness and are responsible to provide the necessities of life and protection for their families. Mothers are primarily responsible for the nurture of their children. In these sacred responsibilities, fathers and mothers are obligated to help one another as equal partners."
So, according to this piece of doctrine, it is pretty clear that men and women are equal- that they were created for one another in order to help one another in their different responsibilities. Honestly, this entire article below I found fascinating- but this woman quoted something from "Priesthood and Church Government" by John A. Widstoe-
“Women of a congregation … may be wiser, far greater in mental powers, even greater in actual power of leadership than the men who preside over them. That signifies nothing. The Priesthood is not bestowed on the basis of mental power but is given to good men and they exercise it by right of divine gift, called upon by the leaders of the Church. Woman has her gift of equal magnitude” (Priesthood and Church Government, Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1954, p. 90).
And finally, plain and simple, let's take it from the bible.. I don't think we can get more basic than Genesis, so that is where I'm going to pull from. In Genesis 1:26, it states "... and let them have dominion", in 1:28 it states the same thing. If men were meant to dominate over women- why would he have stated (more than once) this simple, yet overlooked, detail? Not to mention, let's be honest- a lot of times in the bible when it says "man" or "men" it means "the human race". That is common sense, and we should all be careful to not over think it.
Anyway, these all make an important point. Heavenly father looks upon all of us equally- that is fact. Equal does not mean the same, however. Men and women are given different responsibilities, in the mortal existence and after. Men were created to lead and provide for their families. Women, on the other hand were created to nurture and help her family. If men and women are not equal- is this to say that providing for the family is more important that nurturing them?
Personally, I think that Heavenly Father does view men and women as equals. Men and women were created to be a team- to support one another, to care for one another in every way possible, and to love one another. I don't think that being smarter or stronger has much to do with it in the eternal perspective, if you ask me.. Cause it isn't really what is important. Is it?
Thursday, July 5, 2012
Frustration- and Setting the Record Straight
Alright, let's get serious for a moment. I really just feel that it is kind of necessary, being a convert of the church, to clear the air on a few things.
Yes, my relationship with my husband Seth began around the same time that I started investigating the church. Had it not been for him, I wouldn't have been questioning or taking lessons or anything.. So, this leads many to think that I am only a member of the church BECAUSE of him.. In fact, for fourth of July, we decided to visit some family. Now, my family tends to drink.. often. Some of my family decided to try and get me to take drinks. One of them even said "seth will never know, just take one drink". Obviously, I was turning this family member down.. When she told another family member that I was a member of the LDS church, this other family member looked at seth with that whole.. "what did you DO?" look. Now, though I am not mad at these family members, this simply just reminded me of the struggles I had when first converting to the church- and all the backlash I heard from other various friends and family.
First of all, let me point something out: Saying that I only converted because of Seth also says a couple things about me personally. Number 1, it says that I'll do anything to keep a guys attention. Number 2, it says that I can't think for myself. And finally, number 3, it says that I don't have the confidence to keep looking for another guy who I can truly be myself with..
Obviously, if it wasn't for Seth, I probably would have never even taken a second look at the church. However, my relationship with him and my relationship with Seth have nothing to do with one another- other than how moved I was at seeing him before and after his mission, and how much I admired how devoted he was to the church.
I am not a blind follower of faith. I did so much reading, research, reflection- you name it- outside of Seth, and I know in my heart this church is true. I know that if I had investigated the church and not become a member, Seth and I would still be married. (As he sits here telling me how he was about to ask me out before I even gave the church a thought). ALSO I want to point out that when I started investigating the church, I was dating someone else.
Look, my faith is a huge part of my marriage. However, my marriage is not the result of blind faith. I truly love and believe in this church. Why? Because I felt it, for myself. Not because anyone led me to it.
And, whether or not people believe me when I say all of this- those of you that knew me before and after know how much this church and this faith have changed me. And, you know how much happier and fulfilled I am...
Just some food for thought.
Yes, my relationship with my husband Seth began around the same time that I started investigating the church. Had it not been for him, I wouldn't have been questioning or taking lessons or anything.. So, this leads many to think that I am only a member of the church BECAUSE of him.. In fact, for fourth of July, we decided to visit some family. Now, my family tends to drink.. often. Some of my family decided to try and get me to take drinks. One of them even said "seth will never know, just take one drink". Obviously, I was turning this family member down.. When she told another family member that I was a member of the LDS church, this other family member looked at seth with that whole.. "what did you DO?" look. Now, though I am not mad at these family members, this simply just reminded me of the struggles I had when first converting to the church- and all the backlash I heard from other various friends and family.
First of all, let me point something out: Saying that I only converted because of Seth also says a couple things about me personally. Number 1, it says that I'll do anything to keep a guys attention. Number 2, it says that I can't think for myself. And finally, number 3, it says that I don't have the confidence to keep looking for another guy who I can truly be myself with..
Obviously, if it wasn't for Seth, I probably would have never even taken a second look at the church. However, my relationship with him and my relationship with Seth have nothing to do with one another- other than how moved I was at seeing him before and after his mission, and how much I admired how devoted he was to the church.
I am not a blind follower of faith. I did so much reading, research, reflection- you name it- outside of Seth, and I know in my heart this church is true. I know that if I had investigated the church and not become a member, Seth and I would still be married. (As he sits here telling me how he was about to ask me out before I even gave the church a thought). ALSO I want to point out that when I started investigating the church, I was dating someone else.
Look, my faith is a huge part of my marriage. However, my marriage is not the result of blind faith. I truly love and believe in this church. Why? Because I felt it, for myself. Not because anyone led me to it.
And, whether or not people believe me when I say all of this- those of you that knew me before and after know how much this church and this faith have changed me. And, you know how much happier and fulfilled I am...
Just some food for thought.
Saturday, June 30, 2012
My temple experience (Plus the whole trip!)
Well, now that I am recovering from the exhaustion of the trip, I thought I'd share a little bit with you guys.
During the trip, Seth took me to see "Wicked" the musical. Best. Show. Ever. Not only was the music absolutely fantastic, the acting was perfect. You could definitely tell that the actresses playing were having a great time on stage, and their improvisation was impeccable. I absolutely have never been to a better musical- what a great night that we had!
We also had a chance to go to Disney with the family- which was SO much fun and awesome. Need I say more?
Onto the temple-
Now, I had never been inside of a temple, so the whole experience was mind-boggling. First of all, when you look at the temple it just looks like a huge castle. If you can believe it, I will tell you that the inside is even more gorgeous! Without going into too much detail, the entire experience was amazing. I felt like such a princess, preparing to be sealed to my husband for time and all eternity.
To be honest, before going into the temple- I was absolutely convinced that when I got in there I was just going to be overcome with emotion, and have some sort of huge spiritual revelation. However, this did not happen for me- (as it does for some). Instead, my feelings were much more subtle, and they were something that I had to realize I was having, rather than something that I was being overcome by.
I realized that as soon as I entered that temple, I had never (and I do mean never) felt so at peace. I was calm, I was comfortable, and I was so happy. My stress was lessened and it truly felt like I was in the presence of Heavenly Father. In a word, I would describe my feelings as "complete". There were times where I was simply thinking, "why don't I feel nervous?", "why am I so calm?", "why am I not freaking out right now?" And the answer for me, is, when you are truly taking the steps that you are supposed to take, Heavenly Father calms all of these emotions... at least for me.
This trip to the temple truly strengthened my testimony in a way that I never would have imagined. I am so thankful that I got the opportunity to go and be sealed to Seth (yes, I am still getting that goofy little grin at just the thought). I cannot wait to go back to the temple and experience this all over again!. After my experience in the temple, I have been given a calm, still confidence that everything is going to turn out alright. Of course, I still stress (anyone that knows me knows that I do), but I have become less likely to be completely overcome by my daily worries. More often than my freakouts, I have that same feeling of "it'll all turn out"- which is something that is priceless!
During the trip, Seth took me to see "Wicked" the musical. Best. Show. Ever. Not only was the music absolutely fantastic, the acting was perfect. You could definitely tell that the actresses playing were having a great time on stage, and their improvisation was impeccable. I absolutely have never been to a better musical- what a great night that we had!
We also had a chance to go to Disney with the family- which was SO much fun and awesome. Need I say more?
Onto the temple-
Now, I had never been inside of a temple, so the whole experience was mind-boggling. First of all, when you look at the temple it just looks like a huge castle. If you can believe it, I will tell you that the inside is even more gorgeous! Without going into too much detail, the entire experience was amazing. I felt like such a princess, preparing to be sealed to my husband for time and all eternity.
To be honest, before going into the temple- I was absolutely convinced that when I got in there I was just going to be overcome with emotion, and have some sort of huge spiritual revelation. However, this did not happen for me- (as it does for some). Instead, my feelings were much more subtle, and they were something that I had to realize I was having, rather than something that I was being overcome by.
I realized that as soon as I entered that temple, I had never (and I do mean never) felt so at peace. I was calm, I was comfortable, and I was so happy. My stress was lessened and it truly felt like I was in the presence of Heavenly Father. In a word, I would describe my feelings as "complete". There were times where I was simply thinking, "why don't I feel nervous?", "why am I so calm?", "why am I not freaking out right now?" And the answer for me, is, when you are truly taking the steps that you are supposed to take, Heavenly Father calms all of these emotions... at least for me.
This trip to the temple truly strengthened my testimony in a way that I never would have imagined. I am so thankful that I got the opportunity to go and be sealed to Seth (yes, I am still getting that goofy little grin at just the thought). I cannot wait to go back to the temple and experience this all over again!. After my experience in the temple, I have been given a calm, still confidence that everything is going to turn out alright. Of course, I still stress (anyone that knows me knows that I do), but I have become less likely to be completely overcome by my daily worries. More often than my freakouts, I have that same feeling of "it'll all turn out"- which is something that is priceless!
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