Weekly Roundup

This week I have been focusing on things that make me happy! Here is a roundup of my favorite things from this week including pictures, quotes, and even some songs. 

First, my sounds of the summer are 80's music along with some Dolly Parton. Here are my favorite songs at the moment because I feel like we need to hear them right now. 

I watched a devotional that Meg Johnson was the host of, but it had Elaine Dalton, Tim Ballard, and Britain Covey as the speakers. One of them mentioned that one of the general authorities had said Heavenly Father and the Savior are not waiting for the world to be more wicked for the second coming, but they are waiting for their people to be more righteous. This is a trial period (and sometimes it feels like our winds in life are relentless, unceasing, and stronger than we are), but those winds are either making people fall over and give up or strengthening them. I am hoping to be the latter. 

This week I have also been putting what matters most first. Has anyone else realized the Come Follow Me lesson for this week is 10 chapters?! Yikes. But, I have been doing my scripture study every day and reserving time in my day for it. 

I love this following quote because you always hear people say to take a leap of faith. But, that's scary. I know I am not always ready or willing to leap. This quote is asking for a simple step. Just one step in the right direction isn't so scary. I can handle a step. 

My volunteer and her therapy dog were spotlighted on Children's Twitter account, and Ryan Seacrest actually retweeted it with a comment saying how his dog was their biggest fan! I don't always feel like I am doing the best I can at my job right now because it is completely different than it should be, but I am still working on virtual opportunities for my volunteers. A special thank you goes out to each of them for continuing to make life better for children even through the crazy. 

In the same devotional I mentioned earlier, Meg Johnson was commenting on something someone had said, and she mentioned how in heaven we made covenants with the Lord. We knew what our lives would be like, and because we had so much love for our Heavenly Father and Savior we said, "Yes! Send me!!" We didn't have the adversary there to scare us or tell us it was all too hard. Now that he has power over us we have to outlast him and his influences while searching for and holding fast to a more eternal perspective. 

I got to go visit Merrywood with my mom, Ashley, and Lisa this past weekend. It was really special since the school is up for sale now. I dropped off a copy of the magnolia picture I drew and a poem I wrote for Mrs. Ogden. I also took a picture of the bell on top of the school, and Mrs. Fitz is going to frame it for Mrs. Ogden's house!

These two just make my heart happy. Every time I lean back they attack with kisses! In this instance, Clark even brought Dragon for kisses. They're kind of my favorite. 

I have always loved this painting, but with the description from the artist I love it even more. These forces "persist impossibly." I am thankful because heaven knows I need all the help I can get!!

A message from our beloved prophet went out this week. "The road ahead may be bumpy, but our destination is serene and secure." 

This is from my scripture study this week. In a time of turmoil I loved the blessing from Alma and know it continues to bless our country today. I love the last line of this quote from President Benson: "God grant that the faithfulness of the Latter Day Saints will provide the balance of power to save this nation in time of crisis." I think this is another witness that the second coming is not based on the wickedness of the people but the faithfulness of the saints. 

Last but not least for this week is this quote. As long as you are trying, you are doing better than you think you are. I have to tell myself to believe in myself, and hopefully this will inspire others to do the same. 

Lots of love goes out to everyone this week. I hope this brings some inspiration, hope, and strength to whomever may read it.