June 23- Heading Home

Jody and I were trying to go to the Oakland temple and it was closed. We ate another hands down delicious breakfast, this time in Berkley. We walked around and hit a paper store where Jody found a fanny pack with a light. He is my person. I love to do things with him. Forgiveness and growth are possible.

Pain is also very present still. At the temple I was very distraught. I mourn what should have been and what was covenanted and broken. It's ok to have happiness and pain. It's ok to reflect and be sad about the past. It's also ok to move forward and keep trying and find out that you are strong and resilient. That you have so much to learn. That every experience is to teach you and help you become who God has destined you to be.

You are never alone in your suffering. You may not see them, but angels surround you and weep with you. And they dry your tears and help you up. And The Savior takes your chin gently in His loving hands and helps you remember how very special and how very loved you are.

 

Oct. 7- I love to see the Temple

Sometimes you just need to go to the temple. Ella waited for us and read scriptures. 

Scriptures that we felt impressed on there were Joshua 1:18 "Be strong and of good courage" 

and John 8:14 "I know whence I came and whither I go"

I have a firm testimony that we are beloved children of our Heavenly Father and Mother. We came from our home above and will return when we are done. The temple is a place where we can make covenants and feel the love from our divine parents. I'm so grateful to be able to go there and know these truths. My life has so much meaning knowing my purpose.

 

Sept. 6- A Day of Worship

I don't know how I had a day to myself, but I took it and ran! Straight to the temple.

I got a beautiful new painting and some church books and felt so uplifted. I felt the spirit strongly in the temple and know that it's The Lord's house. I been feeling more and more strength as I go. The Reno temple has been closed for months now and this was just the pick me up I needed.

 

May 7- Special Sealings

I sealed my mother to her parents today. It was so special and overwhelming. I feel so grateful to my mother and Yaiya and all they gave me. They taught me about God. They taught me how to love others. They taught me generosity and patience. I can't even adequately mention how much I love them and the influence they had on me. They made me who I am. I saw them and wanted to be just like them. To know they are together forever is overwhelming. I am so grateful to God for His divine plan. 

 

Oct. 26- Car crashes with Air Bags and Church Trunk or Treat

I do ok with not panicking when the fire department calls, but it takes me a good few minutes of deep breathing to stay calm. While we were at the church trunk or treat with our neighbors, Maria and Saul were driving for snacks to Raley's. Nina always goes, but this time she didn't. No one can tell me that God's hand was not in this miracle. He absolutely watched over our children and it was according to His plan that they would be safe. We know that won't always be the case, but our hearts are full of gratitude to Him who gives life. As they were driving in the intersection, they were T-boned by an elderly man, the passenger back side hit badly and Saul's air bags going off. The car was totaled. 

The elderly man did not apologize and was very cross with Maria and Saul. They were in the cold for quite a while, the whole thing took 2 hours. We took them to the ER because air bags went off. Maria was very shaken. She was, rightly, upset that the man wouldn't apologize. Emotions were high. We talked about (she asked me, otherwise I would have left it alone) why I didn't want to sue the man. I told her that if she felt she needed that, we would do what we could within our means to sue him. Also, I can't live my life in bitterness. There have been many people who have wronged me and never apologized. My happiness is not based on others choices. I choose to forgive. I choose to live with peace. I choose to follow The Savior who said to love and not condemn. I know everyone has their own story and that my job is not to judge, but serve as a covenant keeping child of God.

On the way home, we were all tired. Jody was still at the ER with Saul and Christina, Maria had been in the pediatrics unit because she was under 18. It was dark and we took pyramid. A drunk driver started hitting the median and came into our lane, coming 55 mph head on for collision. There was a car next to me, but I knew I would have to hit it to avoid dying. Maria was shouting, Why is this happening!! Miracles still exist. We didn't hit the car next to us, we were kept safe, and fortunately no one behind us was hit as the driver swerved back into his lane.

God loves us. He is always by us. It's hard accepting that bad things happen, but I know no matter what, Heavenly Father will help us through anything. This past 2 years I never imagined what I would have to endure and what true pain and anguish feels like... but through it all He has held me, supported me, given me the tools I need to find peace and happiness. He has blessed my heart to forgive and be humble. I'm grateful for this experience and the reminder of His power in our lives. Prayers are light.

 

July 12- Family Reunion Start!!

Never been in 112 degree weather and was very happy our car didn't break down. We headed to the bay area with Ella a little sick, with a yucky cough, but hoping that it would go away. It was quite the peaceful trip down as Jody had Maria and I had Eli and Ella. We made it to the Oakland Temple and did baptisms where my mom and dad were married and sealed. They remodeled the temple and it was so peaceful on the grounds and inside. The majority of the workers were Polynesian and Black. It was nice to be in our whites.

God knows us individually. Jody's babysitter from when he was a little boy in Washington was there in the waiting room with her family. Jody walked the grounds with Ella and took her to the visitor center. I did sealings while Maria and Eli did baptisms. It was sacred. I had the celestial room all to myself and could feel the comfort and peace of God with me. I read my scriptures and felt like I was being taught from on high. It was the perfect way to start our trip.

Ella was getting tired, but we needed to eat and so we put our names on a Greek restaurant's waiting list. While we waited we walked downtown and stumbled upon their Pride festival. Nothing like temples and pride all in the same day. All are our brothers and sisters and we are to love freely and judge no one.

Everyone feel asleep on the final distance to Aunty Pam's. We caught the most beautiful sunset on our drive over the Richmond Bridge. God is a creator and we are so grateful for His love and watching care in our lives.