Coincidences

I woke up feeling as though I aged. Now when I look in the mirror its as though I am really 25 instead of the 20 – 21 that most people guess. I didn’t realize that learning a new language would cause such an unfortunate outcome!

Well Melanie is in the hospital. We bought her some freezies because she is not able to open her mouth to eat a lot because her throat is so swollen and in pain when she swallows. It’s a good thing we bought them because that is all she has been able to eat! Last night she went to the hospital at about 3:00 a.m. and they are keeping her there for a few days at least. She will most likely be getting her tonsils out! Poor thing. I feel as though my sleeping patterns are going insanely crazy and I am always feeling so tired. I need to eat a big juicy bloody steak maybe to get some more iron in me!

So a thank you goes out to Dane Owens for sharing a scripture with me found in Doctrine and Covenants 90:15 “And set in order the churches, and study and learn, and become acquainted with all good books, and with languages, tongues and people.” I guess this is what I am trying to do but I didn’t realize it was found in the scriptures. It has got me thinking a lot about WHY I am here and has definitely motivated me to give more and try harder. So thanks;)

It’s a beautiful Sunday afternoon. The sun is shining, there is no snow (not like at home from what I hear!!) and I am listening to Heavensong, the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. It’s a really nice CD. I am feeling more motivated today to learn this language and to do it because I know I am supposed to be here. Have you ever wondered if coincidences are really coincidences?? Is it a coincidence that I was asked to train Vanessa 3 years ago at this time in the mission? Is it a coincidence that for the past few years the desire to learn French has been growing in me? Well, who am I to say? All I know is that I for one do not think there is any coincidences, unless you count liking the same kind of cereal as someone else. I think back on my life and cannot help but be grateful now for what seemed to be hard times and really odd experiences in my life. We cannot always see the end from the beginning and we are not supposed to. How much would I love to see the end from the beginning though!!

I guess I just want to invite anyone who is reading this today to think about where Heavenly Father has led you in your life, express gratitude and look for the little “coincidences” around you knowing that you are fully in the Lord’s hands.

While I was serving with Sister Gessati on my mission, she gave me this little “mormonad” with the title of IN HIS HANDS. I actually love this so much that I take it everywhere with me when I move. It is on the wall by my bed as I write this. Although worn and maybe a little faded, this stands as a huge reminder of the Savior’s love for me. He has literally engraven me into His hands. You may pause and wonder- “yeah of course He has, but I don’t feel it is for me…”

Well I am here to tell you that it is for you. If the Savior knows who I am…a random girl from Canada who seems to need a lot of direction and help. A girl who has lived in many cities, had many jobs, dated a lot of guys, attended different universities, made way too many mistakes, changed her major more than she’d have liked, yelled at her brother, fought with her friends, a girl who has felt complete joy, a never ending pit of sorrow, and hope for something more in life, then you can be assured HE KNOWS YOU.

He doesn’t pick favourites like we do.

So trust Him. What better hands could we ask to be in?