Monday, March 21, 2011

What am I afraid of?

"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Out deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us. It is in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates other." - Nelson Mandela

I've heard this quote so many times, but I don't think I've ever really understood it, or what it meant to me - I'm not sure I ever will, or that it will ever mean the same thing to me in every situation. But for right now, I feel a connection with it, and I know if I don't write my thoughts down now, I won't remember them later.

I guess what I'm feeling is that I know who I am and I know myself very well. I love who I am. I have my flaws, but I love the strengths I've been able to recognize and that others have helped me see. I am passionate....about so many things. There are times, though, that I feel like my passions make me intimidating or cause me to radiate a vibe that says, "I'm intense. Just you try and keep up with me." I don't want to make people feel that way, and maybe I don't. Maybe I've just over-analyzed all of this, but I know one thing for sure - I should never be ashamed of who I am. There's nothing wrong with being passionate - I think it's what brings so much joy to my life. I think what I'm going to do now, though, is learn to "bridle my passions" (We've been told to "liken" the scriptures to us, right?) I want to be passionate and approachable. As I work on letting my own light shine, I hope it helps the people around me let their lights shine, too.

Tuesday, March 15, 2011

Not my will, but Thine

This life is such an incredible experience. I've learned so much about myself, God, and my role in His plan in the last little while. I feel I've caught a glimpse of heaven and what life is like there. It gives me hope for this life, and has helped me realize more and more that life is what you make it. We choose whether or not we want to be happy and our every day choices reflect our attitude and help maintain our state of mind.

Up until this moment, I felt like this life was all about me coming unto Christ and making sure I get back by making and keeping covenants, which it is, but there's so much more to it than that. I think what my calling has taught me about the Plan is that we are meant to seek truth, follow the Savior, and bring as many back with us as we possibly can. Heavenly Father loves me infinitely, but He also loves everyone else, why shouldn't I? It's not all about me anymore - it never really was. I feel llike my blinders have been removed and I can see everything so much more clearly.

When I received the call to be the new branch Relief Society president, I immediately went to work on thinking about all the things I wanted to accomplish and do during my service. Every one of my goals was good, but as I began to study and pray for help in knowing how to successfully accomplish them, I realized that what I wanted for the Relief Socity was important, but not nearly as important as what God wanted for the Relief Society. It's not my Relief Society or my work. It's His and it needs to be done His way. It was a humbling experience for me and I'm so grateful for the reminder. Now all I have to do is make sure I keep that in mind and focus on following the Spirit. That's how I can help the Relief Society become the best it can be. This is His work and I'm only a facilitator.

Buenos Aires Temple Rededication Announced

Buenos Aires Temple Rededication Announced
The first presidency announced the re-dedication of the Buenos Aires Temple in three sessions on the 9 of September. Oh happy day! There will be a public open house from the 4 of August to the 25th of August with the exception of Sundays. Saturday, the 8th of August there will be a cultural event as part of the celebration.

December 2011 & January 2012

December 2011 & January 2012

Hermana Litster is in Argentina!

Hermana Litster is in Argentina!

MTC Photos September- November

MTC Photos September- November