Nothing says “I Love You” better than chocolate. These are Michelle’s favorite- Belgium milk chocolate bars from Trader Joe’s. I had initially planned to get just three packs (3 per pack). But now I am glad I purchased all four packs so I would have enough letters for my love note.

Where will God take your life in the coming months and years? Indeed we must plan ahead but since we are to live by faith, we are not given a detailed view of our future path. As one of our favorite hymns expresses, “I do not ask to see the distant scene- one step enough for me.” When driving a car in the dark of night, we can see as far as our headlights shine- but no further. But this is enough to get us to the next part of our journey where we will again be given illumination for the next step. Such are the Lord’s ways as we try to live by faith, trusting Him that our view to the next step is enough and that He will do His part to help us reach the destination we truly seek, to arrive back in His presence.

July 25, 2012

It is easy to feel that the most beautiful in life is somewhere else- in a neighboring state, along the coastline, in an exotic country. God has sprinkled His beauty throughout this world and beyond. Yet many times, there are wonders to behold right where we are- in our own backyard… or even the front yard. Such was the case with this beautiful flower just outside the front door. Its full color and dress were short-lived but its majesty was revealed long enough to capture this memory. May we open our hearts and minds to God’s grandeur, no matter where we find ourselves.

Knocking at the Front Door

We can list and verbalize what we think is most important in life. But do our daily priorities, the ways we spend our energy and time, correspond with those things we know will bring us true happiness?

President Dieter F. Uchtdorf taught, “We would do well to slow down a little, proceed at the optimum speed for our circumstances, focus on the significant, lift up our eyes, and truly see the things that matter most…If life and its rushed pace and many stresses have made it difficult for you to feel like rejoicing, then perhaps now is a good time to refocus on what matters most.”

The air around us is filled with radio waves. We are mostly unaware of their presence unless we have a radio receiver and choose to turn on the receiver to appreciate the otherwise invisible broadcasted content.

Similarly there are many evidences of beauty along our daily path that we may not appreciate. We must trust that the beauty is around us, and we must activate our senses to find the hidden gems.

Tulips are beautiful flowers but I have always viewed them from the outside and never bothered to look inside. Last night I noticed the inside of this tulip, finding this colorful display of textures and patterns.