Fourth of July

Yesterday was busy and I didn't get a chance to update this blog but I am going to take the time now... I am grateful for the freedom that we have in this great country, for the men and women who are serving and have served this country. I am grateful for the time that we have to celebrate, that we can take the time to spend with friends and family without worrying so much about life. I am grateful for fireworks, parades, smiles, and the Gospel that allows me to more fully understand my purpose. I am grateful for God and his hand in what happens to me on a personal level but also for his hand in what happens in this country. There is evil around us but if we put our trust in God we will not fail. I hope your Independence day celebrations were enjoyable.

I don't know that many people are aware that the Star-Spangled banner has more than one verse (because that is all that is ever sung) but the last verse is my very favorite. I love the message that it conveys. 

"O thus be it ever, when freemen shall stand

 Between their loved home and the war's desolation.

 Blest with vict'ry and peace, may the Heav'n rescued land

 Praise the Power that hath made and preserved us a nation!

 Then conquer we must, when our cause it is just,

 And this be our motto: "in God is our trust."

 And the star-spangled banner in triumph shall wave

 O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave!"

Today I was able to go to my parents ward and I ditched Sunday School for Primary (They have singing time, what's not to love?). The lesson today was about Baptism. To start off the lesson the teacher asked the kids what they knew about baptism. My favorite answer was "It washes all the bugs away". Later she had an object lesson. She asked the kids what they did that they know they should not do and for each thing she put more dirt onto her hand (to later immerse in the water and wash it away) here is some of that conversation...
Her: What do we sometimes do that our parents ask us not to do?
Kid 1: Slapping people in the face.
Kid 2: When I want to slap someone I just grab a pillow.
Kid 3: My parents told me not to pinch anyone.
Kid 4: Unless you are not wearing green!

I am so thankful for children and the humor that they bring to my life! I am also grateful for my earthly father and my Heavenly Father! Happy Father's Day!

THUNDERSTORMS!!! There was a major sky-quaking, rain-drumming on the house storm today. It was so awesome! I definitely changed into shorts and a T-shirt and giddily ran outside to play in it even though it was freezing! (What better way to put off doing my internship things that are due in 2 days??)

Also - I am grateful for LIFE! :) My birthday was Saturday, and this whole weekend was so great! I am alive and get to live every day (the beautiful sunny ones, and the freezing cold rainy ones) with a smile! :) Or try to, at least. I am grateful for the opportunities that I have had lately. Life is wonderful, and my friends and family are amazing.

For my birthday I had a big group of friends come stay the night at my parents' house Friday night, and my parents made us food and everything! They are so great. :) Saturday I just hung out with family. Both sets of grandparents and my sister and her husband came over for a dinner of all my favorite things. Sunday I got 2 callings (relief society pianist - totally called it!.. and indexing committee, which I have purposefully and successfully avoided up until this point, so that is sort of one of those slap in the face ones. But... I am grateful for the opportunity for extra service. It will be really good for me.) After that I drove out to Liberty to spend the rest of that day and the next at another friends' house. We played lots of games, watched movies, didn't sleep nearly enough, and rode 4-wheelers. Life is beautiful, and it just keeps getting better! :)

- Meagan

I am thankful for the church in my life. Today, church was just what I needed to hear. The whole time I was listening and learning from those around me as they shared their experiences. I am grateful for a Father in Heaven who knows of me and knows how to help me to become the best I can be.

This video is not that new but I love it! I am grateful for a Father in Heaven who loves me and is always watching out for me. I am also grateful for the examples that I have in my life whether it be friends or family I am able to see in others these wonderful qualities and be inspired by them.

I went to a talent show for my YSA stake tonight, sat by a lonesome looking boy that I didn't know and struck up a conversation. I decided to be brave and social this summer. (You may laugh thinking that I already am, but it's harder back home for some reason.) Anyway... I talked to several people I didn't know, a few that I haven't seen since high school and a few that I already knew but haven't seen in a while. It is good to be home. :)

Also - when I got home afterward, there was homemade food waiting for me. Sweet and sour chicken and homemade fried rice! My little sister likes cooking, and is really good at it. Here I am sitting in the kitchen eating delicious food and writing about the wonderful things in my life. How can life get better? :)

Today I am grateful for all the great new people that I haven't met yet, and the courage to say hi to them. As well as delicious food that I don't have to make. ;)

I am grateful for the technologies available to me and the way they help me to share the gospel and my beliefs as well as hear from others. I have a good friend from high school who is going through a hard time right now. She recently gave birth to her first child at 25 weeks and her and her husband are such an example of faith to me. They started a Blog to keep people updated on their daughter Kennedy and each post recognizes the role of the Lord in our lives (Here is one post that I think everyone should read).

I also love having email. It is so convenient to get an email from my brother each week telling me of his life and sharing pictures like this one...

My little sister came to me a few nights ago and asked if I want to have nightly prayers and scripture study with her. I feel like I have been struggling to stay on top of both of these things lately. We have only been doing it for 2 nights now, but I love it! We read 1 Nephi chapters 3 and 4 tonight, where Nephi and his brothers go back to get their possessions from Laban.  I loved chapter 4 v. 3 where it says "Ye know that this is true;.... Wherefore can ye doubt?" I feel like a main theme in these chapters was about trusting in God and knowing that he won't give you anything you can't handle,as well as learning to not doubt Him.

Today was stake conference in my home YSA stake. Apparently there were over a thousand people there. It was sort of nuts. But I love seeing that many young people (that many people period!) all gathered in one place just for the Gospel! Love it! My stake president was talking about the scriptures and he said "I've had dark days, weeks, and even months. But each time I open the Book of Mormon, I am filled with light. I am so grateful to know the remedy for fear, loneliness, or anger. It cures me every time. If we truly want to be aligned with our Heavenly Father and feel that peace that He brings, we do it by praying and by reading the holy scriptures." That is so true, and such a wonderful reminder. I know that my new resolution to be better about consistent scripture reading will bless my life. I love this gospel, and I am grateful for the peace that it brings. And I love my little sister. I am grateful that she is such a good example to me. :)

I am grateful for the knowledge that I have of who I am. I am grateful for a Father in Heaven who takes the time to listen to my worries and helps me to solve my problems... Happy Sunday!

I love having a Temple nearby and I am so thankful for the peace it brings me!

This picture was found here