finding peace

I woke up this morning feeling overwhelmed and anxious.

Yes, some of it might be because I didn't wake up with my alarm and had to forego my gym time, which is especially a bummer after the peanut butter oreo shake last night.  It could be because it is crunch time at work.  I am sure a lot of it is trying to find a teaching job in Minnesota and filling out application after application.  Maybe it is because my wedding is 37 days away and I still have so much to do. (Real fast though - I am getting married in 37 days!!  Ahhhhh!  I am so so happy and so ready to just be married to Ashton already!)

Most of it this anxiety though, has come from Monday's Boston Marathon bombings.  Since Monday, my heart has been filled with sadness, fear, and worry.  As I watched video clips of the scene, it didn't seem possible that it was happening here, in my home.  I have been glued to updates.  This particular article made me realize the impact of this act.  It ends by saying, "Nothing will be the same."  This is another event that will be added to history books and remembered in the hearts of Americans for forever.

Needless to say, this morning I needed some peace brought to my troubled heart.

As I have talked to Ashton, my parents, his parents, and my friends about the all that is happening around the world and within our own lives, I can't say enough how grateful I am for the gospel.  Knowing that there is more than this life, that I have a Savior, that my Heavenly Father loves me, and that we have a living prophet guiding us here, right now, fills every inch of me with hope, joy, peace, and strength.

I also want to say that there is peace to be found at the temple.  Over the last few weeks, I have been able to strengthen my testimony of the temple, of the work that happens there as well as the peace that overcomes you as you are there.  Just being on temple grounds calms the soul.

Two weekends ago, we had General Conference.  General Conference is a semiannual gathering for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in which we get to listen to Church leaders counsel and guide us.  All of the talks are available to watch or listen to here.  If you are seeking inspiration, answers to prayers, or feelings of peace and comfort, this is the place to go.

Every morning, as I get ready for work, I try to listen to at least one talk.  This morning I listened to  Elder Quentin L. Cook's "Personal Peace: The Reward of Righteousness." It was just what I needed. At the beginning, Elder Cook addresses the tragic Sandy Hook shootings.  He said, "Events often occur that rob us of peace and heighten our sense of vulnerability."  I really could quote the whole thing, because all of it is wonderful, so please read it.  Read it now.  Read it when your heart is sad.  Read it when you want to feel your Saviors love.

I will finish the post with one last quote from Elder Cook's talk.

"We all long for peace. Peace is not just safety or lack of war, violence, conflict, and contention. Peace comes from knowing that the Savior knows who we are and knows that we have faith in Him, love Him, and keep His commandments, even and especially amid life’s devastating trials and tragedies."