Realizing I have probably said this before I would like to share it again. Everyday I learn something new about myself, see myself grow, and have a new realization about my life. It is so fun to be in tune with the spirit on a level I have never reached before. I always laugh and tell people that I just talk out loud to myself but, seriously when I do this I come up with the best answers to my questions or worries for that day. My most current worries came from me being asked to speak to the youth in our ward about my experiences the last few months and why temples are so important to me.
Now some may say "What!? Isn't that to soon to be asked to share something like that?" which is a natural first reaction. But, I will share with you why I am 100% ok with this. A few weeks ago I was up north visiting my family and I kept thinking I need to write down thoughts and experiences because I am going to get asked to speak, teach a lesson or something! Now I am not the kind of person that would think this EVER! So I knew immediately this was the Holy Ghost prepping me. The next week I had a meeting with my bishop and like a rookie I told him how I had been feeling and asked him what the deal was! He chuckled and said "I will tell you why you have been feeling that way and I wasn't going to bring this up today but, since you did...We are going to the Manti temple for youth conference this year and I have been thinking about having you come and speak to the young men and young women." Now my "old self" would have been completely terrified of the thought! Me!? Molding the minds of these young people!? HAHA But, shockingly enough I was excited! I love the youth of our ward they are soooo amazing and strong. I literally couldn't wait to share my testimony with them! Now before I mentioned "worries" I was not scared to be in front of them and speak no, I was worried because I didn't know how to organize everything in a way they could gain the most from my experiences, thoughts, and testimony. I had plenty to share it was just getting it out in a way they could relate to and connect with that seemed to be my biggest challenge.
Sunday came around and off we went! It was such an amazing experience for me and such a healing one! I had about a page and a half of notes in my journal that was kind of my outline and let the Holy Ghost guide me on what to say from there. It was great for me because in prepping for that night I grew even closer to my Heavenly Father as I prayed for his guidance, help and company so I could do my very best for those kids! I truly hope I was able to share something they needed.
"Your continuing exercise of faith will forge strength of character available to you in times of critical need. Such character is not developed in moments of great challenge or temptation. That is when it is used."
One night I was reading old text messages between Dallin and I from about a year ago. I came upon one that had a link attached to it and the text said "Honey! We need to read this together!" Now I do not recall sending this message as it was so long ago but, I am sure glad I did. Because in doing so I was an answer to my own prayers! That was pretty cool. The link was to a talk titled Living a Life of Peace, Joy and Purpose By Elder Richard G. Scott. This talk has been on of the single best things I have ever read my entire life! It was so meant for me! The quote above is found in this talk and I encourage everyone to read the words of a beloved disciple of God. My greatest tools and strength comes from reading the words of our Latter-Day prophets and leaders. It is quite amazing I can just pull up and conference talk or search lds.org and be given a multitude of talks, video's and testimonies to lead me and guide me. Take advantage of the many avenues the wonderful church has provided for us and learn all you can!
https://www.lds.org/ensign/2014/02/living-a-life-of-peace-joy-and-purpose?lang=eng&cid=facebook-shared
I am excited for what the future holds for little Levi and I. He is such a blessing and soooo dang cute!
I have not blogged in a very long time and I have started this post many times. I would like to share experiences and moments from my life with anyone that would like to hear about it. I believe that I have had these experiences and I need to share them. I need people to hear what I have to say because maybe I can help them through a hard time in their life. Maybe I can be an instrument in the Lord's hands.
The past year has been a life changing one. Dallin and I were moving forward with our lives and so excited for all that was coming our way!(Baby Levi) In November of 2014 my whole world changed. Dallin suffered a traumatic brain injury causing him to pass away. Even as I type those words it is still hard to understand that it is a reality. I would like to share with you an impression I had the day I learned of Britton Ship and his family. He is a young man that also suffered a brain injury and was in a coma like Dallin. When I was told Britton's story and learned the similarities of our circumstances I was saddened and my heart broke. Now my heart broke because in that moment, that very brief yet oh so powerful moment I knew Britton would be the one coming back to us and I would have to say goodbye to my dear sweet husband. As quickly as I had this thought I pushed it from my mind because I wanted both of us to have the grand success story. I thought having that thought meant I was lacking faith in the Lord's ability to heal our loved ones. As most are very aware our journey in the ICU ended after 13 days. Over that time the Lord worked with me and helped me understand what I now know from the deepest part of my heart, Dallin was not meant to be here any longer. I truly appreciate all of Britton's success. I remember how exciting it felt just to see Dallin move his toes. I have witnessed many tender mercies and our dear Heavenly Father has truly been by my side.
Dallin was riding his horse working the cows right along side his dad and this was truly what he loved to do. My dear sweet husband lived a full and honest life!! He cared for others and shared his testimony often with those around him. He made me a better person every single day. I love Dallin James Hunt with all of my heart and I know that he loves me! I love that feeling, knowing that you are so very loved is the best thing EVER! :) People tell me that I am so strong for going through this trial but, I need everyone to know that it is truly my Heavenly Father that has given me strength. The trick is to have an open mind and heart to receive the comfort and guidance from Him that I count on everyday. Truth is I believe my Heavenly Father has been with me 100% because I have asked him to be with me and help me. There are experiences I have had that at the time I may not have known but, Heavenly Father was preparing me for this trial. In my heart I know that Dallin and I were meant to be together. We share a love that is unmatched and guess what, we are sealed for time and all eternity. I get to be with him forever!! How exciting and wonderful that is to me! I will live a full and happy life here on earth and at the end I will be greeted by my one true love! Baby Levi and I are doing good! Everyday presents a new challenge to face and overcome yet everyday something occurs to help build my confidence and strength back so I can over come those challenges. I guess I felt I need to share this with you so you know the Lord hears and answers our prayers. Some answers are not always what we want or expect but, he ALWAYS gives an answer. I have personally learned this lesson and guess what, with the Lord on our side we can truly conquer all things!!
