And Another Thought...

You may remember sometime last summer I posted a little something about how my perspective on life has somehow changed and I said that I would continue on another thought later. Well almost one year later I intend to fulfil that promise. So strap yourself in and let's get started!

While contemplating my unexplainable happiness (For a refresh-er, check out my blog and either click on "contemplations" or go to August 08 2009) and my desire to want to share it, the thought occurred to me that self-discovery might have something to do with it. It's like listening to a friend's problem. The answer may be obvious to you but no matter how many times you explain it to your friend they won't understand it. Some things you "get" to find out for yourself.

I belong to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. This means I'm a mainstream Mormon. (NOT polygamist) I have often been told that we're here on earth to get bodies and that life is a test. Although this my be true, it's never been quite satisfactory for me. If God is all knowing, then why does he "test" something that he already knows the answer to? I'd like to take this a step further. I think this life is more about self-discovery.

A missionary might be able to relate to what I'm trying to say. If you just tell someone about the gospel and just say it's try you're not going to get very far. There is a reason why we are asked do have personal prayer and study. An investigator is asked to read the scriptures themselves. I'm sure conversion would not be as effective if the missionaries just read the scriptures to them. Would artifacts be as precious if we didn't have to look and dig for them? Would love be as cherished if it was shoved down our throats?

It's difficult me for me to put my thoughts into words. Sometimes I wounder if I was more eloquent if I'd be able to be more inspirational, but lame man terms are better when it comes to explaining things. Are you picking up when I'm laying down? Is it a lost cause? Maybe I'm barking up the wrong tree. Maybe, just maybe, this is something you'll just have to find out for yourself. What do you think?

God speed!

Just to Put it Out There

I know the last post was pretty silly but here's something a little more... thoughtful.
I've had something on my mind for a couple months now so I'm going to let it get some air and post it here on my blog. Maybe then I will be able to sleep better. (By the way, the comments are working. Just so you know.)
If you don't want to read it I understand. It may get a little deep. Maybe some of you are not ready for something like this. Or maybe you may be thinking, "What would a 16 know?" Whatever your reason, it's okay not to read this. You've been warned.
I have had random bursts of happiness for no reason whatsoever, but it's usually just that. A burst, a moment, a spasm. But recently I have been happy for no reason. Just feel like smiling and making everyone else happy. I see things like I never had before, as if I have woken up with someone else's eyes. I've never seen the mountains like I do now. They are AMAZING!!!! I've lived here in Utah my whole life and I still find the mountains and the canyons breathtaking. I can't just glance up at the sky any more. I have to stop and stare. I see people differently too. I have no idea how to explain it. I don't think it's because I 'm getting older or more mature (goodness knows if that will ever happen). I've always had the gospel in my life so that can't be it. I've pretty much always known who I am (daughter of God, etc.)
I think I've found the secret to happiness. I just don't know what it is. The way I explained it to my older brother Bryn (he's serving a mission in England for our church) is that my mind knows something, it's just not telling me it. (This really is hard to explain which is probably why it's taken so long for me to put this out there.)
I want to share this happiness with everyone! If only I knew what it was. But then I realize something. I think self-discovery has a lot to do with it. I think I may save that for another post. (of course, what would a 16 years old know. I warned you.)