"Finding Joy in Life"

Lately I realized I have been seeking happiness in the wrong places. I absolutely love doing crafts and am a home decor enthusiast (even though my home projects don't always turn out "picture perfect"). I simply love being able to create something from random things. Well although this hobby of mine is quite fun and can entertain me for some time, it can also get a little pricey. I have been finding ways to still be able to create new projects without spending too much money, however on one part time income, any amount of money spent on something you really don't need can quickly become "too much money". I started to realize that I was depending too much of my happiness on external things rather than realizing the tremendous blessings that bring vast happiness all around me.

I then kept feeling like I needed to look up Richard G. Scott. I came across his talk titled, Finding Joy in Life that he gave in 1996. He simply said, "You are here on earth for a divine purpose. It is not to be endlessly entertained or to be constantly in full pursuit of pleasure. You are here to be tried, to prove yourself so that you can receive the additional blessings that God has in store for you." Wow, did that hit me hard. I continued to read and there was one part in his talk that particularly stuck out to me. He describes little children and how they teach us to find joy under even the most challenging circumstances. They don't concentrate on things they don't have, but rather find joy in what is available to them. He describes a little boy giggling with glee while playing with a few simple pop cans, fishing string and a river bank. He says, "Simple rejuvenating experiences surround us. They can be safety valves to keep tension down and the spirit up."

As Elder Scott described children in this manner, I was taken back. I have a bachelor's degree in Family, Consumer and Human Development with a double emphasis in Family and Community Services and Child Development, I've taught preschool for two years and I am extremely passionate about teaching children to create something from "nothing". Essentially teaching them to find joy in what is all around us. However, I realized as I listened to this talk that I was the one who wasn't listening to what I teach. I was placing joy on material things, spending money for date night, getting treats, having a "pinterest worthy" home, worrying about what my clothes looked like etc. Then I started to think about finding joy in what is available to me. What is available to me? I have an incredible husband who works hard so that I can be home with our daughter. I have the cutest 4 1/2 month old in the entire world that I get to wake up to as she makes cooing sounds each morning. I have an amazing support system. All of my needs are met. The list goes on and on. Do we really take time to discover each day how beautiful our lives can be like Elder Scott asks? Although we live in a world that has a lot of flaws, we also live in a world that is extremely beautiful, filled with beautiful people.

I think finding joy in life, is taking the time to recognize what you DO have and thanking a loving God for the beauty that is all around us.

This is a clock I had in my bathroom that stopped working, so naturally I turned it into a craft project for Livy's room inspired by Richard G. Scott's Talk.. It's not perfect, but I absolutely love it!

Why "Rays of Bliss"?

I've decided to start a blog to record lives "Rays of Bliss". One of my favorite things to witness is when the sun rays shine through the clouds just after a storm. I stare in awe as I realize that the sun was never really gone through the storm, just like our Heavenly Father and Savior Jesus Christ are always there for us. There are so many times in life when I fail to recognize the Lord's hand in my life during difficult trials or circumstances, but when I look back at my life after the trial is past, I realize that He was there all along. I know that He loves me and has a plan for me. That special moment of  seeing the rays of the sun break through the clouds, when I see the beauty and light amidst the storm, reminds me of when I finally submit my will to the Lord and see the tender mercies all around me. He does not leave us comfortless.

Life is an interesting journey, one that is not shared alone. I am grateful to have grown up in a wonderful loving family with five siblings and two incredible parents. These people are my role models. My family and I are spread across five different states in the U.S. and Ruben and I are hopefully moving in a year (finger's crossed) for medical school.

Here are all of my siblings and a few spouses at mine and Ruben's wedding day.

 Now that I have a husband and daughter of my own, we are experiencing our own little family adventures. I wanted to record "ah ha" moments, tender mercies, joys, overcoming obstacles, and new adventures. I hope you enjoy reading about our little daily life's adventures that may be similar to your own.

My Cute Livy Girl