Standing on my soap box.

Religion is such a taboo.

I don't know that there is a bigger one. 

At least for me, my religion has helped me establish guidelines and morals for most topics of discussions. Most topics that many others feel very differently about.

I avoid talking religion with those not of my faith because I get nervous of stepping on toes, hurting feelings, or leading myself into a heated discussion. 

A big part of me is saying "Rach, don't even be scared. At the end of the day God loves you so much for sharing His love and thats all that matters" but another part of me is filled with all those nervous bugs.

I always hear stories of everyone else sharing their beliefs, ideals, and truths.

Beautiful, inspirational, empowering stories.
The real truth is I have been inhibiting myself from even having the opportunity to do the same. 

I realize I do not need to go preach on a street corner, but I need to do something. 

Maybe these little posts are enough? Regardless, missionary work is going on my list of priorities.

One day I'll find the words to express all my beliefs with all of you.
Until then, you can read more about my church here.

You won't regret it.

Have a good day,

Rachel 

p.s. this is the video that inspired this post
my little heart beats for these creative, out of the box missionaries. 

For the beauty of the earth

Today, like 100 other people in Utah, I went on a drive up the alpine loop.
I was geeking out. The wet air, foggy skies, and colorful trees. 

Seriously. It was beautiful. Left me wildly speechless. 

It was a great way to spend my Sunday.

A great way to fill my heart with gratitude for all the work that my Heavenly Father put in to give me a beautiful place to grow, learn, and love. 

"Yea, all things which come of the earth, in the season thereof, are made for the benefit and the use or man, both to please the eye and to gladden the heart;"

D&C 59:18

My heart is certainly gladdened. 

I don't know who MF and SF is, but I hope they stay in love forever. 

p.s. take a look at my photo blog: http://rachelmariesaphotography.blogspot.com/

Conference weekend

This past weekend was conference weekend.
A time when millions gather together and listen the words of a prophet.

I was lucky enough to go sing with my singles ward outside the conference center.
We sang hymn after hymn for 2 hours. My feet hurt, and my throat was sore.
But I also cried through half of it, because the spirit was so sweet.

I also got to attend the Saturday afternoon session.
There's so much I have to learn, and I'm widly excited to grow.

I also took a quick trip (seriously its a 4 minute drive) over to the draper temple. 

I'm a very lucky human. #blueskies4dayzzz

I hope you get a chance to read or listen to the words that were spoken.

Happy week friends.

General Conference.

There's nothing like being going to the conference center to hear the prophet and apostles speak.
I'm too lucky a friend of mine had an extra ticket.
My favorite part? When the prophet walks into the room.
Everyone stands, and the room falls still. You could hear a pin drop.
It gives me chills every time, he's such a great man.

I have loads of notes from the session,
so I thought I'd limit myself to my favorite quotes from my favorite talk.
No surprise they're from Jeffrey R. Holland right?

-Hold fast to the ground you've already won, hold fast to what you already know.
-In this church what we know will always trump what we don't know.
-Imperfect people is all god has ever had to work with..That must be terribly frustrating to him, but he deals with it..So should we.
-Do not be afraid to ask for help, God will send help from both sides of the veil.
-Belief is a precious word, and an even more precious act.
-Fan the flame of your faith, for all things are possible.

joseph memorial building

Salt Lake City Temple

me!

 John 14: 6

my ticket

happy sunday friends

p.s. I believe the church is true

Come listen to a prophet's voice.

I feel lucky. I belong to a church that has knowledge of a living prophet.
One that communicates with God. And even more lucky?
We get to hear him speak, and educate us, and guide us, and care for us.

General Conference is a great, and wonderful time.
Saturday's session did not disappoint.

& I get to go to hear the sunday afternoon session in person. 

this is a happy girl. 

xo, rach

Oh he knows me all too well.

At church today I had a good reminder.
One I knew, but had excused myself from,
because my situation was the exception.
except God showed me very clearly that it wasn't.

gotta get on that.

General conference.

Oh how i love it.
It makes me way happy.
I thought I'd jump on the quote train
and share some of my favorites.

What was your favorite part? or quotes?
I'm looking for some more to make into something cute.


xo, rach