Alas, I had a meltdown at work.
Yesterday.

I was, as a songwriter would say, a beautiful disaster (I like to stay positive in some ways).

I woke up today feeling the classic morning depression (mordor tunes and all) and it was almost noon. When it comes to mornings, I range from an Eeyore to Winnie the Pooh. My

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Growing up, I always thought I could never relate to how awesome disciple Peter was (and still is). Peter’s story of walking on water, falling in, and being saved by Jesus—one of my favorite stories ever!! On my last post, I shared a part of my storm and emotions lately. And well…

I believe that it was Peter’s faith that lead Him to walk on water
His faith, curiosity, his desire to draw nearer to Jesus because he loves Him—are all good, purposeful gifts that helped Peter take those successful steps on water

So…

what if the purpose of your gifts

are not so different from Peter’s?

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Are you a dancer? A practicing writer (like me, yay!!!)? Hmm… do you like to bake? What about host gatherings and bring laughter in the room? Perhaps you love to sing or write songs? Do you have a love for leading or public speaking? Helping people? Or do you have a love for learning or reading? Or getting involved…to make a difference where you are? Not all gifts are the same and it could be your friendly personality that would make all the difference for someone you know.

Whenever I’m in my stormy seas, I feel like I’m drowning in my own fears and depths of despair

Even then, the Lord always tells me to turn to the gifts and talents He’s given me,

(to write, He would say)

telling me that these gifts have purpose and can give me miraculous power to walk towards Him throughout all the chaos around me and inside of me

So, like Peter, if you’re struggling to walk on water,
if you’ve fallen in,

take the Lord’s hand and

dance! write! host! laugh! create! make music! sing and praise the Lord your God!

As you do, watch Jesus across the sea work miracles in and all around you,

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watch Him cleanse you, not drown you

watch your Father in Heaven eagerly bless you with His Son!

This post was inspired by a song shared in Relief Society (adult women’s class at church) ❣️ Here it is… :’)

Pour the tea!! ☕️✨

There was a talk shared at church (that I know God has prepared for me to get my attention) and he talked about how for a long time he was mad at God because his sister got into a really bad car accident, and when his whole family prayed for his sister, she still died. I didn’t realize until then that I was also mad at God.

Two things, the speaker (let’s call him Mr. Willows) said that stood out to me

First, what’s good about being mad at God is that you believe there is a God that exists

Second, what’s not so great is,
well, because I’m mad at Him

When one is angry with someone, there are more deeper emotions involved that you may be feeling too, like

fear, confusion, hopelessness, pride, a self-preservation your body signals to protect yourself, a deep well of mysterious, heavy sorrows that incessantly scream involuntarily in your head

And eventually, like Mr. Willows, his deep well of sorrows created a barrier of stirring anger towards God overtime

Last night, I asked my husband, what this verse meant

Psalm 23:5

Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.

The cup part was weird to me

Me: Is it like the bitter cup or something?

Hubster: Maybe it’s like the cup of blessings?

And my husband was right. I learned that in ancient times, hosts fill their guests’ cup to the brim as a sign of deep respect and affectionate welcome.

So then I imagined, the Lord inviting Mr. Willows and I to His table, and Him preparing the table for all our other stirring emotions, giving my trials and tribulations a seat, and Mr. W and I looking at each of them with anger, asking the Lord why they’re here.

And Jesus, telling us that He has anointed us, chosen us
And as He pours our cup to the brim, He pauses as I ask

Why do bad things happen to good people?

I look at His hands as He stretches both arms towards our faces,
i cried some more as i remembered

Gethsemane, gethsemane
’…love and grief beyond degree’

His tears, mine and Mr. Willows, filling the cup some more,

overflowing

(and as always, He was right, I feel better after writing all this. LOL)

I also hope that you can find the courage to keep seeking Jesus, and let Him make all these things holy before you, to even make you holier, after all we can do.

Don’t let resentment shape you, and let Jesus.

☕️🕊️☕️

We pray that we’ve helped you regain hope in our Loving Healer, Jesus Christ!! :’)

Links & resources from this session:

• Lyrics: It Is Well with My Soul

• Substack: Oak & Bower

Listening and obeying Jesus has been my one true healing antidote that NEVER FAILS. And sharing His gospel with you guys has been such a true joy to me too💖💖💖

I find that light is even more intense in the dark.

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When I went on a walk with my doggo a couple of days ago, I had a prayer in my heart. The Lord told me,

Look up, my child.

I saw stars, and the more I looked, the more I saw that a lot of them were twinkling. I felt inspired to study why they twinkle! So during my walk, I did just that. Thank you google. 😆

🤓 (cue Bill Nye intro music)
What I learned is that- as the light from the stars travel, their light may interact with turbulent air causing the light to look like they’re wavering. The turbulent air makes the traveling light look like it disappears from time to time- which we see as twinkling!
(phew)

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So, if something in your life feels turbulent, dark, and maybe even hopeless-

I am confident that God gave us twinkling stars to remind us that He is the Light that stays steady and never changes its form, even when turbulence shakes our perspective.

Even when our hopes can only manage to twinkle.

As you and I look up (look to Jesus), study His creations, look upon the good, feast upon His words while we wait, we can be given a new understanding even in the dark.

Because light is still traveling.

Twinkle, twinkle little star
How I wonder what you are?

It is GOOD TIDINGS!
The best is certain to come.

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Tell me!! Which of His creations speak to you the most?? 🤎✨

Here’s shmores… ☕️

Sam is my first volunteer to go on the podcast, haha - usually everyone I ask is a little hesitant or scared. I hope you guys enjoy our blabbering about our adoration for Jesus and many other things. :’)

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Links & resources from this session:

• Lyrics: Gethsemane

• Substack: Oak & Bower

I remember asking God for something I really wanted. And it was to marry this one boy I’ve liked for a really long time. The first time I asked He didn’t really respond, and the second time I asked He said no. I remember waiting to ask later thinking God would change His mind. Whenever I asked again and again, no matter how great, wonderful, spiritual the guy was, God would fill me with His Spirit, leaving me to feel like what I wanted was truly not right for me. Time soon unfolded the Lord’s purpose, helping me to exercise my agency and God’s guidance towards my husband now.

There are so many things we desire in life that may not align with God, even if they seem good or righteous. I’m learning that God wants us to desire what He desires, to seek ye first the kingdom of God. (Matthew 6:33)

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And what if we remember that God offers more?
And what if we remember that God knows our heart more?
That our Father in Heaven perfectly understands what we need…before we ask?

Whatever you decide to sacrifice to get to know your Jesus better, remember that in the Lord’s time all these things shall be added unto you… (Matthew 6:33)

…because putting God first will never fail you. The Lord has a plan especially tailored for your needs, for your abundant life He’s trying to build. Keep trusting.

🤎✍🏼 on another note…

Surprise! I started vlogging! Enjoy and support me (in my extreme cringe) of what the Lord keeps moving me to do. God has been inspiring me to talk about Him in these slice of life vlogs - and with my style, I’m going for slow, cute, and cozy… so it may or may not be for you and that’s okay… *eye twitch…nervous laugh*

Also! My friend and I are testing a video version on my YT channel (@jaecustard) for my podcast, Psalms of the Heart! I’m also trying to write a book and I talk more about it here, hahaha. God is keeping me busy. I’m like a crazy witch on a rampage (if you know this quote then u r a kindred spirit). Stay tuned!!!

Seriously love you guys. God be with you and don’t hesitate to share your light. Even with the cringe (it eventually goes away…sometimes). 😬✨

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on palm sunday, someone talked about what eggs symbolized

repentance

and a new life

we sang worship to Jesus and prayed to God

i looked at my palm, at my papercut, remembering the sting i felt helping a customer at work

after church, i thought how could i show reverence for holy week?

i remembered that He delights in the small and simple things

i looked at my bracelet and remembered who i am

i played with my loved ones and friends

we laughed, we were silly, we got tired but we were happy

i washed my hands so that i could make some rice for dinner

i looked at my palm, at my paper cut, thinking how long i would have it

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as i sit and write,

as i sing with all my might,

as i hum for His light,

i remember the King and His grace as He enters in

have i welcomed Him? have I greeted Him?

the other night i saw Jesus knocking on my door

i sing to Him and ask what that vision was for

then i remember my palm, and i remember His hands

His hands that knock

His hands that heal

His hands that had more than just a paper cut

a scar He chose to keep

i opened the door and let Him in

He said

i sit at this table, grateful for the food you’ve prepared for Me

i sit at this table, and ask only for you to hear Me

i look to thee now and say

follow Me,

keep my Father’s commandments,

invite Me in

every part of your day,

trust that I will provide blessings as you learn your gifts

trust that i will write your story

in the most beautiful way

trust in who I am and My promises

for I am the Word, the Truth,

and the Abundant Life you so desperately seek

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i realize showing reverence for easter

and holy week

does not make a consecrated life in one whole sweep

i hope you and i continue a week of holiness again and again

no, not for perfection

no, not just for easter

but for our hearts to stay prepared

yes, in holiness,

when He comes again

i looked at my paper cut, i smiled thanking God, knowing the sting wouldn’t be here for long

because He sent me Jesus

my Strength, my Song,

my King, my Grace,

the One,

Kind Conqueror in all

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<3 if you liked this post, take a look at this one

Hey. Are you feeling stressed lately? Overwhelmed with all the good things you’re part of? And maybe, the not so great things? This could be for you.

I like getting things done, but I’m also not much of a type A. However, I do find myself resonating with goal-oriented/perfectionist ways. My sisters have called me a snail and a turtle. I take it as a compliment. I’m always the last person to finish eating 99% of the time. Whenever I eat with my husband, it seems like my husband gulped up all the food five seconds post-prayer.

I’ve been told I am calm. But also, sometimes, I ask myself… am I just too chill? I value rest and see it as part of productivity, but I have also felt so much guilt in this perspective. And this is where the Lord starts to enlighten me from time to time. I’ll give a personal example.

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Let’s start with the truth here. The Lord says you and I have a gift and talent He’s given us that needs to be learned and developed. He also says that our creative gifts can bless us, our family, and many lives. And as a mere mortal, a newly wed folding laundry, running on 20% spiritual battery, 60% of thoughts of what to make for dinner or maybe just buy pizza, 30% daydreaming and hopeless chuckling/twitching about creative goals coming true—the Lord’s words can sound so wonderful and also, absolutely impossible with my brain.

A big part of me has had difficulty believing the Lord (many, many times!!!! if my anxious thoughts turned to money, I would be a billionaire 😭). I get too overwhelmed to show up, and so I end up either eating my feelings, doom scrolling or binge watching something to ignore the wrestle. But there’s always a small part of me that desperately wants to believe what He is trying to prepare me for. To not ignore the wrestle and face it. So I took this concern to the Lord again a couple of weeks ago (for the hundredth time), and this time He said,

particle.

Then I was led to this scripture,

It’s been hard for me to write. To show up for what the Lord has been impressing me to do.

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And if showing up in your relationship with your Father in Heaven has been overwhelming, I invite you to do the particle exercise with Jesus.

Pick your one-song particle to sing worship to your God while you wash dishes or do laundry. A five-minute-particle to draw with your child. A 30 second particle to tidy up and feel lighter. A one sentence particle to write that book. Kneel in silence with God for a particle of five seconds. Imagine a picture of Christ for a three second particle when you feel temptation. And if any situation you want to stay longer than a particle, enjoy that too. If the day has been challenging, hold on to that particle of faith and His grace will meet you where you are. This particle of faith can bring back and rebuild spiritual momentum, and if you feel a wrestle again, go back to your particle practice.

…and then observe where He leads you. 🤎

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Where has your particle of faith taken you?

This song has been giving me good dreams!! No joke. 🥹

🌿 A post you might also like

Why yes, I am aware that I’ve been a ghost this past February. I was sick for three weeks, catching the bug from my husband, and I felt like I was going to die (yes please, let’s be dramatic). And then, it was my birthday so my family from California flew in to celebrate with me!!! My in-laws were there too, and it was one of the best birthdays I’ve ever had.

With all these crazy things happening, I’ve been feeling God urge me to do a very important thing, so here it is…

One of the other reasons I’ve been gone is because-

I’m writing a book!!!!!

It’s a book inspired by true events, and about my family. It’s been such a thrilling gift to really sink my teeth in this project (I’m a vampire now). It brings up so many feelings… It also has been bringing up conversations with my family and unlocking memories for a few of us.

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I always knew I wanted to tell stories since I was a child (and God has been keeping me up late ever since last year because of this book!!!) I know I am meant to write this one because of how much backlash I’m getting from Satan. No, really. At night or any time I get waves of book inspiration, I also get scary images/negative thoughts in my mind that make me hesitant to move forward with writing sometimes. But hey, I am currently in the middle of finishing the second chapter!!! :’)

God’s Spirit and I are having a lot of fun writing this book hehehe…but still, for those who have written and published a book, please help. 😆
Also, are sleepless nights a normal thing for book-writing??? Any writers felt the darkness try to stop you from pursuing important, unfamiliar territory???

With this news, I’m trying to figure out what my Substack posting would look like this year. Thank you to everyone who has supported me so far. 🫶🏼

🩶 Let’s honor Jesus Christ better this Easter

Elder Gary E. Stevenson: The Greatest Easter Story Ever Told

New Testament scholar N. T. Wright suggested: “We should be taking steps to celebrate Easter in creative new ways: in art, literature, children’s games, poetry, music, dance, festivals, bells, special concerts. … This is our greatest festival. Take Christmas away, and in biblical terms you lose two chapters at the front of Matthew and Luke, nothing else. Take Easter away, and you don’t have a New Testament; you don’t have a Christianity.”

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I invite you to choose one small and simple thing you can do to spend intentional time with Jesus this coming Easter season! For me, I made an Easter playlist on my YouTube channel a couple of days ago (yeah, the ads kind of suck, but I just press skip and move on, lol). I’ve been listening to it a lot (yes, c’mon now, holy tunes are not just for Sundays) and my heart has been full.

If you want to join in and listen, here’s the playlist…🕊️

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It’s really important to be kind when it comes to our loved ones who decide to leave or not actively participate in the church. I encourage you to be open when talking to other people about their faith journeys. It’s okay to feel awkward, but don’t let it stop you from being curious and keep you from having mature conversations. The last thing anyone of us want is for someone else to assume and gossip about you or me. Staying respectful and focusing on love is key 🤎

Links & resources from this session:

• Lyrics: Where Is Heaven

• Substack: Oak & Bower

God has been bringing obedience in my thoughts lately. I’ve also been listening to the Heart of the Matter audiobook, written by President Russell M. Nelson - which has been solidifying and inspiring more thoughts about obedience for me. This book is one of my recent tender mercies I want to talk about. Here are my thoughts from listening to it so far…

This quote below has been stuck in my brain.

I believe that the things that align with the will of God will bring us true and lasting joy in this life. Yes! In your life! God’s truths are absolute truths, which means they never waver or change. Absolute truth is stable and secure. Which means a life with God is a stable, secure life. And when we fully rely on and faithfully obey the truths that align with God’s laws and commandments, He is bound to bless us, nourish us, and protect us…without fail!

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My quick obedience to my Father in Heaven, and also yours, are bound to bless our lives - because it is divine law. His divine law.

The highest and holiest love

relationship

you can ever experience

is one that you can discover through your obedience

to a Heavenly Father eagerly bound to you,

His child.

And my favorite song lately… :’)

What are your thoughts on obedience? How has obedience to God blessed your life? 🩶

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☕️ More from me!!

This year, we are studying the Old Testament in our Come Follow Me curriculum, for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. And it’s been wonderful, tbh! I’ve been in love with my study journal for it, it’s so cute and makes learning about God more fun.

So, how is everyone else’s study so far?!

I’ll share my favorite verses, ones that have been on my mind lately. These words are contained in the Pearl of Great Price. I attached a link for the curious cats.

Moses 1

30 And it came to pass that Moses called upon God, saying: Tell me, I pray thee, why these things are so, and by what thou madest them?

31 And behold, the glory of the Lord was upon Moses, so that Moses stood in the presence of God, and talked with him face to face. And the Lord God said unto Moses: For mine own purpose have I made these things. Here is wisdom and it remaineth in me.

32 And by the word of my power, have I created them, which is mine Only Begotten Son, who is full of grace and truth.

Honestly, these verses are absolutely lovely to me. I share it because I think it’s a miracle that you and I were also created by the power of the Lord’s words. We are made from His wisdom, for His purpose! Through the Only Begotten of the Father, who is Jesus Christ. Think about how beautiful that is! As a practicing writer, it’s a wildly beautiful thing to know that my Father in Heaven delights in His creations. I don’t have too many words to share except maybe what the Lord has been telling my heart lately…

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One of the best ways to seek the Lord, and discover Him immediately, is through sincere obedience to His will. Draw near to Him, and He will do the same. As Dieter F. Uchtdorf says, “Obedience is the lifeblood of faith.”

These journal aids above have been my saving grace. The regular Come Follow Me manual feels quite a lot to me, so I was so happy when I found the SEEK journal in Deseret Book! Which simplified things a lot more for my brain. It’s so cute, the art is so aesthetically pleasing, simple prompts, and it makes me look forward to my gospel study! So grateful for Shannon Foster for going out of her way to create this. Her brand name is The Red Headed Hostess!

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And here’s a tender reminder why you and I need Jesus. I cried watching it. 😭

Lmk if you cried too… Also, who else is doing research with which simplified bibles to get now that we’re more encouraged to do so?! Or have you been getting them already before? 😜

Haha, hope you have a beautiful week seeking more Jesus. 🥹

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More from moi :’)

The Spirit is moving me to tell you to have hope for the things that may feel impossible. Don’t give up and do the work that require you to grow and come closer to Him. Hold on to the things that you know about Jesus (CLING TO THAT! especially when the world or social media is too loud.) The Lord is also perfectly aware that there are many moments where we may forget Him, and even forget the goodness of the blessings He’s already given us.

But, as someone said this week at church—

Life is SHORT.

Yes, your life and mine.
Now is the time to prepare to meet Jesus again!

Stop comparing your life with others (dat me 2). This is a quick way to forget the Lord’s mercy and grace in your life.

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Where you are is where the Lord thinks you need to be at this moment. And if you feel moved by the Lord to change something in your life, trust that He will guide you along and prioritize His opinion for your life. Let God be your success. Let God use your voice, or that talent! to glorify Jesus in your life more. Let God be your purpose, your courage. Let God give you a part of His heart, to not be afraid of what happens, when you take that risk. Let God be your ground to not take offense, because you belong to Him and He fights for you. Let God be the God you know and read in your scriptures. The One true source of miracles He knows you need.

Let God be God!! When He says not to be afraid because He’s got it covered, trust that He knows more than you. Because He does. God holds your life, your timeline, your waiting, your heartbreaks, your blessings, your loved ones—and Who better to trust than a Perfect, Tender Parent?

This life is short. So take God with you, in all ways.

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I’ve since learned to transform my way of thinking - that New Year’s resolutions truly is just a big repentance plan, for that change of heart process. Except, to make it more approachable for me, teeny-tiny baby steps makes it feel absolutely genuine and possible.

My husband and I have been reading The Book of Mormon every night together and it has been a wonderful experience. Trying to build a marriage in Christ, showing up for relationships, work, and adulting life are a lot of work - and nothing has soothed the storms in my heart any better than sincerely opening my heart for the words that come from The Book of Mormon.

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I’ve been thinking about this verse above. Every time I read the BoM with my husband, I can’t help but think how this verse never fails to affirm this undeniable truth. The Book of Mormon really does heal the wounded soul because it is the Word of God! My heart burns with warmth just sharing this, because I feel the Spirit of God testifying the truth of this as well.

I’ve been sharing some fun short videos on Tiktok lol, and one series I started says this:

The Book of Mormon is not sus,

you’re just not reading it right!

Approach your study with this verse in mind:

The Book of Mormon
Moroni 10

4 And when ye shall receive these things, I would exhort you that ye would ask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ, if these things are not true; and if ye shall ask with a sincere heart, with real intent, having faith in Christ, he will manifest the truth of it unto you, by the power of the Holy Ghost.

In our new year, you and I are not free from having really bad days, relationships that could feel more challenging than ever, jobs that feel more draining than usual, unexpected trials that just come because it’s life -

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but there are blessings that come from opening your heart to something brings you closer to Jesus. This invitation is worthwhile and has changed my life. I assure you that reading the BoM the right way can change your life too! And seriously though, who am I to lie about something like this? Who am I to deny the divine blessings I’ve received from reading The Book of Mormon, despite all my human challenges? I’m no better than you, who’s (possibly) also trying to seek daily inspiration from God.

So here’s to our new year, of preparing for Jesus to come again. Preparing with a change of heart, and anchoring our souls to all His words. May God bless you for what’s coming next. 🩶

The first video I put up on my YouTube channel, haha. Maybe the lyrics will resonate with you…✨ This was on my mission, year 2018! :’)

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What are you looking forward to in the new year? I think I might get braces…😆

More, more, more! :)

May you find hope in the gift of Jesus amidst seemingly impossible things. 🫶🏼

Links & resources from this session:

My beautiful and talented co-host, Melissa, playing our featured song for us. <3

• Lyrics: I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day

• Substack: Oak & Bower

That family you see at church, the person you barely talk to at work, your beloved family member with the disability that makes it hard for them to speak or explain their emotion. Everyone has a story so intricate and unique that only God would perfectly understand.

For the past couple of years, my relationship with Jesus is being made new everyday; a lot of rebuilding, reconstructing, and repenting. My relationship with God has matured now, for the better (and with many other parts of it still needing more work and that’s okay) I’ve been seeing so many practicing Christians currently going through (or have gone through) some kind of renewal on what their faith truly means for them. What about yours?

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You see, I’m painfully learning that maturing in Christ has its price, LOL. It could be letting go or pausing friendships that brought so much light and love to you during youth (growing apart hurts), it could be getting rid of what’s not giving you peace anymore. I’m currently going through different types of these examples, lol- and it’s been such a struggle for me. It’s like I am incredibly attached to these things that used to bring me so much happiness and relief growing up (certain friendships, habits, lifestyle, etc). I mean there’s nothing wrong with them, it’s just that I’ve grown so much that my spirit doesn’t resonate or feel nourished being attached to these things anymore. It’s honestly heartbreaking.

Another BIG thing with my anxiety is that I feel deeply attached to what people possibly think of or feel about me, may they be true or false (most of which probably false, lol) I am an expert over-thinker. And it really affects my efforts to fully prioritize the Lord’s opinions about me and my life. So imagine my horror, how harsh it truly feels to know that I am not who I used to be anymore, knowing I’d have to drop some things out of my life, because of Jesus?

And imagine my delight (!!!) , in the gift that Christ offers when you and I decide to dedicate our lives to the glory of God, our Jesus! To dedicate ourselves to the new things that bring us more peace, more flourishing life choices, and relationships.

This short video gave me so much light and inspired my post. I hope it does the same for you. 🩶

Something that has been helping my maturity in Christ is reading, listening, and studying the words of Jesus Christ. I’ve been studying The Book of Mormon a lot with my husband and it has been giving us so much peace and love in our marriage. The Book of Mormon has been helping us make better decisions everyday, and have more confidence in Jesus!

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Studying The Book of Mormon has been helping me commit to the knowledge that my greatest validation of love, personal decisions, and my true identity only comes from the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. I know that The Book of Mormon is the word of God, because it has brought me closer to Jesus, and never fails to soothe my anxiety over many things.

Let the Lord move you to the truth about who you are. Let yourself mature in Jesus. The growth and sacrifice to know and keep Jesus in your life can take you to your greatest breakthrough, a Joy and Peace that only Jesus can give you and nothing/no one else.

Prayerfully anchoring yourself in the Word of God will give you the courage you’ll need to step into the new and maturing you in Jesus Christ. Because we are His, our souls are engraved in all His names—names we can also strive to identify with all our lives, one being a child of our Loving and Almighty Father.

Move faithfully to mature in His many names that He lived by, for you.

I love you, I know it’s scary and even lonely at times, but the Lord never breaks His promises, so let’s continue in hopeful confidence, daily repentance, and trust in His perfect timing.

Which of His names resonate the most with you at this time?

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And a very happy holidays to you and your family, dear reader!! 🫶🏼✨

I’ve been thinking of adding a seasonal book review section for Oak & Bower (since I’ve been trying to read a lot lately)! I know much of you out there have more refined tastes in books compared to some of my fangirl selections. But we won’t let that stop us, won’t we? I feel like it would be so fun to do and we can exchange book TBRs! I want to read more wholesome books: spiritual, secular, romance, and blah… ✨

Tell me what you think x

One of my nicknames is Disney princess.

I’ve always had a pet in almost every phase of my life. They’re my comfort, my sidekick, safety place, and my bestest friends. I resonate with them so deeply. They are so pure and filled with so much love.

This is my sister’s dog, Dakota. My husband and I fled to the vet after sacrament to meet with my sister’s family—a family looking extremely devastated for the past week, since they’ve sensed something off about Dakota.

It was hard to watch as my husband and I entered the room, and we see Dakota’s shallow breathing. The doctor said he had a large tumor by his heart and surgery was risky. We brought our dog too, who absolutely adores his alpha friend. FaceTime with so many family members, all grieving.

I laid down next to him, putting his head on my lap for better support, remembering all our wonderful memories of when we lived in our shared space for a couple of years. And well, I knew him since I was in my late teens too, and now I’m 27. 😭

You don’t really realize how much time flies until you see your dog struggle with age.

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My sister’s family decided to have him put down and we all watched it happen. He was already in so much pain.

Each one, quite emotionally hysterical in their own way, my goofy eight year old nephew not knowing exactly how to process his emotions. We all surrounded our dearest friend and protector for many years as he was being injected. Quite a traumatic scene, if you ask me. I almost wanted to scream at the doctor for not crying with us, and for doing probably the most awful part of her job.

Ever since this sad core memory came to be (and pondering on my experiences of losing my past beloved companions), I’ve been thinking about what God feels about his creation of animals and where they go when they die. I mean, I do believe that all God’s creation have spirits, but where exactly do they go?

So I did some research in scripture and others.
With this piece being my favorite.

📖 Animals and the afterlife: Do all dogs go to heaven?

by Kelsey Berteaux, 2017

In particular, President Joseph Fielding Smith had a lot to say on the subject. In his October 1928 conference address, he said, “The animals, the fishes of the sea, the fowls of the air, as well as man, are to be recreated, or renewed, through the resurrection, for they too are living souls.”

He also wrote in Answers to Gospel Questions that “animals do have spirits and that through the redemption made by our Savior they will come forth in the resurrection to enjoy the blessing of immortal life.”

In the August 1927 edition of the Improvement Era, Elder Orson F. Whitney shared, “the affirmative of the question ‘Do Animals Have Souls?’ is amply sustained by divine revelation.” Speaking of the Prophet Joseph, he added, “Joseph Smith so believed, or he would not have said. . . concerning his favorite horse, when it died, that he expected to have it in Eternity.”

That Joseph Smith believed in the salvation of animals is substantiated by a statement he made regarding animal life: “Says one, ‘I cannot believe in the salvation of beasts.’ Any man who would tell you this could not be, would tell you that the revelations are not true. John heard the words of the beast giving glory to God, and understood them” (Documentary History of the Church, vol. 5).

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The part about Joseph’s horse made my heart warm too. He had a similar experience and longing to be with his dear friend again too.

My Father in Heaven and His gospel has been my tender mercy for this sorrow that not a lot of people may understand. But it’s a sorrow I am willing to go through over and over again,

because oh, what an honor it is to love His animals for a short period of time

and be loved by them, for their entire life in return.

May God watch over you through the eyes of His animals, flower petals,
and even His wandering bees.

Because God made them for you.

I didn’t really know what to write today, so I asked God for some inspiration. I felt moved to share about my testimony of The Book of Mormon and how much it has blessed my life!

So for those looking to learn more about Jesus, The Book of Mormon would make a wonderful TBR :’)

Some of the biggest reasons I was able to push through with my writer-dreams (and slowly with my other goals) are these:

• my Father in Heaven, Jesus Christ, my husband

• and my continuing conversion experience with The Book of Mormon

When I served a full-time mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, my knowledge and divine connection with The Book of Mormon increased. Granted, my companion(s)* and I were rejected several times whenever we shared it lol and that’s understandable- something unfamiliar, new, and possibly strange can be intimidating. *(On a mission, you get assigned a “companion,” sometimes even two)

But whenever we meet someone who was open, or someone who loved the word of God in general (like the Bible), or someone who wanted more guidance in their life (Christian or not), my companion and I would always share from The Book of Mormon because it contains the answers to life’s questions. Almost always, it was a powerful experience that helped these curious friends on the street or on a random bench feel the warm Spirit of God.

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Well, I can yap about this all day, but you may be wondering,

What is The Book of Mormon? And how can it be for me?

Here are some words from the BoM introduction (& the link for the whole thing!):

The Book of Mormon is a volume of holy scripture comparable to the Bible. It is a record of God’s dealings with ancient inhabitants of the Americas and contains the fulness of the everlasting gospel.

…

The crowning event recorded in the Book of Mormon is the personal ministry of the Lord Jesus Christ among the Nephites soon after His resurrection. It puts forth the doctrines of the gospel, outlines the plan of salvation, and tells men what they must do to gain peace in this life and eternal salvation in the life to come.

Ah seriously, the bolded part is my favorite. Because it has solidified my spiritual journey on learning that The Book of Mormon does not replace or undermine the Bible (and vice versa), but complements it! And I can learn how to gain peace in my life through His plan and gospel, and learn how to prepare to live with God again?! Count me in!

This book is about Jesus!! It’s about the sacred journey of imperfect families and individuals that love God! It teaches how we can come closer to Him! The Book of Mormon fully explains what the Atonement/Sacrifice of Jesus Christ means for you, me, and everyone else! It contains the teachings of how we can access the power of Jesus everyday of our lives!

I have also been blessed to learn that Joseph Smith translated The Book of Mormon from its ancient language to our modern language, through the power and direct assistance from God. I know that God desires to speak to us today and He has given us the Book of Mormon to help us learn MORE about His plan for our lives; and I mean, the fulness of teachings that ONLY the Book of Mormon has and no other! Because there really is MORE to learn from Jesus!

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If you’re open to it, here’s the invitation that the wonderful BoM contains:

We invite all men everywhere to read the Book of Mormon, to ponder in their hearts the message it contains, and then to ask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ if the book is true. Those who pursue this course and ask in faith will gain a testimony of its truth and divinity by the power of the Holy Ghost.

We can disagree and that’s okay! I just love The Book of Mormon, and I am trying to study it more often… especially because I want to prepare and receive the blessings the Lord is trying to give to me.

I listed some promised blessings when we study the BoM with an open heart- given by a wonderful leader of our faith. And I can testify that they are true because these things have happened to me,

and because I have come to know that the Book of Mormon is also the Word of God and centers on our Savior and Redeemer, Jesus Christ. :’)

Russell M. Nelson

• You will make better decisions every day.

• You will receive answers to your questions.

• Your spiritual foundation will be strengthened.

• You will be able to hear the Lord’s voice more clearly.

• Your ability to resist temptation will increase.

• Your testimony of Jesus Christ will grow.

• You will experience greater peace and confidence in God’s love.

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Tell me, how has studying the words of God blessed your life? 🕊️

This song is an example of how I feel about Jesus whenever I read The Book of Mormon, haha 🥹💕