It's been 2 years since Laura has been gone.

Today is the 2nd anniversary of Laura's passing.
I miss Laura. She was always happy. She was a light in all the muck of this earth.
She was a great example of always having Christ's spirit.
Last year, I made a music video and posted it on YouTube.



Although, I put the wrong date in there, Laura passed on the 19th.

I have been thinking about Laura a lot lately. She was peace. She still brings me peace.
When I went through the temple for the first time, I felt her pressence with me. Even the second time I went through, she was there. And occasionally, when I am driving, I can almost feel her riding along next to me in the passenger seat, reminding me of not only her love, but also of the love of the Savior and our Father in Heaven.

It wasn't until this year that I really cemented my testimony. It's funny, when you are tested the things that matter most suddenly become more clear in vision. When the one I loved gave me an ultimatum of him or my faith, I realized then how important my faith really is. I will admit, I was tempted to just give it up. But, in the end, I don't think it would have mattered. After all, I am who I am. And the true Gospel of Jesus Christ is a huge part of me.

I am greatful for Joseph Smith for his diligence and perseverence in bringing forth the translation of the Book of Mormon, and for all he did for the early years of the Lord's church. I am grateful for the Pioneers who traveled the plains to settle in Utah, which has been my home for the past 23 years.
I am truly grateful for my Savior without whom, being with Laura again would not be possible. I believe His sacrifices, His atonement and his death were meant for everyone. Including me. I know that I have made my fair share of stumbles and falls, and just knowing that Christ was there, all along. Cheering me on and shedding light on my darkest hours. It makes my current trials bearable. I know that they wont last forever.

Today in church, we sang the hymn "Men are that They Might Have Joy". 2nd Nephi 2:25, "Adam fell that men might be; and men are, that they might have joy." How true is that. How wonderful! Heavenly Father put us on the earth, not only to learn and to grow, but also so that we might have joy. I have heard it said that joy is not the absence of pain, but the presence of God. There is a Mormonad that has a picture of Christ on it, it says "I never said it would be easy, I only said it would be worth it." And it is worth it. There are so many days that I just want to give up on everything. But I look at my two beautiful children, who really do bring such joy into my life, and remember that I have a purpose here on earth still. My children need someone to be an example to them, someone to teach them the sweet and simple principles of the Gospel.

Our lesson today was given by my mom. It was about the trials in our life.
Joseph Smith was stripped of his clothes and tarred. He was beaten, and clawed. But never once did he back down about what he believed. I think if we have faith, we really can overcome anything. You know, any two people can accomplish ANYTHING, as long as one of them is the LORD! I stole that quote from one of those little frilly handouts I got in Young Women's years ago.

Laura was such a beautiful example of overcoming trials. She always was in pain, or uncomfortable. But I don't think for a moment that she doubted God. She didn't complain much, She didn't stop loving her family and being that happy light. She pressed forward.

2nd Nephi 31:20 says this, "Wherefore, ye must press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope, and a love of God and of all men. Wherefore, if ye shall pressforward, feasting upon the word of Christ, and endure to the end, behold, thus saith the Father: Ye shall have eternal life." Eternal life, meaning to be with our loved ones forever. To go on learning forever. To be with our Heavenly Father and our Savior forever. With no end, and no suffering. Doesn't that sound like a nice place to be?

I hope you enjoyed your Sunday, and that you have a marvelous week.
My love to all.

-Aimee