Life is for the Living

You know what is often underestimated? Life in general. This life is a miracle. We are living miracles wrought through the Power of God. Mankind is just a wonder that God has created. This life is just incredible.

Many disagree. Many think this life is torture, that if there really was a God who loved us that He wouldn't let anything bad happen in this world. Here's the thing: Would you know the joy without the sorrow?

Yes, I know I've blogged about this before, but seriously. Would you?

This is something that has been on my mid a lot. I'm coming up on my halfway point in my mission and that is making me really reflect on the work I've had the blessing to be able to do. I look at the beauty I have seen in this world with the way people choose to come unto Christ. The hope that is brought when you have faith in God and His Plan of Happiness. It is all part of our Father in Heaven's way of showing us He truly does love us. Everything denotes this. Be it a beautiful sunset, the breeze through the trees, everything and anything shows us there is a God.

This life is something worth celebrating. Life is for the living, but we need to remember that through obedience to the commandments, we can have more freedom than we would if we didn't do so.


President Jenkins, the President of the Arizona Mesa Mission, compared the commandments of God to a kite. Does a string restrict a kite? No. When we cut or let go of a kite string the kite flies for a short period of time and then crash lands, usually never to be flown again. The commandments are the string and we are the kite. The string keeps the kite flying just like the commandments keep us happy and on the path back to our Heavenly Father. They give us a secure anchor in this crazy world. Keep us out of trouble and really help us stay happy.

But all in all, as we rise up and fly above the world's standards, we see the beauty of life unfold around us.We see the trees and flowers and miracles. I love seeing the all the stars you can see in the country and seeing the city lights. Just beautiful. We hear the songs of the birds and music that is made with laughter. We feel the wind and the sun. We get to taste delicious foods like chocolate, strawberries, and (my favorite) pulled pork! I just love being here on earth and getting to experience the good and the bad because it makes me appreciate what I have and what God has blessed us with. I feel very blessed to be here in the beautiful state of Arizona sharing His gospel. It's an amazing experience and a beautiful part of my life.

I hope you will all take time to just admire the beauty of life around you. Slow down, then stop, and just enjoy. Life is for the living and when we live in the bounds the Lord has set we can live to fullest without worry.

Love you all!

Love,
Sister Mackenzie Esmond