**IT IS WHAT IT AIN'T**

I've been an active player of the dating game for far too long. You'd think I'd be a pro by now and ready to graduate, but it is what it ain't. Each year, I learn something new about myself, the fishes in the sea and what I'm looking for in an eternal companion. I think it's best I try to focus on these three areas and how they relate to me.

Myself ~ My standards are entirely too high and I give ridiculous exams in the first few months. These would be a couple of reasons why I'm still single. You're probably laughing (and that's OK) but I'm totally serious. haha. Let me break it down a little...

1) My standards are entirely too high -

I've actually relaxed my standards a bit but there are just some things I won't let up on. These include but are not limited to dating members (LDS), someone with a current temple recommend and someone who is clean cut. I don't have anything against guys of other faiths, but I know that long term, I'm looking for an individual who shares my values and views which are guided by my faith in God and in the beliefs of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. There's not a shortage of LDS boys, but finding someone I don't look at as a "brother" seems tough (at least here in the state of Texas). All the other guys I've met just haven't passed the "other" requirements. 

A current temple recommend is important because I know where I want to get married and that isn't anything that's up for discussion. My experience in this area has been 50-50. Some guys have no issues and others, well...they're lowkey annoying and living that double life. More power to them....NEXT! lol.

Let's see, this certainly isn't the last thing on my list, but it's at the top of my list...I prefer guys who are clean cut. None of that scruff and crust. I'm not saying that guys need to look like nerds or keep their missionary appearance, but they should be proud of who they are and maintain their appearances. Everyone should be dressed for an interview at all times. First impressions are hard to forget and if you're on the market and out to fish, well...you better look good before stepping out on the dock if you expect to catch this gal.

2) I give ridiculous exams -

If anyone knows me, they know I'm pretty cut-throat. Therefore, this really shouldn't be a shocker, but I like to test guys up front and early on. This shows me how well an individual takes tests, works under pressure and how susceptible they are to enduring to the end. If someone wants something bad enough, they'll go to any lengths to obtain that something. Plus...I've witnessed firsthand how a person's true colors don't show up until after they're married and I like to show my cards up front so that a guy doesn't act surprised later. I'm the real deal...take it or leave it! (they obviously leavin' it...lol)

Fishes in the sea ~ When I was a senior in college, I wrote a thesis statement based on the following statement: all problems occur due to lack of communication. I've met a lot of different guys over the years, but one thing that has been consistent is their lack of communication. It really is amazing trying to figure out their thought process. There's the guy who overly communicates. More of the stalkerish type that clings real fast and doesn't let you breathe. Then there's the guy who only reaches out when it's convenient and his schedule permits. Then there's the guy known as the responder; doesn't know how to pick up the phone and only responds to your text messages. Am I really asking too much for a guy who isn't too clingy but knows how to stay in touch?

I could be really bitter and touch base on how mistreated I've been over the last 5 years by the men who have tiptoed through my life, but as bad as it was, I can't help but be grateful for each of them. They taught me a lot and those lessons keep me grounded and humbled. Through all of the chaos (it's been a crazy journey), I'm still confident that the Lord is mindful of me and that Mr. Fishy is out there somewhere still working on himself before he comes looking for me. Only time will tell...

Future Eternal Companion ~ Let's see if I can tie the last two areas together here.

I'm not looking for Mr. Complete, but I am looking for Mr. Me. A wise cousin of mine gave me a pep talk about finding an educated man. Her arguement was that I needed to find someone who was on the same intellectual level as myself. I've been battling back and forth with this because I know school isn't for everyone, but realistically, I know my mind is always working overtime and only an educated man will be able to keep up with my madness.

I've already touched base on religion, appearance and communication, but let me also add family oriented to the list. This is a key requirement! I come from a variety of bloodlines who value family relationships and birthrights. Anyone I'm going to add to the equation needs to understand that and learn where my place is in the family. I'm not at the top of the pyramid and although at times it seems like I'm the rags of the family, I'm not quite that low either.

I hope that whoever wants me as their wife will know that I will respect his parents, siblings (especially sisters) and extended family, but that I will also expect the same in return. I don't have a perfect family, but I have a complete family and just as I've expected my siblings to find respectable individuals to add to our family, I want to find a gentleman who values family just as much and who will be a great asset to my equation.

I'm not sure what the dating game will bring this new year, but I won't hold my breath because I know it is what it ain't. So dating gods, please be kind to me! haha.

That's all folks...


 

Bishop's Summon

I've been extremely blessed with amazing people in my life who have taught me the gospel of Jesus Christ. Through these teachings, I've learned to be grateful for the knowledge I have of the restoration and to help build the Lord's kingdom in any way that I can.

 

Serving a full-time mission isn't for everyone. That doesn't mean that you can't serve, it just means you have an opportunity to serve closer to home. :) This has been my role since the time I graduated from college in 2008. I've had the opportunity to serve in many positions which include: Young Women camp director, young women advisor, primary teacher, primary presidency, young women personal progress coordinator and soon enough, i'll be serving in one of the most trying positions I believe there is in the church.

 

I received a text message early Sunday morning from Bishop Ahau:

 

Bishop - "Nia, can you come to my office before sacrament at 12:40p?"

Me - "Yes."

Bishop -  "Thank You."

 

My reply was simple but full of questions and curiosity. When I arrived at church that day, I was immediately summoned into his office and it wasn't even 12:40p yet. That had to be a sign of importance, right? Well, I walked into that corner office and sat down across from Bishop. He asked how I was doing and how everything in my life was going. I answered as best I could and when he was satisfied, he proceeded to giving me a new calling...a counselor...in the relief society presidency.

 

I have feared being called to the relief society pretty much my entire life! haha. It's always been a "scary" calling to oversee these women who know everything and talk wayyyy too much. After Bishop told me, I hesitated and asked if he was sure. Bishop's reply was proof to me that he is a man of God with a vision, "Yes. The Relief Society has come a long way and we're almost to where I want them to be." Bishop's words were so profound and as scared as I was, I couldn't say No.

 

He told me to pray about it and ask Pakileata (who is 3months), if this is something we'd have time for and would be willing to do. I was still in shock and when I finally came to my senses, I told Bishop that there's no way I would say no to any calling, but I would definitely need a lot of deep breaths. haha.

 

After being extended to such a major calling in our ward, all I can continue to do is take lots of deep breaths, pray for help and understanding and most of all, give thanks for the opportunity I have to serve! I was on lds.org earlier and reading from the church handbook, it says that the mission of the relief society is three-fold:

 

1. Increase faith and personal righteousness

2. Strengthen families and homes

3. Help those in need

 

I pray that as I take on this calling, I'll remember these purposes and do all I can to help our relief society sisters with these. I know it's not going to be easy and I'll need to learn patience now more than ever, but I'm ready for the challenge and for the growth opportunity. A blessing in disguise :)

BOM Reading - 1/4-1/8/2014

Well, I tried to document my reading earlier this week for the weekend, but had some technical difficulties with my laptop. Therefore, I'm thinking maybe I just need to log day-to-day and post weekly. We'll see...:

Saturday, January 4, 2014 - 1 Nephi 3:9-31

We learn from these verses how valiant Nephi was in his obedience to his father and the Lord. His brothers were quick to give up after Laban kicked Laman out of his house and again when the sons of Lehi had taken their riches to trade for the brass plates, but Nephi was determined to accomplish the things which their father had commanded them.

I think it is also evident had hard-headed Laman and Lemuel were to have an angel of the Lord visit them and they still doubted the Lord's power. I've never been visited by an angel but I would hope that I'd be a little wiser to see and understand such miracles and blessings.

Sunday, January 5, 2014 - 4:1-19

It is better that one man should perish that that a nation should dwindle and perish in unbelief.

It's amazing how doing something bad is sometimes for the good of man. Here Nephi was being obedient and following the spirit to go and obtain the brass plates when in the process, the Lord commands him to kill Laban. Had I been in Nephi's shoes, I would've been hesitant and probably too afraid to do so, but Nephi overcame that fear and did as he was told.

Nephi continues to show us how courageous and obedient he is. He is without a doubt a man full of determination and faith to accomplish the task that he and his brothers were sent back to Jerusalem for by their father.

Monday, January 6, 2013 - 1 Nephi 4:20-5:6

After slaying Laban and putting on his clothes, Nephi proceeds to Laban's treasury to obtain the brass plates. I love the fact that through all the intense activities, he doesn't lose sight of the reason why he's there. He continues to work toward their goal/assignment. Nephi obtains the brass plate from Laban's servant, Zoram, and then tells him to go with him to meet his brothers.

Once Nephi and Zoram are outside the city gates, we read about the fear in Nephi's brothers first and then in Zoram. It's obvious that both parties lacked faith and were fooled by the clothes Nephi wore. I can only imagine the look on their faces when Nephi revealed himself to them. Despite his fear, we must give credit to Zoram for having a quick change of heart and trading in fear for faith in the end as he agrees to accompany Lehi's sons back to the wilderness with them. These were complete strangers but because of his humble heart and faith in God, he made the right decision to travel down with Nephi and his brothers.

Lastly, it is important to note the lack of faith in Lehi's wife, Sariah. She definitely didn't put her trust in the Lord as she complained to Lehi about him dragging them all down to the woods and away from their comfortable home in Jerusalem. I am glad that Lehi stood firm in his faith and acknowledged the fact that if he weren't, they would've perished in Jerusalem with the rest of their people.

Tuesday, January 7, 2014 - 1 Nephi 5:7-6:6

Faith is believing without seeing. Sariah didn't rejoice until her sons returned back to the wilderness. How many of us are like this though? We don't receive a testimony of things until the trial of our faith. Although Sariah doubted Lehi and the Lord, she was blessed with an opportunity to see firsthand the tender mercies of the Lord. She witnessed the miracle even though she doubted. We're not always that fortunate, but when this happens to us, we ought to give thanks and be grateful!

And it came to pass that they did rejoice exceedingly and did offer sacrifice and burnt offerings unto the Lord; and they gave thanks unto the God of Israel. (1 Nephi 5:9)

I love this verse because it's such a great example to each of us. How many of us remember to stop and give thanks unto the Lord for the blessings He showers upon us? After giving thanks to the Lord, Lehi begins to read the brass plates and learns of his heritage. As Nephi states in chapter 6, the full record is kept in his father's notes. These are Nephi's words and we need to remember that we're not given a full account. He's only telling us the little information we need to start our journey. The rest is up to us.

Wednesday, January 8, 2014 - 1 Nephi 7:1-15

Heavenly Father loves us and His plan is perfect. The power of creation is such a sacred and privileged blessing. HF knew that Lehi's journey wouldn't be a quick one. When the Lord commanded Lehi and his family to return Jerusalem to bring Ishmael's family, he knew that in order to complete the mission, Lehi's sons would need to procreate. This is why the daughters of Ishmael were so vital in His plan.

The murmurings and rebellion didn't stop and we can assume that as long as Laman and Lemuel continue to taunt and torture Nephi, the work will move slowly. We can liken this to our days. We have our wards and our bishop's (Lehi's). We can either choose to answer like Nephi and not question the teachings or directions our Bishop's give or we can be like Laman and Lemuel and cause the road blocks preventing our wards from growing and being the strong powerhouses they ought to be in our communities. I pray that as I continue through this journey on earth, I will strive to be more like Nephi and Sam, rather than Laman and Lemuel. :)

BOM Reading Day 3

TGIF! This week has flown by and with the hustle and bustle of everyday life, I am grateful I made it through the week and am semi-ready for the weekend. I have a weekend trip planned to Utah for my niece Kauata's baptism and her baby sister Kumora's baby blessing so I fear that I might not get an opportunity to keep up with the reading assignment during all of the festitivites. I'm going to go ahead and call it now, i'll combine the next 3 days reading on Monday's post...

Today's reading assignment is found in 1 Nephi 2:16 - 3:8

Nephi is such a great example. I love reading about his bravery and humble spirit. His desire to learn of the mysteries of God led him to the blessings he later received. I am grateful that he had an allie in Sam. There is nothing more hindering than standing alone in a situation feeling like the whole world is against you. Laman and Lemuel were rebellious and had each other. Sam could've easily sided with them, but he heeded the councils from Nephi and therefore was also blessed.

The Lord's promise to Nephi in verse 20 is inspiring:

And inasmuch as ye shall keep my commandments, ye shall prosper, and be led to a land of promise; yea, even a land which I have prepared for you; yea, a land which is choice above all other lands.

This is absolutely true in our days. The Lord has promised us a great home after this life if we keep His commandments and endure to the end. It is not an easy task, but it is possible and reminders like this are perfect for those of us who allow the world to swallow us up in day-to-day activities and lose sight of this important promise.

Another great example Nephi set is by always answering the Lord's call. When Lehi relayed the Lord's message to have his sons return to Jerusalem to obtain the brass plates, Nephi answered willingly and ready to serve. I'm grateful for parents who taught me this same concept. I know that when the Lord calls (or His servants) me to serve in a calling or position (in my ward), that my job is to answer yes and serve to the best of my ability.

I have seen first hand how difficult it is to lead a group of people (or congregation) who are like Laman and Lemuel. We need to follow Nephi and answer, "I will go and do the things which the Lord hath commanded, for I know that the Lord giveth no commandments unto the children of men, save He shall prepare a way for them that they may accomplish the thing which He commandeth them." If we could all do this, the work would move forward easily and Zion would be the peaceful place it is intended to be.

I'm not perfect and until I can fully engulf the concepts found in this reading assignment, I'll be walking down the same path as Laman and Lemuel. My hope and desire is to be as Nephi. I have a long way to go, but I'm ready for the journey down that road! :)

2014 Book of Mormon Reading Challenge

Well, it's a new year and i'd love to say there's a new me but let's be real...i'm still me. Change should definitely be a daily thing and not an annual act but I'm human and I love that I found a new Book of Mormon challenge that I might be able to follow this year. Since I just found this, I'm going to combine yesterday and today's reading in one...so here I go:

January 1, 2014 - 1 Nephi 1:1-15

I need to jot my thoughts down somewhere so I'm going to use this forum as a place to share my thoughts. In these first 15 verses, I've been inspired by Lehi's courage. He had a large amount of faith and was blessed to be visited by Heavenly angels. The forewarning he received about Jerusalem's destruction may have seemed impossible to people in those days, but that's no different from our day. We may feel that our world is unbreakable and progressing with "the times". But that may only be in regard to electronics and other worldly items. It isn't hard for the Lord to wipe the earth clean with all of that, but because He loves us and allows us the free agency to choose good from bad, He won't do that.

I wish we could all echo the words of Lehi in verse 15 and praise God with rejoicing hearts. I'm grateful for the gospel of Jesus Christ in my life and for the opportunity to right my wrongs every day that I can.

January 2, 2014 - 1 Nephi 1:16- 2:15

Nephi takes pride in his father's work. I love reading how much Nephi believed in his father's work and how determined he was to share that message. The fact that Lehi was so blessed to receive visions in his dreams really isnpires me. It's evident that he was favored of the Lord and that the Lord entrusted him with His work. I can't help but say, "WOW!" :)

When the Lord commanded Lehi to depart Jerusalem, he didn't question or hesitate. He left without question and did as he was told. How many of us would be so valiant to do so? I know people who won't even go to the ward their home is assigned to. I'm not sure I could leave all my belongins to go to an unknown place, but I'm grateful for Lehi's examples and can only hope that I can be as valiant in whatever assignment I'm given. It is my utmost desire that I never become as Laman and Lemuel who murmured and doubted their father's words. Let us all strive to be obedient and supportive as Nephi was of his father.