True Love

"Today I begin to understand what love must be, if it exists. . . . When we are parted, we each feel the lack of the other half of ourselves. We are incomplete like a book in two volumes of which the first has been lost. That is what I imagine love to be: incompleteness in absence." (Author Unknown). 

I stole this quote from one of my best friend (Shay)'s gmail chat post because it reminds me how I feel right now. I mean, I've been thinking about true love a lot lately, and I really hope that this is the case for the guy  I end up marrying. I have felt this way for someone before, and it's one of the hardest, but most amazing feelings to feel like your likes and dislikes and just personalities in general fit together like puzzle pieces. But the separation is so difficult. That feeling of being incomplete and lonely is hard to get used to, and sometimes I wonder if I fall for guys super easy just to try to fill that void. 

But I've realized today, and throughout this week, that I could never settle for anything less than the best. If my true love is the guy I currently hope, I will only know if I date around. If there's no one I gain this connection for, then he is most definitely the guy for me, but I know that if I date around and find someone who makes me feel more like a princess and a daughter of royal birth than my current crush, then I will know that Heavenly Father has a plan for me with this mystery guy.... I just hope I don't have to wait long.

However, no matter what happens, I know without a shadow of a doubt that Heavenly Father loves me and has His hand in every aspect of my life. No matter what happens, as long as I'm living my life in such a way that I am worthy of the Holy Spirit, I know that everything will work out for my good. I know that Jesus Christ is my Savior and Redeemer, and that He knows everything I am currently enduring, and He is there, and sends the Comforter to me whenever I ask for that aid. I know that the Book of Mormon is a true book. Every word therein is the truth of the Gospel, and the things a loving Heavenly Father wants each of us to know in these last days. There are living prophets on the earth today who share the truths with us. They are men on watchtowers, warning us for things to come. I'm so grateful for President Thomas Spencer Monson and the loving guidance he brings. I know he is called as the only man who has every key to the kingdom of God on this earth--the same keys that Peter was given in the times of Christ. I know that all of my local leaders are called by God, specifically for a reason. They have helped me so much in my life, and I know I wouldn't be the same person I am today without their guidance. I'm grateful for my parents and the loving way they taught me throughout my life. I truly love them and hope they know how grateful I am for their support in all my crazy endeavors. I know that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is the true Church of God on the earth, and I'm proud to be called a Member. I'm proud to take upon me the name of Christ, and always remember Him. I am so grateful for a loving Father who was willing to let His Son come and suffer all my pains, afflictions, sorrows, and to suffer for my sins that I may be worthy to one day return to the presence of God. I feel so insignificant and unworthy of that love, and, especially in those times, the words to one of my favorite Hymns comes to mind:

I stand all amazed at the love Jesus offers me,
Confused at the grace that so fully he proffers me.
I tremble to know that for me he was crucified,
That for me, a sinner, he suffered, he bled and died.

[Chorus]
Oh, it is wonderful that he should care for me
Enough to die for me!
Oh, it is wonderful, wonderful to me!

I marvel that he would descend from his throne divine
To rescue a soul so rebellious and proud as mine,
That he should extend his great love unto such as I,
Sufficient to own, to redeem, and to justify.

I think of his hands pierced and bleeding to pay the debt!
Such mercy, such love and devotion can I forget?
No, no, I will praise and adore at the mercy seat,
Until at the glorified throne I kneel at his feet.

(31243, Hymns, I Stand All Amazed, no. 193 Text and music: Charles H. Gabriel, 1856–1932)
This Hymn means so much to me, and it really is such a wonderful thing to know that He did descend from a royal throne to save a sinner such as myself... Christ, a perfect, all knowing, all loving Being, loves me enough to come down to earth and suffer, and pay the debt that I may return to Him and our Eternal Father in Heaven unspotted at the judgement seat.
Another song I'm grateful for is "I Am a Child of God." The very simple, child-like phrases share the truths that God really does love me, and is my Heavenly Father.

I'm so grateful for these truths in my life, and the knowledge that as I need more guidance, I can receive the personal revelation and direction I need. I'm grateful for my many friends both in Logan and Orem. You have all been such amazing examples for me! Thank you for your friendship and comfort, and thank you for being sources of joy in my life. In one way or another, you have each been an angel on earth in my life. THANK YOU!