Radiant Tales: Chapter one

 I like surprises.


Surprises like birthdays and getting asked to dances. 

Sometimes, surprises make you happy and boost your self esteem- like when you are 99.987654321% sure that you are going to fail your math test, and then, come to find that your score is the best one you've ever gotten on a math test before. That sure makes your day, right?

And then there's the not so fun surprises, like the ones exactly opposite of passing a test....they’re the kinds of surprises that just make your eyes pop out of your head. For example, turning in your homework and finding out that it was late, so now you have a “C.” Not fun.

But the best surprises in the world are the ones that come completely out of the blue.

Like when your best friend tells you that you look gorgeous, even though you had four minutes to get ready.

Or when you've had a rough day and then an unexpected somebody says "hi" to you in the halls. J (Giggles!)

However, I believe that  these "surprises" aren't just "out of the blue."I believe these surprises are special; they’re the personalized, individual, wonderfully unexpected gifts that give you strength to keep going, even when your feet are aching.

They're called blessings. 

And I am the recipient of so many each day.

My story today is simply this:

"When upon life's billows you are tempest tossed, when you are discouraged thinking all is lost, count your many blessings, name them one by one, and it will surprise you what the Lord has done."

Trials aren't as hard to carry if you walk with a cheerful heart.

Here's a little poem that my Heavenly Father inspired me to write when I was having a rough day. I wrote it at 1:30 in the morning on March 17. It has given me strength, courage, and the assurance that even though it is hard sometimes, everything will turn out alright.

For a Moment, I’m alright

I could not bear the wind today, and so I knelt and wept and prayed,

And when I lifted up my head, my tears were gone and Christ, He said,

“Trust in me, for I am here; call my name and I’ll be there."

And so my darkness turned to light, and for a moment, I’m alright.

I had to walk alone today, for people came and blocked my way.

I couldn’t stand the words they spake, and so my heart began to ache.

But then my Savior’s voice rang clear: “Daughter,” He said, “You must not fear.

Although alone it seems you stand, I’m here: reach up and take my hand.”

My darkness was dispelled by Light. Now, for a moment, I’m alright.

I couldn’t carry my load today; I tripped and fell along my way.

My burden seemed too hard to bear, but then I remembered Christ was there.

And since He’d giv’n me strength before, I knew he’d lift me up once more.

For He has born all pain for me - He suffered in Gethsemane.

And so I stood, my burden light, because He came, and I’m alright.

For verily I say unto you, blessed is he that keepeth my commandments, whether in life or in death; and he that is faithful in tribulation, the reward of the same is greater in the kingdom of heaven.

Ye cannot behold with your natural eyes, for the present time, the design of your God concerning those things which shall come hereafter, and the glory that shall follow after much tribulation.

For after much tribulation come the blessings.

Doctrine and Covenants 58: 2-4

With love and alyssums,

Sunshine