Sunday, June 5, 2011

Treasure

3 Nephi 13:21
For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.

This scripture has been running through my mind quite a bit lately.  I’ve been thinking about the treasures that I have in my life.  More than that, I’ve noticed my heart being pulled strongly in new and exciting ways. 

I think it all began with this,IMG_0195

which became this,

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and has slowly grown to this.P5310088

I find myself outside many times a day carefully thinning plants, fertilizing, or just checking to see how high my peas have grown since the last time I visited.  I had no idea how much of a treasure my garden would become.  It reminds me of my childhood garden, and the Saturdays spent outside weeding to the tunes of John Denver.  It reminds me of picking a green pepper off the plant and eating it like an apple.  It reminds me of my mom.  mom andme

This picture was taken the summer before she died.  I still can’t believe how young I was.  The memories I have of my mother are few and hazy, but I cherish them with all my heart.  They are a treasure to me. 

Just last week my brother brought a chest full of my mothers things from his home in Utah to my home in Idaho.  He seemed to be happy to get rid of the burdensome load, and even when talking to my sister she laughed saying she wouldn’t want it.  They don’t feel this way because they are heartless of course, but they have a stronger foundation with my mom, and the old nick knacks and clothes that are held in the chest aren’t treasures to them.  But I’ll tell you what, they are to me. 

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I felt both reverent and giddy as I carefully took out each item that once belonged to my mother.  Baby booties that were carefully crocheted by her hand, clothes that she had once worn, and so many scouting pins she had received from her 3 boys.  My heart was full, and I could feel her close.  I felt the scripture so literally. 

For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also

Because of these realizations, I have been more aware of other areas in life where my heart belongs.  

Of course it is with my wonderful family.  We just celebrated Jaxon’s kindergarten graduation.  1st grade, here we come!!

(the photo turned out kind of funky, but I still like it)P5270078

This one especially seems to have a firm grip on my heart.  Can you blame me?

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My dear friends.  I have truly grown to love these women, and am grateful for their friendship.  I look up to them in so many ways.

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And of course, my heart belongs fully to my Savior, Jesus Christ.  I feel like this song describes my feelings today perfectly.

I feel my Savior’s love
In all the world around me.
His Spirit warms my soul
Through everything I see.

He knows I will follow him,
Give all my life to him.
I feel my Savior’s love,
The love he freely gives me

5 comments:

Shane and Amy Jo said...

Oh I love this. Good stuff. And I loved seeing that picture with you and your mom.

Katie said...

Beautiful picture of you and your mom Steph! I'd love to see more. Can you bring some to the family reunion?

Sarah said...

Steph you're amazing! Hazel's party looks great, you are such a fun Mom. You're kids are so lucky to have you. I hope you can make it out this way this summer and meet Pamela. I want to see your kids again too, they are huge now.

hedrad said...

Ummm...where's the picture with you and your sisters? Priorities!

Bill S. said...

Thanks for finding me. You are a great young mom and lady. I am lucky to have been a part of your life. Glad to see you guys came back to Idaho.