Face 2 Face :)(:

I forgot one quick thought. This week on our office day I tried to watch the YSA Face to Face live. Of course with the wifi it was hit and miss but after a lot of stopping and going five hours later I finished it. I want to go back and re watch it when I have a really good connection. It would probably help if it wasn't being streamed live too. I got the beginning, it was the middle that got a little bit tough. And I was cleaning out my email and probably a little distracted. Anyway, from what I did hear it was amazing. There were definitely tears and I tried to hide so no one in the office would see me. Sometimes when I tear up everyone starts staring at me and talking about how beautiful my eyes are, I think the tears make them more blue haha Elder Holland led out and started with three things he wanted us to know right away:

1. Heavenly Father loves me. The church loves me. The first presidency loves me. His words were powerful and I could feel both Heavenly Father and Elder Hollands love. 

2. We have strength in the church, a united brotherhood and sisterhood that extends all over the world.

3. I am of a royal generation and the future of the church. Take seriously the next steps of my life.

The first questions right out of the gate was on marriage. Elder Holland teased about what he called the "M" word. They did a great job at balancing and recognizing those who weren't married. They really did their best to make sure they felt loved. Elder Holland also laid into any boys who say they will only date return sister missionaries. He answered that questions pretty powerfully and it encouraged me. Side note: The Philippines puts more pressure on its sisters to serve missions than the US. Anyway.. back to the first questions. This was their advice on how to have a happy marriage:

Elder Holland: It is simple.. Love each other. "Love is what you go through together"

Hallstrom: Build a relationship upon a spiritual foundation. Talk about gospel topics when you are dating and when you are married. Not just at church but as a couple.

Sister Stevens and Elder Holland: Work at it. Nothing good in the world comes easy. Nothing good "just happens". If we try God will help us. "Of course He will. Of all things! He will help you if you do your part!"

I stopped taking notes with the wifi was getting spotty.. I really need to go back and listen to some questions on overcoming difficulties and same gender attraction. There was a lot of good stuff in there. I should have kept writing things down! Their testimonies at the end were really powerful too. Elder Holland' gave me chills as I was hidden in my corner of the office with tears streaming down my cheeks.

This was my favorite part though! I learned something new and it is something we should all think about. Elder Holland explained that as far as he knows there is no reference to their being any ward or stakes or organization like that in the celestial kingdom. We will only be organized BY FAMILIES. That concept struck me as pretty powerful and I loved thinking about it. Sometimes life after death makes me a little bit nervous but the concept of that makes me so happy!!!