"Nevertheless Alma labored much in the spirit, wrestling with God in mighty prayer, that he would pour out his Spirit upon the people...And it came to pass that while he was journeying thither, being weighed down with sorrow, wading through much tribulation and anguish of soul...it came to pass while Alma was thus weighed down with sorrow, behold an angel of the Lord appeared unto him..."

Alma 10: 12, 14

I leave for Mexico in the morning! I had the missionaries over tonight to share a message and the scripture above is part of what they shared. I love how inspired missionaries are; I love the spirit they bring with them.

This scripture strikes a deep cord within my soul. Especially after the past few months, where I feel as though I have been floundering. There have been a lot of changes in my life recently, most of them beautiful surprises, but some have been very painful and have left me struggling to determine if and where I went wrong.

I have found myself wrestling with my spiritual side and natural man in front of God, in mighty prayer. I have been asking if I have been doing the right thing, asking my Heavenly Father to pour his spirit out upon others around me, and that he will soften their hearts or ease their burdens. And while 'journeying' in sorrow these last few months, wading with much tribulation, I have found that through my prayers for others, Heavenly Father has poured out his Spirit upon me. He has provided tender mercies all along the way.

I am blessed to have such a close relationship with my Father in Heaven. I am so grateful that I can recognize how these scriptures (and so many others) can relate to my heart and guide me through this life. I am grateful for inspired people in my life-who provide insight at the exact moment I need it.

I'm thankful for this opportunity to go to Mexico and serve for a week. My soul needs it. I've anguished enough about the loss of friends, the loss of loved ones, the changes that were necessary. It's time to put my heart and soul into serving others. It's time to live up to my motto this year. It's time for peace, even in the busiest of moments.

My birthday is in eleven days and I am going to make 25 one of the best years of my life. This is my year for finishing up school, for moving out of Richmond, for taking new chances, for letting go of control, and above all for finding peace within myself.

**Thanks for letting me ramble!