my heart is expanding

yesterday was my birthday.

i turned 28.

i awoke feeling incredible.

28 is going to be a good year.

in-fact, i decided that it's going to be my best year yet.

not sure why or how 28 is going to be different,

but i can just...feel it. in my bones.

right in the middle of my day yesterday,

on my birthday, i attended a funeral for these

two sweet twin girls:

Taylor and Emma are their names.

they shared a seven-chamber heart and stole the heart of

my community and all those who knew of them.

at the funeral i was inspired, saddened, up-lifted, filled with

hope, felt love, and my testimony was strengthened.

i was touch by words that were shared and the

beautiful musical talents shown.

two things though...

two things were imprinted on my heart.

(excuse me if i begin to ramble now)

1. the final speaker shared with us two familiar stories from the Bible: the first being of the death and resurrection of Lazarus. the second being the death of John the Baptist and subsequently the Sermon on the mount, finishing with the miracle of the fish and bread.

from the first story we read that once Jesus heard of Lazarus' death He wept. even Jesus, the perfect man. the same who had perfect faith and knowledge of the plan wept and felt the sorrow of a loss. the same who, once at Lazarus side, raised him from death, cried as we do. Powerful for me.

the second story began with Jesus learning of the death of his dear cousin John. here we read that Jesus desired to be alone and began to ascend a mountain for solitude. he was followed by multitudes of people that desired to be with him. Jesus' disciples began to turn them away, but Jesus allow the people to follow. He then taught them and blessed them, and healed the sick. all this done as he was mourning his loss. later, he preformed the miracle of the bread and fish. service and love in the midst of trial. Powerful.

2. the parents of the twins (who btw are pillars of light) shared a phrase to describe, in-part how they are feeling: "My heart is expanding". they spoke of the love they feel and how they feel as though the Spirit is making their hearts grow.

for me, this means that one can feel more intensely the love that the Savior has for us, and that we being to understand the plan more fully. in turn this allows us to love others with a more pure, sweet, and raw love like He loves us.

my testimony is stronger now than when i was 27.

my birthday wish this year is to have an ever expanding heart.

it's going to be a good year.