The Scriptures, Gospel, and Beach... What more could you want?

So I have been far too lazy, and busy (in my defense) to be posting something every single day this week so I have decided on 3 things I am especially grateful for this week. Well I'll start out with the light stuff first. So I went to the ocean on Saturday as a Singles Ward Activity and it was really relaxing to kick back in the sun and chill the whole day with some of my new friends from the ward. I love the ocean and just watching the waves crash and just listening just made me reflect on how great this earth really is. Heavenly Father really knew what it was doing when he created this world and all of the beautiful and amazing things in it. So I am grateful for the ocean. Plus, I was able to kick a ball around again and get aggressive in a wayy fun game of soccer on the beach. It's been awhile since I've played so it felt good to get back in the swing of things again. Plus, I've never played soccer on the beach before so it was heaps of fun!
Secondly and Thirdly, (if that's even a word)
This last week I have been especially grateful for the scriptures and the gospel in my life. I have had the opportunity and privilege of sharing some of my beliefs to some of my non-member friends I have made through work. I have had missionary opportunities before, but never in the case where they have heard absolutely NOTHING about the gospel, so it has been an interesting experience. I have had the great opportunity to share what I value most in life with one of my friends from work. It all started with just simply being nice to the person sitting next to me. We started small talking and the next thing I knew he was asking me about some of my beliefs. I have been able to bare my testimony on many occasions to my non-member friends but never to the extent where they knew nothing about the church. I prayed that I would be able to say and do the right things and the second day I knew my friend I was able to give him a Book of Mormon. I know that the Book of Mormon is the word of God and that it is true. I know that we can relate to it and that that revelation was had for us to benefit from. I'm thankful for the scriptures and for the comfort and guidance they offer in my life. I'm grateful for the wonderful gospel in my life and for all of the joy and happiness it brings to me personally. I couldn't believe the overwhelming feeling of joy I had and continue to have when I share the gospel with someone. My brother said once that he didn't think that anything could make him as happy as sharing the gospel with others did, and I have kind of had the chance to know how he feels. It feels good to share the gospel and it feels right. Sometimes we don't understand why we do things, we just do them because they are right. I wasn't exactly sure what I was getting myself into coming out to California this summer. It was the type of thing that sounded really cool and ideal but not likely. As soon as I knew it, after everything kind of just fell into place, I was on my way out here to stay for the summer. I know for fact that it was no accident that I came out here for the summer. I was supposed to meet some of my non-member friends to hopefully touch their hearts and make them feel open to the spirit and the gospel, and I know that I was supposed to meet the amazing people I have met and continue to meet through my ward and the church. I am a big believer in everything happens for a reason, and everything will work out the way it is supposed to. I know that these things are true.

Well It's been a long day so I'm checkin' out!
Peace!
<3 Mer Bear