Advice from Kristen Oaks

Do not waste one minute worrying and despairing over what you do not have.

If you cannot bear the challenges and difficulties of single life, you will never be able to bear the challenges and difficulties of married life.

I testify from hard-earned experience that the Lord is always preparing us for greater happiness and blessings. We need only to try our best and trust in Him with all of our heart.

Relish every moment; don't wait for life to happen.

Remember you're a celestial person having a telestial experience. Sometimes our emotions (including loneliness) are just reminders of that.

Allow the Lord to be the architect for your life plan.

Advance confidently in the direction of your dreams. Sometimes we need to write a new dream. 

Righteous desires may need to be realigned into a new timeline.

Choose to be grateful- you'll be content.

I find myself reminding myself of these truths over and over again. They have changed my perspective immensely and I find myself so much more at peace as I believe and live them.

Dear Heart

Dear Heart,

I realize that I've put you through a lot. I ask a lot of you. At times, you've had to endure some really difficult, hurtful pain. At times, I've lead you to experience brief moments of joy. Sometimes I ignore you. Sometimes I make decisions that go contrary to what you tell me. Sometimes I tear you away from those you really care about. Sometimes I lead you to people that you will forever change you for the better.

Lately I've asked you to keep yourself protected and buried away. I thought that would be enough to save you from too much hurt. But last night you reminded me how much you feel and hurt and love even when I don't think you are doing so.

I'm sorry that I ask hard things of you. I'm sorry for all the scars you bear. Yet for all that, you're stronger than I realize.

I'm amazed at the capacity that is tucked away within your small dimensions. You enable me to love a baby boy, to sacrifice much for those I love, and even those I have yet to love. You're the part of me that feels deeply happy when a 3 year old boy tells me he loves me; you're the part of me that still hopes and invests even when wisdom says that is just a dangerous risk.

Someday, we're going to find that person that will allow you to really love, to release all of the potential with you. You'll be cared for and nourished and completely invested in someone else. All of that love you keep tightly bound inside of you is going to burst out through my eyes and my lips and my finger tips, and it will be glorious. Of course, I can't promise you that it won't hurt sometimes. I just believe that you are meant to have joy. You are strong and devoted for a reason.

I'm going to start listening to you more often. I'm going to try to be true to best that is in you. I'm going to fail at times, but just know that I realize you're there, and that you are the best part of me.

We've made it this far. You've made it longer alone than you ever thought you could. You've been through more ups and downs than we ever thought possible. Somehow you have been willing to invest and love, even when you knew that it would likely leave another small hole in your tender core. You been shaped and molded, broken and healed. You've been ignored, abused, cared for, and nourished. You'll make it through whatever else is asked of you. I'm certain you will.