What a glorious day!

I had the most amazing experience this evening, and I just wanted to share it, as I am practically bursting with happiness. As most of you know, Logan (my brother) and I have been on the outs for years. I mean YEARS. We absolutely hated each other when we were both living at home. After I moved out, we barely tolerated each other. There was no more fighting, but we just ignored each other. No eye contact or anything. Then, as I mature a little bit, I began to direct basic questions at him or join into conversations that he was a part of. He would ignore me completely and act like I hadn't said anything. Then we got to the point that he would answer me, but not look at me while he did it. At that point I actually called him on his birthday even though I was terrified to do it. I felt on top of the world. Before tonight, we were on casual greeting terms. It was really difficult, because I wanted to have a relationship with him, but it's really hard to overcome all those years. Especially since he was was not interested.

But this evening, he sent me a text message. Out of the blue. It read:
Hey sister. I know we have had our issues, but I really miss you. I miss the whole family. I can't wait till the next time we have Thanksgiving.

Honestly, I cried. And as I am writing this, I am tearing up again. I of course responded, and we had a few passed texts. But honestly, I think this is the first time he has instigated a conversation since I was probably 8. Unless you count yelling and name-calling, which I don't. I know how hard it must have been for him to send me that text, and I am so glad he did! I just feel like life is all of a sudden brighter and more hopeful. Honestly, I don't think I knew how much it was hurting me until all of a sudden I feel like it's being resolved.
I just feel so full of love, and it makes me think that this must be how Heavenly Father and Christ feel when we are renewing our relationships with them. I know that I have not been very good at my own relationship with my Heavenly Father, but I am now going to try harder and harder.
There is nothing like the feeling of regaining a loved one, you guys. I have never felt anything so amazing in my life. So, even though I am sure Logan would be mortified if he ever read this, I just had to share and document such a powerful feeling. Don't give up hope. If you keep working at it, even though it seems hopeless, it will come around eventually.
I love you all so much, and I am so grateful for your part in my life. I am sure you don't realize what an impact you have on me, but thanks for being there for me anyway!

Various Tidbits

Well, I have been having issues with blogging lately. I think about it all the time (yes, maybe I am a bit obsessive-compulsive) but I can never remember what I want to write when it comes down to it. So, instead, I just don't blog, and then when I make myself, I have too many things to say.
I got called as an Assistant Girl's Camp Director. I admit, I am pretty nervous about it, as I had no great love for Girl's Camp when I was in YW. But, I am getting more and more excited about it. I had the chance to go to a workshop for girl's camp on Saturday morning. I admit, I didn't want to go since it's a LONG workshop, but I am so glad I did. Sherri Dew spoke, and she gave an amazing talk. There were a few things she shared, that I feel the need to pass on. She said that throughout the scriptures, every prophet has testified about two things: Jesus Christ, and the latterdays. We know we were all saved for the latterdays. That we proved ourselves somehow in the premortal existence to be worthy to come in these special times. She said "Do you really think Heavenly Father would have taken a chance on the outcome of these days by sending weak spirits?" That just really hit home to me. I never thought about it like that, and I firmly believe her. It gave me a great insight as to how important I am, as a daughter of God, and how important my calling is in the Young Women. I have the ability to shape my girls' lives. Wow. The other thing she said that really inspired me was a story she shared.
She was working the Manhattan Temple Open House VIP night, and afterwards, people were mingling and discussing things. Mike Wallace (of 60 Minutes fame) asked a great, insightful question. He said "Your women are different. Why?" Someone else answered "Because our women are pure." It shines through your face. I was impressed that it really is obvious to people who aren't members of the Church. Wow.
Well, after all that heavy stuff, I thought I would post a great video to lighten your spirits. Thanks, Faith for sharing it with me!