I would have to say that October has been one of the best months for me, despite how emotionally difficult it began.

When my Young Women presidency unexpectedly fell apart, I found myself feeling distressed, lost, and somewhat in disbelief over everything that had transpired. I wasn’t quite sure how to process it all. I had invested so much of my heart into my calling and the people I served alongside, so it was disheartening to see things unfold the way they did. I think what troubled me most was not necessarily the changes themselves, but everything that came with them.

Then General Conference came around, and somewhere along the way, I started finding my footing again.

Around that time, the missionaries also shared a lesson with me based on President Nelson’s teachings about spiritual momentum. It was a much-needed reminder of how important it is to keep moving forward spiritually, even when things around us feel uncertain.

There is truly something sacred about the words of our prophet and Church leaders. Sometimes we hear the same principles repeatedly, but it isn’t until we’re experiencing something ourselves that those words begin to carry a different meaning. I felt that way listening to General Conference this year.

Several messages stood out to me, particularly Elder Kearon’s message about recognizing the spiritual lifts in our lives. Another message reminded me of a TED Talk and how much the people around us can influence our lives, while another had me reflecting on the idea of divine appointments.

I’ve always found that thought rather beautiful. That perhaps some of the people we encounter aren’t merely passing through our lives by coincidence. Maybe Heavenly Father places certain people in our paths because there is something we need to learn from them, something we can offer them, or simply because we need one another during a particular season of life.

Of course, I couldn’t help but think about my own divine appointments, especially those with my friends and my little flower.

Looking back, I realize how much comfort and happiness these friendships have brought me, especially during times when I felt emotionally drained. I really do believe Heavenly Father sends angels into our lives in the form of friendship. Sometimes we recognize them immediately, and other times, it takes a little reflection to realize how much their presence has blessed us.

Earlier this month, I had the wonderful opportunity to visit Lutsen Mountains with one of my dear friends. It was a much-needed getaway, and we also got to celebrate her 33rd birthday that weekend!

We enjoyed the beautiful autumn colors while riding the gondola, and I took her to Grand Marais for the first time. The scenery was absolutely beautiful. I don’t think there’s anything quite like seeing the trees dressed in their autumn colors, especially when you can enjoy them without having to worry about everything waiting for you back home.

For that one day, I got to relax, enjoy the company of a wonderful friend, and forget about all the things that had been weighing on my mind. Sometimes a change of scenery really does wonders for the soul.

The following day, we watched General Conference together, which made the weekend even more meaningful. We were celebrating another year of her life while also having the opportunity to be spiritually nourished. I couldn’t have asked for a better way to spend the weekend.

I don’t think I’ve ever paid so much attention to General Conference in one sitting before. 😆 I found myself genuinely listening to the talks and reflecting on how they related to the things I had been experiencing.

It was different this time. Perhaps it was because I had so much on my mind, or maybe I was simply more prepared to receive the messages. Whatever the reason, I felt like I was hearing exactly what I needed.

What started as a birthday getaway for my friend ended up becoming a spiritual lift for me as well. We were celebrating another year of her life, and somehow, I felt like I was being given a little fresh start of my own.

That was when I began to feel my spiritual momentum building again.

What a divine date, indeed.

The following week, I also had a little catch-up “date” with my little flower. As always, it was nice to have his company.

We went to Key’s Café, which I let him choose. He jokingly told me that he wasn’t the owner. Silly him, as if I didn’t already know that! 😆

I hadn’t been back to Key’s since my senior year of high school, so it was nice to revisit a familiar place and share the company of someone I’ve grown rather fond of.

We talked about work, our Church callings, and just little things here and there. I don’t think we necessarily need to have anything extraordinary to talk about. I simply enjoy listening to him and learning more about the person he is.

The week before our outing, he had gone to the Renaissance Festival. Since I couldn’t attend, I asked him to find me a dragon and told him I would reimburse him. I wasn’t entirely sure what he would find, but I figured I’d give him a little quest to accomplish. 😆

After dinner, we went pottery painting at Color Me Mine.

He chose a stackable teapot-and-cup set and painted a design that I jokingly told him reminded me of SpongeBob and Patrick. Meanwhile, I painted a pitcher vase with lilies of the valley.

I’ve grown rather fond of those little flowers and the meanings associated with them. They’re delicate, simple, and beautiful in their own quiet way.

On my pitcher, I wrote, “You are the lily of my valley.”

When he asked what I had written, I read it aloud to him. He looked confused, so I pointed to the flowers on my pitcher to explain what I meant.

Little did he know, I wasn’t exactly referring to the flowers I had painted.

I was indirectly telling him that he was the lily of my valley.

So innocent. 😆

I wonder if he’ll ever realize the little meanings behind some of the things I say to him. Then again, perhaps some things are sweeter left unspoken. I suppose that’s part of the charm of having a little flower who doesn’t always understand my flowery language.

Two weeks later, he also joined me and my youth for an evening at the Great Pumpkin Trail. I appreciated him coming along, especially since I know how much he already has going on with work and his own responsibilities.

I’m not entirely sure how much he enjoyed himself, but I certainly had a wonderful time!

We walked around admiring the beautifully carved pumpkins, visited the animals, and had far too much fun playing in the corn pit. I think the evening might have been more for me than for the youth. 😆

At one point, we even tried convincing him to get into the corn pit so we could bury him in corn, but he stubbornly refused.

Next time, we’ll get him!

What I enjoyed most about that evening was simply being able to have fun and be myself. I wasn’t thinking too much about how I should act around him or whether I was being too silly. I was just enjoying the moment with my youth, laughing and playing as I normally would.

I think that was probably one of the few times I had completely let my guard down around him. It felt nice not having to overthink anything for once.

After we left the Great Pumpkin Trail, he finally gave me the dragon I had asked him to find at the Renaissance Festival.

He had actually fulfilled his quest! 😆

It was the cutest little dragon called a drabbit. I had never heard of one before! It has fiery orange fur, sits on your shoulder, and even has a cable that allows you to control its movements.

I have yet to share a photo of it, but it’s absolutely adorable.

Naturally, I had to give my little dragon a name. I named him Keereon, after the person who brought him into my life and, of course, Flareon from Pokémon. My very own little Pokémon!

I asked him how much it cost so I could reimburse him, but he wouldn’t accept my money. I knew that little creature couldn’t have been cheap, so I felt rather touched by his generosity.

I’ll have to find a way to make it up to him someday.

I suppose what made the gesture special wasn’t necessarily the gift itself, but that he remembered my little request and followed through with it. I appreciate those thoughtful gestures, especially when they come without any expectations.

However, I did feel bad afterward.

We ended up staying out until nearly midnight, and I had forgotten to be mindful of how tired he might have been. He had already worked an early, long shift before meeting up with us and graciously becoming our chauffeur for the evening.

I appreciate him so much for the time and sacrifices he makes to help me with our adopted kids, as I jokingly call the youth.

Later, some of the boys he drove home expressed concern that he seemed extremely exhausted and may have been dozing off while driving. They were understandably frightened and wanted to make sure he was okay.

Hearing that concerned me, too. I hadn’t realized just how exhausted he might have been, and I felt bad that I hadn’t been more considerate of his need to rest.

I reached out to remind him that he never has to feel obligated to accompany me or help with my calling, especially when he’s tired. As much as I appreciate his willingness to serve, I would much rather have him well-rested and safe.

I want him to be well, too.

The whole experience reminded me of something funny from one of our earliest dinners together.

We had gone out so I could interview him for a member spotlight, and he asked how I ever found time to date when I invested so much of my time in the youth.

I jokingly told him that if I were seeing someone, his job would be to help me with my calling.

And isn’t it funny how things have turned out?

Although we’re nothing more than friends, that is essentially what our friendship has become. I ask him for favors, and somehow, he willingly comes along, sometimes without even asking for all the details beforehand.

I suppose there are things we still lack in communicating with one another, but one thing I’ve come to appreciate is his willingness to simply show up.

Of course, next time I’ll have to be more thorough when explaining the terms and conditions of his participation! 😆

I do always send him a courtesy reminder beforehand, giving him the opportunity to change his mind, but he has consistently followed through. I’ll appreciate that for as long as he’s willing and able to offer his time.

He’s such a wonderful person, and I hope that thoughtful side of him never changes.

One thing I’ve also noticed about him is how incredibly polite and patient he is.

Just this past Sunday, I watched him patiently waiting for the grandmas he usually drives home from church. They were happily engaged in their conversations, and he seemed to be struggling to get their attention so they could leave.

Eventually, I walked over and let them know he was ready.

My poor little flower. 😆

He was just standing there, waiting patiently while everyone continued talking. I find it rather endearing how he doesn’t seem to want to interrupt anyone, even when he has somewhere to be.

Sometimes I wonder how he manages to remain so patient in situations where others might have already grown frustrated.

I suppose that’s another little thing I’ve come to admire about him. He’s calm, considerate, and doesn’t seem to make much of a fuss about things.

I’ve also been thinking about inviting him to a musical with me, although part of me wonders whether that might be asking too much.

Then again, I suppose it doesn’t hurt to ask. I’ll see what this week brings.

Aside from my little flower’s wonderful company, I also had the opportunity to enjoy dinner on two separate occasions with a dear friend and her sister.

This is the same friend who, along with her husband, originally arranged the introductory dinner that brought my little flower and me together last year.

Funny how one simple introduction can lead to so many memories.

Our first dinner was mostly an opportunity to catch up and enjoy some tea time together. I hadn’t shared much about my recent circumstances because her sister wasn’t yet aware of everything I had been going through.

Since she’s also a friend of mine, I wanted to have an opportunity to speak with her individually so that we could all eventually feel comfortable talking about things together.

Last Friday, we finally had that chance, and we ended up talking for four hours straight!

I was able to open up about some of my recent experiences, including how much I’ve enjoyed the companionship of my little flower. It felt good to finally share those thoughts with her and simply catch up on everything that had been happening in our lives.

I don’t think we always realize how much we need those conversations until we finally have them. Sometimes it’s just nice to sit across from someone who listens, understands, and allows you to express yourself without feeling like you have to hold anything back.

Four hours certainly went by quickly. 😆

As I look back on everything October has brought into my life, I feel incredibly blessed.

The month began with disappointment, uncertainty, and a lot of emotions I wasn’t quite sure how to sort through. Yet somehow, through all the little experiences and people who crossed my path, I found myself feeling lighter and happier than I had in quite some time.

I think that’s what made me reflect so much on the idea of divine appointments.

I don’t believe every person who comes into our lives is necessarily meant to stay forever, nor do I think we always understand why certain friendships develop the way they do. But I do believe there are people Heavenly Father allows us to meet because there is something meaningful we can offer one another.

Sometimes it’s counsel. Sometimes it’s encouragement. Sometimes it’s a much-needed laugh, a listening ear, or simply having someone beside us when life feels overwhelming.

And sometimes, it’s a little flower who quietly shows up without realizing how much his presence means to someone else.

I’ve come to appreciate those little things more than ever.

None of us is perfect. We all have our flaws, shortcomings, and moments when we disappoint one another. I know I certainly have my own. But I’ve been learning that when we choose to look beyond those imperfections and recognize the goodness in people, we begin to appreciate how much we can bless one another’s lives.

I don’t want to spend my days dwelling on negativity or allowing unpleasant experiences to take away from the many blessings Heavenly Father continues to give me.

There will always be things beyond my control, people I may not understand, and situations that don’t turn out the way I had hoped. But I do have control over how I choose to respond and where I place my energy.

I want to continue surrounding myself with uplifting company, nurturing meaningful friendships, and becoming someone who can offer that same comfort and encouragement to others.

Most importantly, I want to keep building my spiritual momentum.

I guess I’ve come to realize that spiritual momentum doesn’t always come from something extraordinary. Sometimes it’s simply being surrounded by the right people at the right time. A little laughter, a thoughtful gesture, a beautiful autumn afternoon, or even just having someone sit beside you can make all the difference.

I didn’t realize how much I needed those little moments until I looked back at everything this month.

And perhaps that’s what makes divine appointments so special. We don’t always recognize them when they’re happening. Sometimes it takes looking back to see how Heavenly Father was quietly answering our prayers through the people He placed in our lives.

October reminded me that even when one part of life feels as though it’s falling apart, there can still be so much goodness growing around us.

I may not know what the coming months will bring, and I certainly don’t have everything figured out. But I know that I want to keep moving forward with faith, gratitude, and a heart willing to recognize the blessings around me.

Perhaps not every divine appointment is meant to change the course of our lives. Some are simply meant to help us through a particular season, to remind us that we’re loved, or to give us a little more strength to keep going.

And maybe that’s enough.

After all, even a wallflower needs a little sunshine, a little rain, and the occasional gentle reminder that there is still room to bloom. ❤️

Love,
Ang 🌸