Wise words from our Prophet.

"Seek a companion with whom you want to spend eternity. If you choose wisely and if you are committed to the success of your marriage, there is nothing in this life which will bring you greater happiness.  When you marry..., you will wish to marry in the house of the Lord. For you who hold the priesthood, there should be no other option.  Choose a companion carefully and prayerfully; and when you are married, be fiercely loyal one to another. Priceless advice comes from a small framed plaque I once saw in the home of an uncle and aunt. It read, “Choose your love; love your choice.” There is great wisdom in those few words. Commitment in marriage is absolutely essential.  Your wife is your equal. In marriage neither partner is superior nor inferior to the other. You walk side by side as a son and a daughter of God. She is not to be demeaned or insulted but should be respected and loved."

--President Thomas S. Monson

He is We kick?

"Forever is a long time.  But I wouldn't mind spending it by your side.  Tell me everyday I get to wake up to that smile.  I wouldn't mind it at all.  I wouldn't mind it at all."


Oh, He is We.  You write the songs of my soul. <3

I want to be so lovey-dovey!

But at the same time, I am worried to be.

I'M ENGAGED!!!

This boy really is rather romantic. :]

Alright, alright.  I guess I will tell the story, if you REALLY want to know.

I spent my Thanksgiving break away from home this year.  It was the first time I haven't been with my family, which was kinda weird.  I spent my Thanksgiving break with my boyfriend and his family.  In Alabama.  And, let me tell you, it was a GREAT time!  I met his family, and they were pretty great.  I absolutely love them.

Anyways, moving on.  Last Tuesday, he was driving me around Alabama, and showing me different places and telling me memories from his teen years.  We went to DeSoto Falls, and it started to rain.  As we were looking at the falls, Ryan was holding me, and he started talking about all the places we have been to together, and all the things that we have already gone through, and how it has been a great journey.  I will let you know, I did NOT see this next part coming.  He said that there was only one thing left to do in order to keep the journey going.  I said, "Yep!", then continued to just look at the falls.  Then Ryan said, "And it's to do this."  Then he got on one knee, and asked me to marry him.  Of COURSE I said YES!

Waterfalls, rain, and a proposal.  It was perfect for me.

Here is the ring!

Man, do I love this boy. :]   And I am so excited to spend the rest of eternity with him.<3

Starting on November 18, 2011 at 12:10 AM...

I will be having a WONDERFUL time!

Breaking Dawn midnight premier with Trishy.  A girl date. :]
Drive down to Utah Friday afternoon.
Leave Saturday morning to go to ALABAMA!
Spend a week with my amazing boyfriend!
Thanksgiving with his family. :]

All in all, I think I will have an amazing time. :]

Oh how I love missionaries. :]

 Connolly, Me, and Moon

Moon, Spencer, Matt, and Connolly

Connolly and Moon.  They are two of the Elders that served in our ward, and helped Malcolm choose to serve a mission for the church.  They both recently returned home, and decided to come up and visit.  I will forever be grateful for them. :] 

Friday, November 18, 2011

This day will be the day where I will be the most tired I have been this semester.

Why, you ask?

Guess you'll have to wait until next week to find out!

:]

Today was the best day.

I got the strongest feeling that I was whole.  That I was clean.  That I was pure.  That I was forgiven.  On top of that, I got the strongest feeling that I needed to move forward with everything I have been planning over the last few weeks, because that is what the Lord wanted for me, and He approves of everything.  Because of that, I will move forward with everything I have planned when I have them planned.

And I am SO excited!

Can I be a bit lovey-dovey?

This is Ryan.  He's my boyfriend.  I feel SO lucky to be able to say that!

He's from Alabama.  Yep, a Southern boy.  Although he doesn't talk with his Southern accent... Which makes me sad, but I understand why he doesn't.

He has brown hair and blue eyes, which is the perfect combination, to me at least. :]

We have been dating for close to six months now, and I can't believe that it has been that long already!  But, I also can't wait to see what is in store. :]

Can I be 100% honest with everyone? 

I freaking love this boy.

Like, for reals.

More than anyone else before.

More than I thought I could love anyone.

And the reason why I feel so lucky to be able to say that is because there was a time when I felt that would never happen to me.

And look.

It did.

And I have never been happier.

This is Ryan, and I love him more than anything.  And I am so glad he loves me, even with all my quirks and random things I like.

He knows EVERYTHING about me... And loves me, just the same.

And I am so grateful

<3

“Faith in God includes faith in His timing.” Neal A. Maxwell

It is amazing to me how things are so interconnected, and so intertwined.  Over the last few days, I have been starting to see more clearly how connected everyone really is.  I have also been starting to see how the Lord wants me and others to learn about various things.  Case in point, the quote above.

For my Teachings of the Living Prophets class that I am taking this semester (for those of you who haven't taken it and still need a religious class for some semester, take it!  Seriously, one of the best religion classes I have ever taken), we are learning about Dallin H. Oaks for this week.  For every member of the Quorum of the 12 and the First Presidency, us students are asked to look up biographical information on them, and then read two talks given by them, one that the teacher assigns and one that we are able to choose.  So, we have done that now for President Monson, President Eyring, President Uchtdorf, Elder Packer, Elder Perry, Elder Nelson, and now Elder Oaks.  But, anyways, I digress.  The teacher talk that was given to us for Elder Dallin H. Oaks was a talk entitled "Timing."  This was a CES Fireside (or Church Educational System) back in January of 2002.  In the talk, he discussed the importance of allowing the Lord's will and timetable to take over in our lives, and not try to force our own will or timetable on the Lord.  Within the talk, he quoted Elder Neal A. Maxwell's quote which is the title of this blog.

"Faith in God includes faith in His timing."  Never before has this quote rang so true to me.  Growing up, I had a plan out for my life.  I would graduate high school in 2008, go to BYU, graduate by 2012, marry in 2012/2013 in the temple, begin having kids by 2014, and be happy.  Now, I am not saying that some of those things won't still happen, but they have shifted ever so slightly.

Even with all the twists and turns that have come, I can honestly say that I have never been this happy.  I have never felt the Lord's guidance in my life more than now.  And, I have an increased faith in the Lord's timing.  This is why I wrote this blog, to share with you all my testimony of that.  I went through a rough time, where I felt alone and insecure.  I seriously believed that my desires would not be met, because there wouldn't be a single person who would be able to accept my past and love me unconditionally still.  But, the things that have happened in my life were things that I was not planning on.  That proved to me that the Lord has a plan for each and every one of us, even though we may think that we will be left behind.  The Lord's plan is fulfilled on HIS timetable, not on mine.  Every joy, every happiness and strength that I have felt has come because I was ready for it.  It didn't come before, because I wasn't ready for it.  It didn't come after.  It came at the precise moment that it did because the Lord knew I was willing and ready for it.  I am so very happy to be in the place where I am now.  The Lord led to things occurring the way that He did because He had a plan for me, and wanted me to be worthy to be on the path.

Back to where this blog started.  "Faith in God includes faith in His timing."  There are many who are struggling because they don't understand why they haven't received various blessings, even when they are working so hard at it.  There are others who receive those blessings, but think that the timing is off, or don't feel necessarily that they deserve them.  I can say, without a doubt in my mind or heart, that the Lord isn't going to give you a blessing before you are ready for it.  He offers and gives them when He knows that you are worthy and willing to receive them.  Whether you are still waiting for a blessing to come, or are beginning to lose your faith, I ask you to remember that the Lord has a time and a place for everything.  He won't promise something and then take it away, especially if you are living the way that you are supposed to.  They may not come when you want them to come, or when you expect.  But the Lord knows exactly what He is doing, and we just need to place our faith and trust in Him.  As we do so, we will begin to see how the Lord has a plan, and will interconnect everything in order for you to learn what He is wanting to teach you.

I know that the Lord's timing is everything, and I just need to trust in His way.  Without this faith and knowledge, I would not be where I am today.  This has helped me and strengthened me in a way that nothing else ever could.  I am grateful to be a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and am so glad that I am able to have a strong testimony of this Gospel.  Every life experience I have been able to face has led to me being where I am today, and I know that they will help me in my future life.

Recipe book?

So, I am thinking about putting together a recipe book, full of delicious dishes that I would love to try.  But, I am having a hard time finding recipes.  So, here is my question to you, readers.  Do you think that you could send me a favorite recipe of yours?  I would so greatly appreciate it!  Thanks!

Wanna know the best way to wake up on a Wednesday morning?

By realizing that in the middle of the night, your phone fell to the ground.  As you reach down to get it to shut the alarm off, you hit your head on the corner of your desk that you didn't realize was that close.

Ow.

My talk on Honesty.

Good afternoon, brothers and sisters.  My name is Symone Stout, for those of you that don’t know me.  Today I will be talking about something that most of us have been taught since we were little… the principle of honesty.

“Honesty is the best policy.”  We have all heard that saying, right?  But what exactly is honesty?  According to the dictionary, it is “the quality or fact of being honest; uprightness and fairness; truthfulness, sincerity, or frankness; freedom from deceit or fraud.”  President James E. Faust also added to this, saying, “Honesty is more than not lying. It is truth telling, truth speaking, truth living, and truth loving.”  Honesty is an important aspect of life.  Not only do we have to be honest with those who we associate with, including family, friends, ward members, and anyone else you may come in contact with during your life, but we have to be honest with ourselves and with the Lord.  Every action, every choice made is known by yourself and the Lord.  Whether you are honest about what occurred or not, you will know exactly what happened.

In the society that we live in today, it is easier to lie, to deceive, and to justify various actions.  Elder Marcos A. AIDUKAITIS said, “Scriptural teachings on honesty are clear, but unfortunately the world seems to be much more flexible. The world even classifies people according to different levels of honesty. Sometimes we hear of people who are ‘very’ honest, ‘mostly’ honest, or even ‘a little’ honest.” (Honesty in the Small Things)

 When it comes to being dishonest, it is easier to lie about little things than the big things.  Kinda like when you were late to a meeting… or late to anything, for that matter.  Why you don’t have an assignment.  Why you don’t want to go on a date.  Why you don’t want to see a friend.  I know that I have been dishonest in one, if not most, of the things mentioned.

While you may not think that you have been dishonest, chances are that, at one point, you weren’t being completely honest with yourself or those around you.  President Brigham Young said, “If we accept salvation on the terms it is offered to us, we have got to be honest in every thought, in our reflections, in our meditations, in our private circles, in our deals, in our declarations, and in every act of our lives.”

If it is so easy to lie, cheat, deceive, or justify now-a-days, then why should we be honest?  What is so important about being honest? 

In True to the Faith it says, “When we are honest in every way, we are able to enjoy peace of mind and maintain self-respect. We build strength of character, which allows us to be of service to God and others. We are trustworthy in the eyes of God and those around us.  On the other hand, if we are dishonest in our words or actions, we hurt ourselves and often hurt others as well. If we lie, steal, cheat, or neglect to give the full amount of work for our pay, we lose our self-respect. We lose the guidance of the Holy Ghost. We may find that we have damaged relationships with family members and friends and that people no longer trust us.  Being honest often requires courage and sacrifice, especially when others try to persuade us to justify dishonest behavior. If we find ourselves in such a situation, we can remember that the lasting peace that comes from being honest is more valuable than the momentary relief of following the crowd.”  Howard W. Hunter, before he was President, stated, “We often speak of that scriptural reference, ‘Man is that he might have joy.’ There is a joy that comes to one from being honest. Let me tell you how. By this means you can have the companionship of the Master and you can have the Spirit of the Holy Ghost. Violations of the code of honesty will deprive you of these two great blessings. Could you believe that one who would lie or cheat or violate the Word of Wisdom could have the companionship of the Master or have the Spirit of the Holy Ghost?”

That is why it is so important to be honest.  Being honest leads us to happiness, allows us to keep the companionship of the Holy Ghost, and have the Lord’s guidance with us at all times.  By being honest, we will be open to blessings and better willing to do the work of the Lord.  Being honest allows us and lets us feel good about ourselves and our life.  Being honest with those around us leads us to have better relationships.  The Lord wants us to be happy while going through this life. 

Doctrine and Covenants section 97 verse 8 says, “Verily I say unto you, all among them who know their hearts are honest, and are broken, and their spirits contrite, and are willing to observe their covenants by sacrifice—yea, every sacrifice which I, the Lord, shall command—they are accepted of me.”

Now, if I can be completely honest (given my topic), there have been times where I made mistakes.  And, instead of fixing them right away or telling the truth about it, I found a round-about way to deal with them.  I chose to not talk about them, or to not tell the whole truth when I needed to.  Instead of making things better, it actually ended up making things worse.  I wasn’t happy, I wasn’t fun, and I wasn’t willing to listen to others because I really felt like I knew what I was talking about.  When I chose to be honest, when I chose to tell the truth, everything included, I felt relieved.  I felt better.  I felt like I could be happy again, and that I could live a life full of happiness.  I just needed to be honest with myself, with the Lord, and with those around me.

Brother and sisters, I know that, in this world, it is easier to lie.  It is easier to be dishonest, especially when bad decisions and mistakes are made.  It is easier.  But, being honest in all your doings, and with all those around you will not only lead to happiness here on Earth, but eternal happiness in the next life.  I can testify to the truth of this.  The Lord wouldn’t ask us to be honest is all our doings if He didn’t provide a way and if it wasn’t important to Him.

Elder Richard J. Maynes said, “Remember, the Lord expects us as members of His Church not only to appear to be good but also to actually be good.”

Please start today to be more honest, if you feel like you aren’t.  Allow the Spirit to guide and direct you.  Heavenly Father won’t lead you astray.  He wants you to be happy, and wants you to feel like you can have good relationships.  All you need to do is start being honest.

I know that this Church is true, and that the Lord is watching over us.  I know that the scriptures are true, and that they hold guidance to help us get through our everyday life.  I know that the Spirit is there to help us and guide us.  I know that Thomas S. Monson is a prophet, and that he is leading us in the way the Lord desires us to be led.  I know that we can be happy while on Earth and that we can do right, even when it seems easier to do wrong.  Of this I testify in the name of our Savior, Jesus Christ, Amen.

My view on families.

Today was a pretty rough day.  I don't know why, but today I felt off.  I felt super lonely, and that I couldn't really talk to anyone, which sucked.

Over the last few days, I have been having some impressions and feelings come into my life that have made me gain a better understanding of where my life will be taking me.  I am really so excited to see the direction my life will be taking me, and to see the joy and happiness that will come from following these promptings.

While at Church on Sunday, and in my religion class here at school, I can't help but notice that we have been talking about families, and how Satan is working extra hard to break up families.

For most people on Earth, families are a source of happiness and love.  Family leads you, guides you, allows you to feel loved and appreciated, and helps you when times get tough.  Your family is the one group of people that will always be there for you, no matter what.  At least, that is the case for me.

I have been thinking a lot about my future family over the last few days.  Who will be a part of it, when I will be blessed to be a mom, how I will raise my children, etc.  No, I am NOT saying that I will be starting a family anytime soon, but it has been something that has been on my mind.  Since I have started thinking about it, I have realized that I am having roadblocks placed in my path that would, in my teenage years, prevent me from pushing forward.  These feelings of loneliness, insecurity, and failure; all of these would have made me not want to progress, not want to keep moving forward.

But, I am different now.  Yes, I do feel this way at times, but that isn't going to prevent me from pushing forward.  I have a greater knowledge, and that includes knowing that even when I am feeling alone, I am not really alone.  I have an earthly family and friends who love and support me.  But, above all, I have a Heavenly Father who is there for me, no matter what.  Even when I have made the worst mistakes, or not been the best I can be, He is always there to offer a hand and pick me back up.  He is there to show me the way back.  Because I know that He is there, I know that I don't need to worry.

My Heavenly Father has made promises to me, to us, His children.  As we stay valiant to His commandments, and do as He asks, He will give us those promised blessings.  While I see those roadblocks in my path, I can still know that, eventually, they will pass.  I will keep pushing forward, and I will not allow ANYTHING to take away my goal of a temple marriage and an eternal family.  Even during my "rebellious" teen years, a temple marriage was always my goal, and it is more so now.  I want an eternal family, and I will do anything to get it.

Satan is trying his hardest to tear me down, and not reach my goal.  I can feel it.  What he doesn't know is that my secret weapon will never falter.  What is my secret weapon, you ask?  It is my testimony on the family.  I know that having a family is part of God's plan for His children while living in this earthly state.  I know that families can be together forever, and that God has included families in His Plan of Happiness because He knows the joy that can come from having a family.  I have a wonderful family as it is, and I know that my future family will bring me continual joy.  I just need to keep my head held high, and remember that what God has promised will come as long as I stay positive and work towards following the commandments.

Sorry if this is a really random post, it is just something that has been on my mind for the last few days and I needed to get it out.

Number 400 (it's kinda short... Forgive me)

You won't win, Satan.  No matter how badly you want to.

I want to write.  I need to write.  But every time I start to write...

I lose the words.

My life would suck without you.

I can already tell that, for the next few blogs, I am going to be all lovey-dovey gushy stuffs about a lot of different things.  I am warning you now for that all.  The first people I will talk about are these two lovely ladies.

Me, Chelsie, and Jillise. :]

I have known these two girls now for just about three years.  THREE years!  I cannot begin to express how much my life has changed in the last three years, yet alone the fact that these two have stuck by my side through it all.

Chelsie is my roommate, my twin.  She has been my room-roommate since our second semester out here, so there have only been two instances when we have both been in Rexburg where we haven't lived together, this semester being one of them.  Regardless of that fact, we still see each other daily.  She knows more about me than I do myself, and, at times, it is scary.  But, she has been such a blessing to me since I met her.  She has listened to me laugh about stupid things, cry about hard things, and has pulled me back up when I have fallen.  I know, without a doubt, that I would not have gotten through the last three years, but the last year and a half especially, without her by my side.

Jillise is my ginger.  We lived together our second semester, and every semester after that.  She has transfered out to BSU, and I can tell that she absolutely LOVES it and is thriving out there.  But I still miss her guts.  We still talk often, and I love her.  I know that I can call her about anything, stupid or not, and she will listen to me.  She will give me advice, even when I don't really want it, and will help me see the other side.  She is one of the greatest people that I have ever met, and I am SO grateful for her.

We are The Three Amigas, The Three Musketeers.  These girls have brought some of the best blessings I could ever ask for, and I am so glad that they have been with me.  My life would seriously suck without the two of them, and I just felt the need to express my love and appreciation for these two girls today.  I am thankful that I was able to go up to Boise with Chelsie in order to see Jillise this last weekend.  It was a much needed break.  I am glad that we were able to have fun, be with one another, and talk about things that we needed to talk about.  I am so happy about these last three years, and can't wait to see what lies ahead for us all.

Love you both SO much! <3

You know, it's weird.

Sometimes, you feel like you are doing the right thing, and it turns out to be wrong.

Sometimes, you feel like you are doing the wrong thing, and it turns out to be right.

Heavenly Father sure has a plan for each of us, and is willing and ready to let us see it, if we want to.

Sometimes I say some of the dumbest things.

Which leads to it not coming out right, which leads to me wanting to explain, which leads to things becoming worse than they were, which leads to me just feeling dumb and horrible, which leads to me not wanting to talk because I know it will just be bad.  AND because of this, I get very little sleep, even if everything ended out okay before it was time for bed.  Ugh.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, RYAN!

Happy Birthday to the kindest, sweetest, handsomest Southern gentleman that I could ever ask for.  I love you SO much and I am SO happy to have you in my life!  I hope that this day brings a smile to your face, and shows you that you are loved and appreciated by SO many people, including me.  I love you!!

Finances

Parking ticket.  Paid.

Tithing.  Paid

Looked at my account.  Saw that, as long as I don't spend any more money this week or next, I will have enough to go to Boise and back for General Conference weekend AND get an oil change.

Right now, everything is a-okay. :]

Every single day, there is something new that you do that makes me love you more and more. <3

Catch up time!

Dear readers of my blog,

I haven't really been blogging lately, and I can't tell you why.  Yesterday, I wanted to blog, but just didn't start.  So, I am going to today.

I started school last Monday, and I can't tell you how happy I am to be back on campus, running into old friends and making new ones.  I am a full-time student, with 12 credits.  I know that this is going to be a difficult semester already, but I can't help but just be so excited about it.

I was reunited with CHELSIE!  And I LOVE IT!  I missed having her lovely face out here in Idaho, so I am happy to have her back.  It is hard not living with her, but I still see her every day.  It just sucks having to leave at curfew.  Ugh.

Trishy is HUGE!  Seriously, I am sure that she is going to pop sometime soon.  I cannot WAIT to meet baby Elliott, and smother him with extra love, since I know Trish and Russell will be loving him day in and day out.

My new roommates seem like nice girls.  I have been SO busy this last week seeing all my friends who are back at school after serving their missions that I haven't had the chance to get to know them... But I still have 13 weeks or so to get to know them.  It will happen.

And I am so in love with my boyfriend, I can't even begin to tell you.  There will be a whole other blog post about that, I am sure.  I am sad that he is in Alabama, and I am here in Idaho, but things are still so great.  I am so blessed.

Anyways... That's my life right now.  I will try to write more later!

Oh crap.

I am missing school on the 21st and the 22nd of November in order to visit my lovely boyfriend in Alabama.

On the 22nd, I have a paper due, and an Exam for my science class that I just found out about today.

Do you think the teacher will allow me to turn in the paper early and take the exam early?

I sure hope so...

Ugh, stressing already and the semester just started.

Quote from Neiko Ryan Mullens

"Christ died for a HOPE that we would turn to Him for our salvation. There's no guarantee that you will seek Him but He still died for the HOPE of it. What would you do if your friend sacrificed themself for the Hope of your future? Would you take it?"

*Sigh*

I miss him.

I had a really good first week of being 21. :]

Four mile hike up to Comet Falls! :]

More pictures will be posted soon. :]

Best Birthday Surprise Ever?!

Having Ryan show up from Alabama.  What a great day. :]

You know...

Watching all these VEDA videos kinda makes me wish I had the courage to tell my story.

Maybe one day.

There is no reason for me to be awake right now.

Dad and the boys are asleep, mom and the girls are all at Girl's Camp.  Boyfriend is out midnight fishing (seriously, though.  Who does that? ;]).  So, really, I could be sleeping.  But, I have something to say.

TODAY was the day when I appreciated all that my mom does.  My mom is a stay-at-home mom.  And it's really difficult to see the kinds of things she does until she is gone, and asks you to take over mommy duty.  I have had to do this a couple times over the last few years, and trust me.  It doesn't get any easier.  But what I can say is that I have an increased amount of love for my mom and the things that she does.  I had one hour where all I wanted to do was take a nap, and Ian and Patrick wouldn't let me.  They kept throwing things at me, asking me questions, wouldn't watch TV.  Frustrating.  The one break I got today was a trip to Walmart by myself.  No wonder my mom likes to take her time when she is there without the boys.  It allllll makesssss senseeeee!

Anyways, basically I love my mother.  And while I am exhausted, I can't wait for the time when I will be a mother to wonderful, crazy, loud, obnoxious children.  With a mom like me, they are bound to be that way. :]

So, I dislike thinking about the future.

With going to China, I will miss out on a semester at school.  Which might lead to me not being able to go on Fast Grad.  If that is the case, then I will be done with school (if all goes according to plan) by December of 2013, with Student Teaching being done (again, if it goes according to plan) in Winter 2014.  That means that I will HAVE to get a job and pay for those two semesters by myself.  ON TOP OF the fact that I have $0, yes $0 going to China right now.  My dad told me that he didn't know how much they could help since Malcolm is on a mission, which is totally understandable, but at the same time it isn't easy getting a job, and so I have no money to go to China.  UGH!  I gotta breathe... In... and Out... In through the nose... Out through the mouth...  I am rambling.  Could you tell?

Remember how I said I was doing VEDA?

Day One.  Check it out. :]
Although, after watching the video, I realized there was a LOT more I could have said.  Oh well, I am sure people will learn things about me as the month goes on. :]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X6jNFwbkIBY

My Talk for Church

Good morning, brothers and sisters.  As was said, my name is Symone Stout, and for those of you that don’t know me, it’s probably because for the last three years I have been at school at Brigham Young University-Idaho.  I was asked to talk about the things I have learned about myself and what has helped me while attending school, and let me tell you, I have learned so much in those years, I don’t know if I will be able to fit them in the ten minutes given me.  But I am going to try.

Never before have I learned so much about myself, through both life experiences and reading the scriptures, and especially in combining the two together. I’ve never been that successful in finding ways that the scriptures can be applied to my life, but these last few semesters have really given me the opportunity to find various ways that the scriptures can not only apply to my life, but help lift me up during difficult times.

One of the things that I learned is found in John 18:37.  This reads, “Pilate therefore said unto him, Art thou a king then? Jesus answered, Thou sayest that I am a king. To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice.”  The line, “To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world” says to me that Christ understood that He had a specific plan designed for him to follow while on the Earth.  So, we need to know that we, also, have a plan to follow while on Earth, and we will find the greatest happiness as we work with our Heavenly Father to make sure we are on the right track.  Never have I seen this principle as clearly as I do now.  I have started to see how everything in my life is all part of a wondrous and detailed plan, and I am grateful that I am able to have a Heavenly Father who is willing to help me keep to the plan. Because of this realization, I have started to work harder at being a righteous Daughter of God, in order to be in tune with the spirit and to know what God wants me to do with my life.  I have worked on fixing things in my life that I need to in order to truly be on the path that the Lord wants me to follow.  This has helped me feel better about every trial I have gone through, and those trials that I will face later in life because I know it is part of my plan and that it will all work out.

Another thing that has helped me through my trials is Doctrine and Covenants 122.  This whole section is very good, and very inspiring. It talks about when Joseph Smith was in the Cartherage Jail. He was very frustrated at all of the trials he was facing at the time and questioned God about the reasoning behind his obstacles. The last line of D&C 122:7 reads, “know thou, my son [and daughter], that all these things shall give thee experience, and shall be for thy good.”  This has helped me the most. What a great way to look at trials, or any experience that we will go through.  Although they may be difficult, if we remember that they are for our good, we will be better prepared for anything else life throws at us. If we start to look at things in this point of view, I am sure we will all be better able to get through life with our heads held high, ready for what the Lord will bring about.

A third thing that has opened my mind is a quote said by a classmate.  Her mother used to tell her, "What's the point of being clean and modest on the outside when on the inside we are rotting?"  Matthew 23:26-28 says, “cleanse first that which is within the cup and platter, that the outside of them may be clean also… Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye…indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of…all uncleanness.  Even so ye also outwardly appear righteous unto men, but within ye are full of hypocrisy and iniquity.”  What an interesting thought.  We can dress modestly, make sure we are clean and pure to anyone who is looking at us on the outside, but if we are unclean and impure on the inside, what will it matter?  We must maintain clean thoughts, actions, and language at all times. How we act and think define who we are.  Mosiah 4:30 gives more explanation on this principle.  It reads, “But this much I can tell you, that if ye do not watch yourselves, and your thoughts, and your words, and your deeds, and observe the commandments of God, and continue in the faith of what ye have heard concerning the coming of our Lord, even unto the end of your lives, ye must perish. And now, O man, remember, and perish not.”  If we want to be clean and pure, we must start from the inside. 

As we become clean, we will feel as Joseph F. Smith did after his dream, which was discussed in a talk given by President Gordon B. Hinckley.  While serving his mission in Hawaii, Joseph F. Smith had a dream where he was on a journey.  He made it to his destination, but felt he needed to bathe and put on clean garments.  After he did so, he went and knocked on a door, which opened to the Prophet Joseph Smith standing in the doorway.  Joseph Smith looked at him and said, “Joseph, you are late” to which Joseph F. Smith replied, “Yes, but I am clean- I am clean!”  Gordon B. Hinckley said, “His declaration ‘I am clean’ gave him self-assurance and courage in facing anyone or any situation. He received the strength that comes from a clear conscience.”  When we become clean in our own lives, we, too, can feel of that strength and courage.  We will feel more inclined to go to the Lord because we will feel clean and worthy to do so.  A lot of times, as we sin, we don’t feel worthy or like we are able to talk to the Lord.  But, we should know that that is the time we should talk to Him the most.  And, as we make the needed changes in our lives, and as we become cleaner, we will begin to feel the desire to talk to Heavenly Father more so than ever before.  I can testify to the truth of that.

One last thing that I have really taken to heart over the last little while is some advice given in 2 Nephi 32:3.  This verse reads, “feast upon the words of Christ; for behold, the words of Christ will tell you all things what ye should do.” I know that when my roommates and I tried our hardest to read our scriptures daily, and learn what the Lord wanted us to, the Spirit was stronger in our apartment.  We all got along better, and were able to help one another more so than before.  Brothers and sisters, the scriptures are true.  They were given to us in order to help us and provide a way for us to learn what the Lord wants us to do.  As we feast upon them and study them with an open mind and heart, we will be able to see those things that the Lord wants to teach us.  We will be able to find those things that apply to our lives, and they will help strengthen us and increase our knowledge.  It is possible to apply the holy writ to our lives and if we try, we will be able to draw closer to our Father in Heaven.  I never saw that before, but ever since I have changed how I study my scriptures, everything has started to become clearer. 

Now, this may not be EVERYTHING I have learned, but it does cover some of the important things.

I am so grateful that I have had the chance to learn all these things, and for the willingness I have had to apply them to my life.  My life has changed over the last little while, but I feel so much better knowing that the Lord has provided a way for me to be on the path back to Him.  I am grateful for the classes and experiences I have gone through, and I know that I wouldn’t be where I am today without them.  I am grateful for my family, friends, and all the people Heavenly Father has placed into my life.  I am grateful for the church, and for the spirit I receive every Sunday.  I have a testimony of this gospel, that it is true.  I know that the scriptures are true, and that trials and every day experiences are for our good.  I know that the Lord is always listening, and is willing and ready to help us when we choose to ask for His help.  I know that we will all be continually blessed as we read the scriptures, and follow the commandments of the Lord.  I testify that this is true, and I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

So, for the month of August...

I will be participating in VEDA, or Vlog Every Day in August.

I am kinda worried I won't be good, but regardless, I am going to give it a shot.

Stepping out of my comfort zone...

Yikes...

One year ago today...

was the day that I found out life would never be the same.  It is amazing to me, though, at how much I have grown and developed in the last year.  Instead of allowing life and trials to bring me down, I was actually raised up.  I feel so much better about the life I am living, and I know that without my life going through that change one year ago, it never would have happened.

I am so grateful and humbled for the Lord's help over this last year.  Never did I expect to be helped and lifted up so much, but He did.  I am amazed by that.

I am grateful for the family and friends who didn't leave my side.  You truly don't know how much I needed your support, and I am SO thankful that you were there for me.

While it's weird to think back to how things were a year ago, I am glad that things are different now.  I am a different girl, one who has grown and knows EXACTLY what she wants.  And she won't allow anything to get in the way of that.

One year ago today, my life took a turn that I never expected.  But, overall, I am glad.  Maybe one day you will be able to know what happened, but for now... Just know it was a change for the better.

Midnight Showing of Harry Potter!

Even though yesterday turned out to be super hectic and not at ALL what I expected it to be... It ended up being a pretty great day. :]

It's amazing when and how Heavenly Father answers prayers.

The Holy Ghost

The Holy Ghost is the third member of the Godhead.  He is important in the lives of all those who live on Earth, since the Holy Ghost helps to comfort and guide us all.  He is a gift from the Lord to help us here on Earth.

In the book of John, the Savior tells us about what the Holy Ghost does, and what the disciples (and us) need to do in order to receive the Holy Ghost.  John 14:15-17 teaches us that the Holy Ghost dwells and resides with us, and comforts us when we need to be comforted.  John 14:26-27 shows us that the Holy Ghost teaches us all things, brings all things to our remembrance, and helps us have peace.  John 15:26-27 shows us that the Holy Ghost testifies to us of Christ.  John 16:7-8 tells us that the Holy Ghost is around to reprove the world of sin, righteousness, and justice.  In John 16:13-14, it is told that the Holy Ghost is there to guide us to all truth.  All of these verses help us to know what the Holy Ghost can do, and how He can help us here on Earth.  In order to have Him in our lives, we need to have faith in the Lord, trust in Him, get baptized, and live a life worthy to have the Holy Ghost reside with us at all times.

“The gift of the Holy Ghost adapts itself to all these organs or attributes. It quickens all the intellectual faculties, increases, enlarges, expands and purifies all the natural passions and affections; and adapts them, by the gift of wisdom, to their lawful use. It inspires, develops, cultivates and matures all the fine-toned sympathies, joys, tastes, kindred feelings and affections of our nature. It inspires virtue, kindness, goodness, tenderness, gentleness and charity. It develops beauty of person, form and features. It tends to health, vigor, animation and social feeling. It invigorates all the faculties of the physical and intellectual man. It strengthens, and gives tone to the nerves. In short, it is, as it were, marrow to the bone, joy to the heart, light to the eyes, music to the ears, and life to the whole being.  In the presence of such persons, one feels to enjoy the light of their countenances, as the genial rays of a sunbeam. Their very atmosphere diffuses a thrill, a warm glow of pure gladness and sympathy, to the heart and nerves of others who have kindred feelings, or sympathy of spirit.” (Pratt, Key to the Science of Theology, p. 101.)  This quote was taken from the Institute Student Manual for New Testament.  This quote helps to show that, not only can the Holy Ghost do those things that are talked about in the scriptures, but the Holy Ghost can help all of us reach our highest potential.  The Holy Ghost can help us all become what Heavenly Father wants us to be, our greatest selves.

 After Christ died, the Holy Ghost was brought to the Apostles to help them fulfill their missions after the Savior's death and resurrection.  The Holy Ghost helped by testifying that Christ had risen from the dead and had been resurrected.  The Holy Ghost also helped the Apostles be able to share what they knew to be true with others, and they would feel the power of the Holy Ghost within them, and those who were listening to the Apostles would know it was true, as well.

The Holy Ghost has helped me in my life so much, especially recently.  I know that the Holy Ghost blessed me with comfort during the last few months.  He has helped me feel of the Savior's love for me, and has helped me know that I will get through the tough times.  The Holy Ghost has also testified to me of the truth of all the things I have learned and continue to learn about at church, and I know that as long as I continue to live my life worthily, the Holy Ghost will always be there to comfort me, testify of the truth of things to me, and will help me feel the Lord's love, especially during times of discomfort.  I am grateful that I have had the chance to receive the Holy Ghost, and have made the changes I have in order to keep this gift with me all the time.

This is my boyfriend.

I kinda like him a lot. :]

The Institution of the Sacrament

The Sacrament is a very important aspect of our Gospel.  It is taken every week in order to take the time to think about where we stand, and remember the Lord’s sacrifice for us.  But there is much more to the Sacrament than just partaking of it.

“The Savior instituted the Sacrament the night before He was crucified, near the time of the Passover celebration.  Many centuries earlier, the feast of the Passover had been instituted to help the children of Israel remember when the destroying angel “passed over” their houses and delivered them from Egyptian bondage (see Exodus 12:21-28; 13:14-15).  The blood of the unblemished Passover lamb that saved ancient Israel was a symbol of the blood of Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God, who redeemed all mankind.” (Taken from assignment sheet.)  This explanation helps lead to us seeing relationships between both the Passover and the Atonement of Christ, and the Sacrament and the Atonement.

There is a relationship between the Passover and the Atonement of Jesus Christ.  The Passover was the ordinance of sacrifice that others did before Christ came.  They sacrificed an unblemished lamb whose blood saved ancient Israel.  When Christ came, His Atonement took over the Passover.  So, He was the last sacrifice.  From then on, instead of doing the Passover, the Sacrament was done.

There is a relationship between the Sacrament and the Atonement of Jesus Christ.  The Sacrament is the symbolism of the Lord’s Atonement.  It is the ordinance done today that helps us remember the Lord’s sacrifice for us all, and helps us to remember to follow the commandments in order to allow the Lord’s sacrifice to not be for nothing.

The Sacrament is the eating of bread and drinking of water that stand as symbols of the body and blood of Jesus Christ.  John 4:13-14; 6:48-53 adds to the understanding of the symbolism of bread and water.  The water is a representation of the living water.  As we drink of the living water, we will never thirst and will receive everlasting life.  The bread is a representation of the bread of life.  As we eat the bread, we will not die.  This bread came from heaven.  The Lord was the bread of life and the living water.  He came from Heaven in order to help us, His brothers and sisters, to make our way back to Heaven.  If we eat of His “flesh” and drink of His “blood”, known as taking the sacrament, then we will receive eternal life, which is what these scriptures were explaining.

We are commanded to partake of the Sacrament weekly in order to help us remember the Lord.  This is a part of our testimony to the Father that we remember Christ, and if we remember Christ we can always have His spirit to be with us.  Mosiah 5:13 applies to this because we need to remember the Lord in order to truly serve Him.  If we don’t remember the Lord at all times, we aren’t really serving Him.

In the Joseph Smith Translation of Matthew 26:26 and 28, we learn that the Sacrament is done in remembrance of the Lord.  He died for all those who believe on His name, for a remission of our sins.  We need to do all that the Lord did while He was on Earth, and bear record of Him.  Within the additions and corrections for these verses, the word ‘ransom’ is used.  Ransom means a consideration paid or demanded for the release of someone or something from captivity.  Properly partaking of the Sacrament (also known as taking it worthily) ransoms us because the Lord died to save us from captivity.  If we are keeping the commandments and worthily taking the Sacrament, we will be saved.  We will gain eternal life, which is what Christ wishes to give us. 

While taking the Sacrament, I have a list of things I would like to remember.  I would like to keep in mind that the Lord suffered and died for me, personally.  I need to remember that the Lord wants me to think of Him always, and He wants me to do those things that He did while on this Earth.  I also need to work on being worthy every time I take the Sacrament, and if I do all this, I will be blessed. 

The Sacrament is a great blessing in my life.  Every week, it reminds me of all the things that I need to do in order to gain the blessings the Lord wants me to have.  Whenever I start my week off with taking the Sacrament, everything is better and easier to endure.  I love this Gospel and the strength and blessings I receive from believing in it.

Thoughts from a Classmate

"What's the point of being clean and modest on the outside when on the inside we are rotting?"

We must maintain clean thoughts, actions, and language at all times. How we act and think define who we are.

Preparing for the Savior's Second Coming

In order to help us prepare for His Second Coming, the Lord has placed various signs to watch for within the scriptures.  In Mark 13, here are many verses that have signs that the Lord has made sure to give us.  Included are the Lord’s request for us to watch for times when people will deceive us (v. 5), His request for us to be prepared to share our testimonies in front of those who may not believe us (v. 9), and His request for us to prepare for His coming at all times, since we don’t know the time of His arrival (vs. 33, 35, and 37).  All of these are here to help us be better prepared for when the Lord comes, so we need to heed to this advice.

Not only is advice given in the New Testament to help us, but the Lord has provided more words of advice for us in the Doctrine and Covenants, and in the Joseph Smith Translation of Matthew.  In D&C 87:8, the Lord says that we need to stand in holy places and be not moved.  In JST-Matt. 1:32, He says that we will see the abomination of desolation be fulfilled.  In JST-Matt. 1:37, the Lord says that if we treasure up His word, we won’t be deceived.  In JST-Matt. 1:46-50, it is said that we need to be prepared at all times, because no one knows when He will come.  If we are prepared, then we don’t need to fear.  In D&C 33:17, the Lord advises us to be faithful and pray always.  In D&C 45:56-57, the Lord says that we need to be wise, and receive His truth.  We must also have the Holy Ghost as our guide, and we need to work hard to not be deceived. 

The Lord doesn’t want to come to a world full of people unprepared.  He wants to make sure that we are as prepared as we can be when He comes.  That is why He has provided us with signs and advice.  As long as we take this advice and use it well, we will have no need to fear.  His love of us all will save us.  We just need to do our part.  As long as we study the scriptures, and follow His requests, we will not be surprised at the signs that arise.  

It's Father's Day.

I have the best daddy in the world.  I know, I know.  EVERYONE says that.  But, I really do mean it.

His love for me has never gone missing.  Even when I wasn't doing the right things, or when I was struggling with making the right decisions, he still loved me and cared for me.  He still showed that love.  He had patience with me.  And, when I needed it most, he gave me precious advice.

Every year for Girl's Camp, my dad would write me letters.  One letter for every day that I would be away.  In the letters, he wrote spiritual things, scriptures that he felt I should study that day, and he would bear his testimony.  This last year, when I went through my life changing experience, he wrote me letters that had basically the same idea.  I keep every letter received, and I treasure the fact that my father took the time to do that for me.

My dad is a holder of the priesthood.  I so greatly appreciate the fact that he is a worthy holder of this great power, because I know that he is able to give me father's blessings whenever I ask.  The priesthood is a wonderful blessing to me, and I am glad that I was able to see how my dad treats that power.

My father is the example I look to now when focusing on finding MY future eternal companion.  He is a great leader, a wonderful man who helps when asked, and he loves all.  He is a spiritual person, always worthy of the priesthood, and he always tells me the corniest jokes, which I love.

I love my daddy.  I love that I will be able to call him my father from now into eternity.  He will always be my daddy, and I love love love him.

Happy Father's Day, daddy.  Thanks for being the best daddy ever. <3

The Widow's Mites

In Mark 12:41-44, we are told the story of the widow who gives a gift of two mites into the treasury.  While, to many others, it may not have seemed like a lot, it truly was a lot to offer.  The widow truly gave all that she had when placing those mites into the treasury, and she did so because she loved the Lord more so than anything else.  She understood the true meaning of loving God with all your might.  Loving the Lord is the first great commandment.  As we follow this, we are able to do so much more in our life.  She truly sacrificed all she had.

Even though the widow gave less money than the wealthier people, she gave her all.  This was an acceptable offering to the Lord because the widow didn't hold back.  While she may not have had a lot, she understood the importance of giving back to the Lord, and she did so with what she could.  Those who were wealthier held back, and didn't give what they should have, because of greed and pride.  The widow didn't show signs of these.  She had faith, love, and understanding.  By having all those, the Lord was able to see that, while this may have been a huge sacrifice in the widow's life, she truly loved Him, and wanted to give back.  2 Nephi 25:23 applies to this because, at the end of the verse, it states, "... it is by grace that we are saved, after all we can do."  The widow did all she could do, and that is all the Lord asks of us.

Besides the donation of money, I, personally, can sacrifice my time in order to do the things the Lord wants me to do.  This will help me better follow the widow's example of sacrifice and obedience because I will be sacrificing more of what I have for the Lord, and showing my love to Him by doing so.

There is a lot we can learn from this story, and we should take the things that we learn and apply them to our lives.  I know I plan to do so, from now on.

Pretty Darn Close to the Best Sunday Ever.

As I sit here in a fort made of chairs and blankets, watching the extended edition of The Lord of the Rings: Return of the King, and think back on today, I can't help but be happy.

My little sisters are no longer little anymore.  They turned 16 today, and I can't believe how fast time is flying by.  My sisters are such amazing young women, full of love and hope.  They are such wonderful examples to me, and I look up to them more than they probably know.  I know that things have been rough for the two of them over the last few months, but I know that things will be okay as long as they stick to what they believe, and how they act.  I love them so much, and I wish them the best on this wonderful birthday.

I am endorsed for next semester, and can soon register.  I also got a temple recommend, so now I can go and do baptisms for the dead once again.  I am SO excited about this!  I haven't gone to the temple for a LONG time, and now I get to go again, and I am so so so so happy.

All in all, this is pretty darn close to being the best Sunday ever.  Only a few things could make it THE best Sunday ever, but I am okay with it being close.

I hope each and every one of you has an AMAZING Sunday!

Today, while talking to Cleverbot.

Cleverbot:  Levicorpus. Sectumsempra. Imperio. Expelliarmus. Expecto patronum. Wingardium leviosa. Crucio. Muffliato. Diffindo. Lumnos. Flippendo. Avada kedavra.

Me: Did you just kill me?

Cleverbot: Yes, harry potter style baby.

Me: Well played, well played.

Parables and Accounts that teach Eternal Truths

Every parable that is taught within the scriptures is used as a way to show others eternal truths.  Within a few chapters of Luke (16-18), many parables are taught that are meant to help us gain knowledge on various eternal truths.

In Luke 16:1-12, the Parable of the Unjust Steward is given.  The truth that should be learned from this parable is that we should start to prepare for an eternal future, one after death, instead of the Earthly future most people will prepare for.  As we do this, we can increase our faith in the Lord and not worry as much about the worldly things. 

In Luke 16:19-31, the Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus was given.  The truth we should learn from this is that, in the world after this life, there are two separate places, paradise and spirit prison.  But, even though there are two places, Christ bridged the gap between them in order to help those in spirit prison find their way to paradise. 

In Luke 17:11-19, the Parable of the Ten Lepers was given.  We learn that all are equal in the sight of God, and we need faith in Him in order to truly be healed.  Once we are healed, we should thank our Heavenly Father, and become humble before Him. 

In Luke 18:1-8, the Parable of the Unjust Judge is given.  We can learn, from this parable, that the Lord wants us to pray, and to not expect to be so easily forgiven in order to stay away from those things that made us sin in the first place. 

In Luke 18:9-14, the Parable of the Pharisee and the Publican is given.  The eternal truth that can be learned from this parable is that we need to be humble as we pray, and not look at self-righteousness as an assurance that we are doing all that is right.  God wants us to be humble, meek, and submissive. 

All of these truths can help us learn those things that will help us grow and become a better Child of God, if we allow the truths to help us.  The Lord has given us these parables to learn from, so we need to take the time and effort to study them and find what the Lord wants to teach us.  As we do so, we can increase our faith and love in the Gospel, and in the Savior. 

Holy Crap.

I said no.  I said I wasn't ready.  That may have been the first time I have EVER done that.

I feel great!

Found on StumbleUpon

A Disciple of Christ

Throughout various chapters in Luke (chapters 10-14), we learn various things that we need to do in order to become a disciple of Christ, and what can be considered costs in becoming a disciple of Christ.  The list that I made is this.

• What we need to do to become a disciple of Christ
• Study and hear the words of the Lord.
• Pray the correct way.
• Give all that you can give.
• Ask, seek, and knock.
• Treasure up the things of the Lord, not of the world.
• Have faith.
• Seek the kingdom of God.
• Be prepared.
• Enter in the straight gate.
• Counting the costs
• Letting things of the world go.
• Becoming prepared at every time.
• Placing your trust in the Lord's hands.

One of the things that I know I can work on, out of the things listed above, is studying and hearing the words of the Lord.  I have always had a somewhat difficult time with reading my scriptures on a daily basis.  While I have gotten better at it, it is still something that I have always struggled with.  I know that, by reading the scriptures every day, I will feel closer to the Lord and I will be able to know what things the Lord wants to tell me.  This will help me know the different things that I need to work on in order to be more on the path towards the Lord, and will help me find the goodness that exists every day in my life.

But, even with this all, there is one main thing that is ultimately required to be a disciple of Jesus Christ.  This is to give up all that we are for the Lord.  All worldly things, all things that aren't important in the long run need to be given up in order to truly get closer to the Lord.  While it may be something difficult to do, it is what is required in order to truly become a disciple of Christ.  And I hope to work harder on being a disciple of Christ.

Dear Body,

I know that you like to go through the occasional freak out every once in a while, but this back pain is pretty bad.  It has been going on for a few days now, and I would appreciate it if it would stop.  Please take my request into consideration.

Thanks,

Symone

Wanna know something great?

I ran into an old friend (well, more like an old Girl's Camp Counselor) while down in Utah this last weekend.  Like, literally saw her a few minutes before I was supposed to leave Orem.  And she looked at me and said, "You look happy.  Are you happy?"

Wanna know something great?

I could honestly say, with no hesitation in my voice, that I AM happy.  It is the greatest feeling in the whole world.

I.

Am.

Happy.

And I love this feeling.

Miracles

In Matthew 17:14-21, the scriptures tell us of a time when Christ healed the son of a man who had a devil within him.  The man said that he had brought his son to Christ’s disciples, but that none of them could cast out the devil.  Christ did, and the son was cured.  Afterwards, the disciples asked why they were unable to cast the devil out from the boy.  Christ said that their unbelief led to them not being able to do this thing.  He also said that they needed faith, prayer, and fasting in order to gain back the belief and be able to cast out devils again. 

There are many times when miracles don’t occur for various reasons.  Sometimes, those reasons are because we need to change something in our life, and make it better.  We can learn about different things that are needed to bring miracles about within the scriptures.  In 3 Nephi 18:20, we learn that we need to have the belief that if we ask of things that are righteous, the Lord will provide a way for us to have them.  That belief will help us bring miracles to pass.  In Doctrine and Covenants 50:29, we learn that we that we need to repent and be cleansed from all sin in order for miracles to come, both in our lives and in the lives of others.  In Doctrine and Covenants 42:48, we learn that faith is needed at all times if miracles are to come.  There are many different instances within the scriptures were we can learn about the different things that are needed to allow miracles to show in our lives.

As members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, along with various other religions, we can see miracles every day.  Some are small and simple, some are larger.  But they continually happen, even today.  We just need to have faith that the Lord will allow those miracles to occur according to His will, time, and allowance.  As long as we have faith, are clean, and are willing to believe in miracles, they will happen.  We just need to trust the Lord, and the rest will come. :]

Can't help but feel like every memory that we had in the past two years literally means nothing now.

Well, that's okay.

I am better off without you anyway.

And I am going to China.

So HA!

I love reading inspiring things.

Last night, I was on StumbleUpon (Chelsie, Jillise and Trish... I am now hooked.  Ugh.), and I stumbled upon this link.

http://www.theinspirationtree.com/

Honestly, go and read some of the posts that have been written.  They truly are inspiring.

Walking on the Sea

In Matthew 14, there are a few verses that talk about Christ walking on the sea.  How the apostles reacted was with fear and trouble when they first saw Him walking.  They didn’t seem to believe that it could be real, that Christ could walk on water and not drown.  Since they didn’t have an understanding, they believe that Christ was just a spirit who was there to freak them out, in a way.  But, when Christ said that it was him, and that they shouldn’t be afraid, they started to show more faith.  Peter did this with his response to finding out it was Christ walking towards their boat.  He believed in Christ, and had faith in Him, and said that if it truly was Christ, then He should allow Peter to walk to Him.  Christ did, and Peter walked a little way closer to Christ, but then he saw the wind and how the water was reacting to the wind, and began to be afraid.  Because of this, Peter began to sink.  When Peter started to sink, he called out to Christ and asked to be saved by Christ.  Christ immediately reached out His hand to bring Peter up out of the water, showing the timing Jesus used to respond to Peter’s request.  Walking on the sea is something that many people don’t understand, and can’t seem to grasp.  Even today.

In D&C 88:67, a principle that can be found is that those who are filled with light can comprehend all things.  You can become filled with light by having faith in the Gospel and the things the Lord wants of us.  Since Peter had faith, he was able to somewhat comprehend how to walk on water, and that is why he was able to walk on water, even if it was for just a little bit. In order to get through the storms of life, we need that faith.  We need to be filled with the light of the Lord in order to see that the storms we go through are actually for our benefit.  Faith, hope and love truly will help us get through everything.  I have been working on this for a while, and I love it.  I love having the faith necessary to see the good in absolutely EVERYTHING that is thrown at me.  Life truly is amazing, and it is a huge blessing to be given the chance to live this life.

Don't Leave It On The Desk.

 There was a certain Professor of Religion named Dr. Christianson, a studious man who taught at a small college in the western United States . 

Dr. Christianson taught the required survey course in Christianity at this particular institution.  Every student was required to take this course their freshman year, regardless of his or her major.

Although Dr. Christianson tried hard to communicate the essence of the gospel in his class, he found that most of his students looked upon the course as nothing but required drudgery.  Despite his best efforts, most students refused to take Christianity seriously. 

This year, Dr. Christianson had a special student named Steve.  Steve was only a freshman, but was studying with the intent of going onto seminary for the ministry.  Steve was popular, he was well liked, and he was an imposing physical specimen.  He was now the starting center on the school football team, and was the best student in the professor's class. 

One day, Dr. Christianson asked Steve to stay after class so he could talk with him. "How many push-ups can you do?"  Steve said, "I do about 200 every night."   "200? That's pretty good, Steve," Dr. Christianson said. "Do you think you could do 300?"  Steve replied, "I don't know.... I've never done 300 at a time."  "Do you think you could?" again asked Dr. Christianson.  "Well, I can try," said Steve.  "Can you do 300 in sets of 10?  I have a class project in mind and I need you to do about 300 push-ups in sets of ten for this to work.  Can you do it? I need you to tell me you can do it," said the professor.   Steve said, "Well... I think I can...yeah, I can do it." 

Dr. Christianson said, "Good! I need you to do this on Friday.. Let me explain what I have in mind." 

Friday came and Steve got to class early and sat in the front of the room.  When class started, the professor pulled out a big box of donuts.  No, these weren't the normal kinds of donuts, they were the extra fancy BIG kind, with cream centers and frosting swirls.  Everyone was pretty excited it was Friday, the last class of the day, and they were going to get an early start on the weekend witha party in Dr. Christianson's class. 

Dr. Christianson went to the first girl in the first row and asked, "Cynthia, do you want to have one of these donuts?" 

Cynthia said, "Yes." 

Dr. Christianson then turned to Steve and asked, "Steve, would you do ten push-ups so that Cynthia can have a donut?" 

"Sure!" Steve jumped down from his desk to do a quick ten.  Then Steve again sat in his desk.  Dr. Christianson put a donut on Cynthia's desk. 

Dr. Christianson then went to Joe, the next person, and asked, "Joe, do you want a donut?" 

Joe said, "Yes."  Dr. Christianson asked, "Steve would you do ten push-ups so Joe can have a donut?" 

Steve did ten push-ups, Joe got a donut.  And so it went, down the first aisle, Steve did ten push-ups for every person before they got their donut. 

Walking down the second aisle, Dr. Christianson came to Scott.  Scott was on the basketball team, and in as good condition as Steve.  He was very popular and never lacking for female companionship.. 

When the professor asked, "Scott do you want a donut?" 

Scott's reply was, "Well, can I do my own push-ups?" 

Dr. Christianson said, "No, Steve has to do them." 

Then Scott said, "Well, I don't want one then." 

Dr... Christianson shrugged and then turned to Steve and asked, "Steve, would you do ten push-ups so Scott can have a donut he doesn't want?" 

With perfect obedience Steve started to do ten push-ups. 

Scott said, "HEY! I said I didn't want one!" 

Dr.. Christianson said, "Look! This is my classroom, my class, my desks, and these are my donuts.  Just leave it on the desk if you don't want it."  And he put a donut on Scott's desk. 

Now by this time, Steve had begun to slow down a little.  He just stayed on the floor between sets because it took too much effort to be getting up and down.  You could start to see a little perspiration coming out around his brow.

 Dr. Christianson started down the third row. Now the students were beginning to get a little angry.  Dr.. Christianson asked Jenny, "Jenny, do you want a donut?" 

Sternly, Jenny said, "No." 

Then Dr. Christianson asked Steve, "Steve, would you do ten more push-ups so Jenny can have a donut that she doesn't want?" Steve did ten....

Jenny got a donut. 

By now, a growing sense of uneasiness filled the room.  The students were beginning to say, "No!" and there were all these uneaten donuts on the desks.. 

Steve also had to really put forth a lot of extra effort to get these push-ups done for each donut.  There began to be a small pool of sweat on the floor beneath his face, his arms and brow were beginning to get red because of the physical effort involved. 

Dr. Christianson asked Robert, who was the most vocal unbeliever in the class, to watch Steve do each push up to make sure he did the full ten push-ups in a set because he couldn't bear to watch all of Steve's work for all of those uneaten donuts.  He sent Robert over to where Steve was so Robert count the set and watch Steve closely. 

Dr. Christianson started down the fourth row..  During his class, however, some students from other classes had wandered in and sat down on the steps along the radiators that ran down the sides of the room.  When the professor realized this, he did a quick count and saw that now there were 34 students inthe room.  He started to worry if Steve would be able to make it. 

Dr. Christianson went on to the next person and the next and the next.  Near the end of that row, Steve was really having a rough time.  He was taking a lot more time to complete each set. 

Steve asked Dr. Christianson, "Do I have to make my nose touch on each one?" 

Dr. Christianson thought for a moment, "Well, they're your push-ups.  You are in charge now.  You can do them any way that you want."  And Dr. Christianson went on. 

A few moments later, Jason, a recent transfer student, came to the room and was about to come in when all the students yelled in one voice, "NO! Don't come in! Stay out!" 

Jason didn't know what was going on.  Steve picked up his head and said, "No, let him come." 

Professor Christianson said, "You realize that if Jason comes in you will have to do ten push-ups for him?" 

Steve said, "Yes, let him come in.  Give him a donut." 

Dr. Christianson said, "Okay, Steve, I'll let you get Jason's out of the way right now. Jason, do you want a donut?" 

Jason, new to the room, hardly knew what was going on.  "Yes," he said, "give me a donut." 

"Steve, will you do ten push-ups so that Jason can have a donut?" 

Steve did ten push-ups very slowly and with great effort. Jason, bewildered, was handed a donut and sat down. 

Dr Christianson finished the fourth row, and then started on those visitors seated by the heaters.  Steve's arms were now shaking with each push-up in a struggle to lift himself against the force of gravity.  By this time sweat was profusely dropping off of his face, there was no sound except his heavybreathing; there was not a dry eye in the room.. 

The very last two students in the room were two young women, both cheerleaders, and very popular.  Dr. Christianson went to Linda, the second to last, and asked, "Linda, do you want a doughnut?" 

Linda said, very sadly, "No, thank you." 

Professor Christianson quietly asked, "Steve, would you do ten push-ups so that Linda can have a donut  she doesn't want?"

 Grunting from the effort, Steve did ten very slow push-ups for Linda. 

Then Dr. Christianson turned to the last girl, Susan.  "Susan, do you want a donut?" 

Susan, with tears flowing down her face, began to cry.  "Dr. Christianson, why can't I help him?" 

Dr Christianson, with tears of his own, said, "No, Steve has to do it alone; I have given him this task and he is in charge of seeing that everyone has an opportunity for a donut whether they want it or not..  When I decided to have a party this last day of class, I looked at my grade book.  Steve here is the only student with a perfect grade.  Everyone else has failed a test, skipped class, or offered me inferior work.  Steve told me that in football practice, when a player messes up he must do push-ups. I told Steve that none of you could come to my party unless he paid the price by doing your push-ups.  He and I made a deal for your sakes." 

"Steve, would you do ten push-ups so Susan can have a donut?"

 As Steve very slowly finished his last push-up, with the understanding that he had accomplished all that was required of him, having done 350 push-ups, his arms buckled beneath him and he fell to the floor. 

Dr. Christianson turned to the room and said, "And so it was, that our Savior, Jesus Christ, on the cross, plead to the Father, 'Into thy hands I commend my spirit.'  With the understanding that He had done everything that was required of Him, He yielded up His life.  And like some of those in this room, many of us leave the gift on the desk, uneaten. " 

Two students helped Steve up off the floor and to a seat, physically exhausted, but wearing a thin smile. "

Well done, good and faithful servant," said the professor, adding, "Not all sermons are preached in words." 

Turning to his class, the professor said, "My wish is that you might understand and fully comprehend all the riches of grace and mercy that have been given to you through the sacrifice of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  He spared not His Only Begotten Son, but gave Him up for us all, for the whole Church, now and forever.  Whether or not we choose to accept His gift to us, the price has been paid." 

"Wouldn't you be foolish and ungrateful to leave it lying on the desk?" 

Makes you think, doesn't it?  I know it made me think.