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.

I freaking love my sister, for reals.

Picture message from sister:

If I went to cannibalism, I would eat him for dessert.

I literally laughed out loud.  Love it.

I am proud of myself.

I have been sticking up for myself, what I believe, and how I feel things should be lately.  That is why I am out here in Rexburg, to learn how to do that.  And I am finally getting it down.  I haven't been the best at doing that as I have grown up, but I am starting to get better.  And I LOVE IT!

Parables

What are parables?  My own definition is: a parable  is a comparison between something spiritual and something worldly.  Using this comparison, we can learn about spiritual things in an easy way if we choose to learn about them.  Parables are also an easy way to teach many people something.  Many different religions use parables as a way to teach their followers.  Christ did it during His time on the Earth.  Using those different parables, found in Matthew, Mark, and Luke, we can learn the different things that the Lord wanted to make sure His people knew.

We can also use those parables to answer different questions.  If you wanted to find the answer to describe the future growth of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, you would just have to read the  parables of the mustard seed and the leaven.  If you wanted to find the answer to why the Church sends out so many missionaries, then you'd just have to read the parable of the gospel net.  If you wanted to know why the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has grown remarkably even though it is fairly new compared to most world religions, then you could read the parable of the mustard seed in order to find the answer.  If you wanted to know why some of the members of the Church are willing to sacrifice so much in order to maintain membership in the church, the parable of the treasure and the pearl of great price can lead you to that answer.  And if you wanted to know why some members of the Church choose to leave it, the parable of the tares can help explain why.  Even in today's world, these parables are things that can help us learn and grow spiritually.

The parables of the treasure and the pearl of great price (Matthew 13:44-46) talk about sacrificing all you have in order to gain that treasure in your life.  The Gospel of Christ is compared to the treasure or the pearl.  In order to obtain that treasure in my life, I would be willing to sacrifice whatever was necessary in order to keep hold of this treasure.  My schooling, my time and trips I am planning to make, my housing, my car, my friends, whatever was necessary in order to keep hold of this wonderful treasure, especially since I have a knowledge of how amazing this Gospel truly is.  Some of the sacrifices my family made included giving up some of their worldly possessions and worldly objects that they enjoyed in order to truly take hold of the Gospel and allow it to bless their lives.

In the parable of the net cast into sea (Matthew 13:47), I believe that the net represents both the Church and the fact that so many different kinds of people all around the world have been "gathered" into it, and the word of Christ and how many different people can believe it.  To be gathered in the net can be to learn the different lessons of the Church, and believe it.  This can also mean to become one with one another, and work with each other in order to become a better people.  The representation that is brought by the gathering the good into vessels and casting the bad away is, essentially, to make sure that those who are true followers of Christ and His Gospel are kept safe and blessed, while those who aren't followers of Christ don't have power over those who are, and aren't as blessed.  But, these are just my thoughts.

Parables are a great way to teach someone principles of the Church, and helped me growing up better understand the different things that I needed to understand in order to be better prepared for the more in depth things I would be taught later on in my life.

Thoughts for the day.

I really don't know if my life can get any more beautiful.

Amongst the turmoil, the temptations, the mistakes, and the regrets...

There is love.  

That love has never left my side.

So, although the plans didn't turn out as I thought that they would, and everything that I had planned on occurring has basically fallen to the wayside, I have the chance to make new plans.  To do new things.  To not be held back.  And, I have the chance to love again.

And for that, I am grateful.

Happy Mother's Day!

This is my mom and I when I was a baby.  Cute, huh?  My mom was hot.  That's all.

Dear Mommy,

Honestly, I love you.  I have never been more sure that you and I chose each other in the Pre-Existence than I am now.  This last year has been hard.  I know that it has.  Actually, the past 20+ years have been hard.  But I am so grateful that Heavenly Father allowed the two of us to be together for time and all eternity.  You are such a big blessing in my life, and I am so grateful that you are my mom.  You have shown such love, compassion, patience and acceptance than I could have ever asked for.  You have always been a friend to me, and always will be.  I know there were times in my life where I acting like a lame-o and kept you out of my life.  But, you still stuck by my side, and tried to help me to the best of your ability, and I love you for that.  Times have been tough, but even through it all, you have never stopped loving me or anyone else.  You are so willing to help others, even if it takes away from things you want to be doing.  You always were at school, and I loved that.  Thank you for being such a wonderful example to me.  You are someone that I want to be like when I have kids.  You truly are my hero, mom, and I want you to know that I love you.

Always,

Your first daughter.

This is a more recent picture of us... if you consider recent over 3 years ago.  Hahaha but now, my mom is smokin'!

Love you, mom.  Always and forever.

Something that I truly believe.

I believe, and know, that Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ know me, personally and individually.  They know the intents of my heart, my thoughts, and how I am truly feeling.  They know what I need to go through in order to become strong.  They know how to guide and direct me in order to stay on the path back to Them.  That, no matter what, They will always love me always.  No matter what mistakes I make, what sins I commit, what things I do in my life, Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ will love me and try their hardest in order to get me to be the best person I can be.  And that is what I have been working on.

Being the best person I can be.

I am grateful for this knowledge, and for knowing that Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ will always be there for me.  I am so very blessed, and can't believe the great things that I have been given in this life. 

What a beautiful life.