Another Earthquake. Another Hurricane. Another Shooting.

My companion and I participating in the Mormon Helping Hands cleanup after Hurricane Matthew in 2017.

Another Earthquake. Another Hurricane. Another Shooting.

It's flooded our news feeds and there is no escape to it.

But maybe we're not supposed to escape it.

Maybe we're not supposed to try to fix it.

Maybe we're supposed to turn to God.

In the recent General Conference that took place this last weekend, the leaders of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints spoke of hope in a fallen world. They spoke of a peace that comes only through the Savior Jesus Christ and liberation that comes only through Christ's Atonement and the wonderful sacrifice He made for each of us. It is only through him that we can have peace and direction during these trying times.

But what about the tree on your house? What about the lives that are lost? What about you're own personal trials that you're going through that aren't plastered on the news or seen on anybody's twitter feed? The kind that nobody knows about, but that keep you up all hours of the night? What do we do about those?

One of my favorite conference talks comes from the October 1993 conference. In it Elder Jeffrey R. Holland tells a story about four year old Katie Lewis as recounted by Katie's mother. As I look at the horror happening in the world around me, I can't help but feel like the world needs to hear this message. In this talk Elder Holland says that Katie lewis is his neighbor, her father, Randy, was his bishop; her mother, Melanie, was a saint. And her older brother, Jimmie, was battling lukemia.

Elder Holland shared what follows;

"Sister Lewis recently recounted for me the unspeakable fear and grief that came to their family when Jimmie’s illness was diagnosed. She spoke of the tears and the waves of sorrow that any mother would experience with a prognosis as grim as Jimmie’s was. But like the faithful Latter-day Saints they are, the Lewises turned to God with urgency and with faith and with hope. They fasted and prayed, prayed and fasted. And they went again and again to the temple.

"One day Sister Lewis came home from a temple session weary and worried, feeling the impact of so many days—and nights—of fear being held at bay only by monumental faith.

"As she entered her home, four-year-old Katie ran up to her with love in her eyes and a crumpled sheaf of papers in her hand. Holding the papers out to her mother, she said enthusiastically, “Mommy, do you know what these are?”

"Sister Lewis said frankly her first impulse was to deflect Katie’s zeal and say she didn’t feel like playing just then. But she thought of her children—all her children—and the possible regret of missed opportunities and little lives that pass too swiftly. So she smiled through her sorrow and said, “No, Katie. I don’t know what they are. Please tell me.”

"“They are the scriptures,” Katie beamed back, “and do you know what they say?”
Sister Lewis stopped smiling, gazed deeply at this little child, knelt down to her level, and said, “Tell me, Katie. What do the scriptures say?”

"“They say, ‘Trust Jesus.’” And then she was gone.

"Sister Lewis said that as she stood back up, holding a fistful of her four-year-old’s scribbling, she felt near-tangible arms of peace encircle her weary soul and a divine stillness calm her troubled heart.
Katie Lewis, “angel and minister of grace,” I’m with you. In a world of some discouragement, sorrow, and overmuch sin, in times when fear and despair seem to prevail, when humanity is feverish with no worldly physicians in sight, I too say, “Trust Jesus.” Let him still the tempest and ride upon the storm. Believe that he can lift mankind from its bed of affliction, in time and in eternity."

My friends... I echo Elder Holland's counsel he learned from four year old Katie Lewis. Maybe when we look at the world around us and see it crumbling we need to "trust Jesus."

Our government can't stop hurricanes. Our laws can't stop people from having cold hearts. But with the hope that comes from the Atonement of Jesus Christ our hearts can change. We can begin to help one another. We can begin to be Saviors on Mount Zion.

In this recent conference President Henry B. Eyring spoke of the recent hurricanes that have hit Florida. He told a story of a family who was on vacation when the hurricane hit, but was anxious to serve. He said that when they got back to their town they asked their church leader what they could do to help. This family later recounted that when they got home they found a tree on their house and being so overwhelmed by this they decided to reach out and serve someone else and trust that God would provide a way for their tree to be removed. In so doing they were blessed with an army of helping hands to lift this tree from off their roof.

My friends, we all have metaphorical trees on our houses. We all have things that seem to be crushing us. We, as a nation, have trees that have toppled over that no amount of political debate can provide the physical force to lift it off. We can't remove our trees alone. But as we follow the counsel of our beloved church leaders to turn to others, we can trust in the hope that God will remove our trees.

As we trust Jesus we have no need to fear. He has won the victory over death and sin and trial for each of us before, no doubt He can continue to do so for us today, but only if we allow Him. 

So my friends, in these times of trial, trust Jesus. For He is the only one that can help us overcome this. 

-Whit

ELDER JEFFREY R. HOLLAND'S TALK 

PRESIDENT HENRY B. EYRING'S TALK

See you in 18!

Well my friends, this is my last post for 18 months! 

I will be set apart as a missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints tonight! I am so excited for this opportunity to serve God's children in Orlando Florida! 

Even though I can't post for a while I won't leave you hanging! My mom will be posting my weekly emails so check back here every week to stay up to date with all my adventures as a missionary. 

You can also find all the information you need to keep in touch with me (email, address, etc.) under the "contact me" page. (And I'd LOVE to get mail from all of you so PLEASE send me some love!) Thank you so much for all the love and support over the last 19 years. I feel truly blessed to have so many amazing people in my life. I love you all more than you could ever know. 

I know The Church is true and it has brought me more joy than anything else ever has in my life and that is why I want to share it. I know the Book of Mormon is the most true book that we have on the earth today and that Joseph Smith was indeed a true prophet and that he really did translate it. I know God loves His children and that is why he sent his son, Jesus Christ to atone for all of our sins, our struggles, and ultimately to die for us so that we might be able to return to live with him again. I know he loves me and I know he loves each of you. I know that through Jesus Christ all families can be together forever. This is a magnificent time to live on this earth. How blessed we are to be able to experience it.

I love you all!

Read your scriptures, say your prayers, go to church, remember who you are, and so on, and so forth, and what not, and what have you. See you in 18.

-Sister Reid

Someone else's trial

I walked into a room full of people from every walk of life. I was unknowing as to what kind of a meeting this would be I was surprised to notice that the chairs were laid out in a large circle all facing the center. My aunt with her young children running around in circles was seated a few seats to my right. My neighbor who had reticently set out on his mission on the other side of the globe was sitting across the room. As I sat there I noticed a lady who's husband had died of cancer only a week before sitting next to her daughter who was now left fatherless. Seated next to me was the girl from my math class that did't have anyone to eat lunch with and on the other side of her was the girl with bright curly hair who reticently stared in a movie. As I sat and observed the dynamics of the situation I watched as all the people I had met through my life as they began to file into the room. Each with their own unique trials and concerns.

But I didn't notice those concerns on the outside. I began to think about how cool it would be if I could have that curly hair and star in a movie, I looked at the girl who ate lunch by herself and thought "well if she wanted friends to eat with she would come over and ask if she can sit with us." I looked around each person in the circle and looked at how magnificent their lives were. I was jealous of the girl was sitting by her mom because she had the nicest car and the widow because she had a nice house. 

As I sat their noticing everything that these people had I began to want what each of them had. I wanted their cool houses and their nice shoes. I wanted to travel like they did and I wanted a job that paid better. I wanted to have their money and their home lives.

While sitting in my covetous state as each person settled into their seats a man stood up and welcomed us and thanked us all for coming. I, still not knowing what this meeting was for, assumed it would be like any other church meeting where we would sing a song, say a prayer, and then listen to a teacher for a few minutes before going home.

The man in charge said that we would be singing hymn number 241 Count Your Blessing and then we would have an opening prayer by sister Parkin. I opened up my hymn book and muttered through the versus and then closed my eyes for the prayer. Sister Parkin stood up and prayed that during this meeting we would all be able to pick new trials that would be easier for us. She also prayed that we might be able to have a good rest of our Sabbath day and that we might be able to drive home in safety when the time came. 

After she said amen the man that was conducting stood up again. He said that today we were all going to pick new trials. He asked us to take out ours and place them in the center of the circle. I was more excited than I had ever been. I thought for sure I had the hardest trials in the group and felt relieved that I would be able to get somebody elses. I quickly opened up my purse and pulled out my trials and tossed them in the center. After everybody had put theirs in the middle he said that one by one we would take turns picking new trials. As I waited for my turn I sat in anticipation about what new trials I would get. I watched as each person would get off their chairs and begin to dig through the large pile of trials and pick out the ones they wanted.

When it came to my turn I got off my cold metal chair and knelt on the hard blue carpet. I began to sort through the pile. While on my knees I read about a trial of having your husband die of cancer and how hard it would be. Because this is a more public trial I knew exactly who had thrown it in the circle. I decided I didn't really want that one so I threw it back in the pile. I pulled one out that said that their family was in pieces and that they couldn't remember the last time they did something as a family without someone getting into a fight. I for sure didn't want that one so I threw it back. I read about the teenager who struggles with a pornography addiction but doesn't want to tell anybody. I read about a trial of a first grader who got picked on at school for his lisp and a fourth grader that was reticently diagnosed with epilepsy. I read about the lady with lots of kids and not enough money to buy them Christmas presents and the sixth grader who had recently found out she was adopted. I read about the lady who desperately wanted another child but wasn't able to have one. 

As I dug through this pile I began to think about how none of these trials fit me. I quickly found my original trials and stuffed them back in my pocket and sat down.

After all of the trials had been taken from the center the man conducting stood up and read a quote by Regina Brett that said;

“If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else's, we'd grab ours back.”

We all sat in shock as we realized that that was exactly what each of us had done. I stuck my hand in my purse and felt my trials between my fingers.

He went on saying that while on the outside we all think we want what everybody else has and that we must surely have the hardest trials when we begin to look at the bigger picture we realize that these trials we've been given were designed specifically for us so that we might be able to become stronger and have joy.

I raised my hand and asked "how in the world do trials bring us joy?"

He smiled as he opened up his scriptures to 2 Nephi 2:25 which reads "Adam fell that men might be, and men are that they might have joy." 

He then pointed out that under the footnote for the word "joy" it said that joy is the potential to become like our Heavenly Father.

It was then I realized that joy is not found in a big house or in becoming a famous YouTuber. It was then that I realized joy meant becoming like our Father in Heaven. 

Then another man walked into the room. He was wearing red and had a beard and He looked at each of us with kind eyes. The man conducting the meeting introduced him to us as our brother. Our brother went around the room and collected each of our trials from us and told us that he would go through each of them before we had to. 

He did this so that we might be able to have somebody to ask when we have questions about our trials, so that we might be able to have a shoulder to cry on when it feels like it's too hard to move on, or a hand to squeeze when the pain gets too bad. He told us that he would carry us every step of the way and that he would always be with us silently waiting for us to ask him for help. He then promised that if we endured our trials well that we would be exalted on high. 

I realized that to be exalted on high meant that we would become like our Heavenly Father and we would return to meet with Him in heaven. I realized that this was the ultimate joy that everybody was speaking of. I discovered that we needed these trials to become perfected and that while this man they said was my brother couldn't take them away, he would help me.

He then told us that his name was Jesus Christ. I remembered learning about Him in my primary class. He showed us his scars from where they nailed him to the cross so that we might all be able to live again. He also told us about how he suffered for each of our sins so that we could be made clean and how we can be cleaned by that atonement through repenting and being baptized.

At the close of the meeting after Brother Wall said the closing prayer the Savior hugged each of us and told us that He loved us.

When I left that room I knew that even though on the outside we all feel like others have better circumstances, that each of us were given trials that would make us strong. I also knew that the Savior was indeed our brother and that he loves us each so much that he was willing to suffer for all of our trials and afflictions so that we might be made whole. I also know that He died for us so that each of us would be able to live again.

Our Savior loves us. He is our brother and He wants us to return with Him to live with our Father in Heaven and that He will do anything to help us get back. While the story of throwing our trials in a circle was just a story, I know that the fact that we have a brother that did these things for us is with out a doubt true. I know this because I felt it. I learned this through reading the Book of Mormon and praying for my own testimony of these things. I know He is there and that He loves us more than we will ever comprehend. My testimony of Jesus Christ has brought me more joy and happiness than I have ever felt from anything else in my life. This is why I write this blog, It's why I have chosen to serve a mission in Orlando Florida in 38 days, because I want everybody to hear about how great their brother is and how much they are loved. I hope that I can follow in His footsteps and be his disciple. I hope that you come unto Him.

feel my sunlight

p.s. I went through the temple on August 1st! It was amazing and I loved every second of it! It is defiantly the Lord's house and his spirit dwells there.

p.s.s. Shout out to all my friends starting college next week! I love you all to pieces and will miss you bunches. Goodbyes are hard, but it will all be worth it in the end. The best is yet to come.

The Book of Mormon Projects

This rain. I love it.

It's past midnight and I've been sitting here emailing all my favorite missionaries. It's been fun watching all my friends ship off all over the world to join the ranks in God's sin-kicking army, but it's hard watching my favorites leave. I've got 76 days until I get to join them. Heaven help me.

The past few years I've been working on a few "Book of Mormon Projects." These projects have just been fun ways that I've been able to dive deeper into the scriptures and gain more understanding and a stronger testimony of their truthfulness, while always keeping things exciting and fresh. I've learned that for me just reading isn't enough; I need to invest in it. So here are a few things that have made scripture study an adventure.

1. Page Titles

This one was something I found on Pinterest. It was originally posted over at Confessions of a Slacker Mom and I found it on a blog called The Red Headed Hostes.

It is a PDF file that has a compiled list of titles for every page in The Book of Mormon. As one of my young womens projects I wrote every single title at the top of each page. It is SO incredibly helpful when reading scriptures because it is so easy to find the context of each page. It's also great when you're sitting in Sunday School and the teacher asks you to read a verse and tell what you think about it and you recount the story is behind the verse because you have cheats on the top of each page. You will end up looking really smart and well studied which is mighty fun I must say. I love them so much!

PDF: Book of Mormon Page Titles

2. Character Flow Chart

This is a project I did last time I read The Book of Mormon. Since The Book of Mormon is a bunch of records that were handed down from generation to generation I decided to make a flow chart of all the people and how the book got passed around. It started in one of my sketch journals (aha!) and eventually came up with this. This flow chart is in hopes of making the "so-and-so begat so-and-so" chapters a little more comprehensible.

3. Sketchbook Journals

For the last few years I have been obsessed with scripture journals and note-taking at things like firesides and when I'm in Sacrament meeting or other church meetings. Reticently I've decided to switch over from regular journals to sketchbooks. They aren't any more expensive and I just get mine from Walmart. I love using sketchbooks because they allow me to turn my notes into art. I am known for my sketchbook notes by everybody that I know. They are the best for personal study, listening to General Conference, Church classes, and Sacrament meetings. It is also a sneaky way to make yourself stay awake and pay attention in church, you know, because coloring books aren't appropriate when you're an adult. 

Here are a few pages from my sketchbooks.

4. Clean Reading

This was an idea I got from my favorite blogger Al Fox Carraway. When she reads The Book of Mormon she always starts with a brand new book that hasn't been marked. I've been using the same scriptures since I was eight and let's just say I got a little highlighter happy when I was a beehive. This time around I decided to give Al's method a try. 

I got a brand new cheap copy of The Book of Mormon and started reading. I found that with a clean copy I was more open to see how things apply to my life in this very moment, instead of focusing on what I thought about the versus when I was 12. Right now all of my markings have to do with missions and how to be a good missionary. I love it so much!

(from Al's blog because she's the bomb digity and I want to be her when I grow up.
I tried taking pictures of some of my pages but it's 1am and my lamp lighting just isn't cutting it.)

These projects have been a blast and a half and have made my scripture study a thousand times more meaningful. I'd love to hear some of your study methods so please comment!

I'm obsessed with The Book of Mormon and I know that it is true without a doubt in my heart. I have a testimony of the teachings written in it. I know that it is indeed another testament of Jesus Christ and I have felt the peace that it can bring to ones life. It is the whole reason I am planning on serving a mission; because I want everyone to have this same joy that comes from this book in their own lives. I also have a testimony that Joseph Smith was a true prophet and that he really did translate The Book of Mormon. I love this book and I love this gospel. 

My friend Briana gave me the cutest ceramic pineapple this week with the words "life is good" written on the inside because it reminded her of me. I think this just about sums up how I feel about The Book of Mormon.

Life is good.

I wouldn't have it any other way.

feel my sunlight

p.s. If you don't already have a copy, you can request a FREE one HERE! 

A Modern Day King Noah #SupremeCourtRuling

I had the opportunity to teach Sunday school last week which gave me the opportunity to study and pray about the Family A Proclamation to the World. And I just have to say that I have a testimony of it. 

For those of you who don't know, the Family: A Proclamation the the World was read by President Gordon B. Hinckley as part of his message at the General Relief Society Meeting held on September 23rd, 1995.

With the recent events in the Supreme Court, I've had to dig deeper and really find out for myself what I believe. 

Do I believe that this document written the year before I was born still stands as the standard set by God today? If I do believe it, what should I do about it? What about my friends and family that believe differently than me?

I believe the words the brethren spoke to be true and I have seen the effects of it's teachings. I believe the family is the most sacred unit on this earth and that everyone deserves a chance to have a loving home. I do believe in kindness and acceptance of everybody's opinions and choices even if they differ from my own and I respect those that stand up for them. To all my friends and family out there with differing opinions, I must say that I really do love you all more than you will ever know, many of my very closest friends have expressed differing opinions from me. That's life and I still hold each of you to the highest respect; that's why I call you my friends, however I do believe that those who post their opinion should allow others to do the same even if they are different. And that while all deserve to be equal, that includes an equal opportunity to have a freedom of religion. 

I believe in love, and I believe in God, and I believe in an eternal perspective. This is what I believe.

I know the brethren had it right in 1995, and I know they have it right now. In fact, I know that it doesn't matter weather they have it right or not because it is essentially God's law and not anybody on earths place to decide.

In an article written by Scot Facer Proctor, he said that "There is a SUPREME COURT that always trumps this earthly supreme court and we must never forget that."

I know that those words are very true.

When we look at God's plan with an eternal perspective we see the reasoning behind his commandments. God's work and his glory is to bring to pass immortality and eternal life of everyone that will follow him. Immortality means living forever; eternal life means living forever in the presence of God AND our families. Families are central to God's plan of happiness. Living forever with our families is only possible through the sealing power that comes from righteous living and through the ordinances and blessings that come from a temple marriage. Without it there is no way we can receive eternal life.

This being said I do believe that the world should be governed with love. We all have people that are close to us that experience same-gender attraction. Each of those people are great in the eyes of God and I don't believe God would ever condone the act of bullying, name calling, or being mean to any of his children. Jesus said love everyone. He said to love your neighbor as yourself. And in the words of every "Gay Pride" activist; #LoveWins.

So what does that mean for us?

We should love everyone and treat everyone with respect. There is no room for us to be mean. We are all God's children and we should treat each other that way.

At the same time we should stand up for what we believe in. Even if the task seems daunting and that we seem to be out-numbered.

All I can think about is the story of Abinadi teaching King Noah and his priests.

Noah was a wicked ruler that did not obey God's commandments. He and his priests taught people to sin. 

Abinadi was a prophet of God that was sent to King Noah. Abinadi was teaching of the wickedness of King Noah and was teaching that all people needed to repent and follow Christ. When King Noah heard the words of Abinadi he was angry as are most people when they are told they are doing something wrong. Abinadi was brought to the palace by King Noah's guards so that he could be killed. 

King Noah and his priests interrogated Abinadi in what I imagine to be one very terrifying encounter. Most people feel their heart pound out of their chest and sweat form on their palms when they bear testimony of what they believe in front of a congregation of people with the same beliefs that they call neighbors and friends. Can you imagine standing before someone with the power to have you killed and bearing your testimony?

Abinadi was firm in his testimony and he answered all of their questions. God helped Abinadi as he bore truth of God's words. As will he help all of us in times of need.

King Noah was angry with the words of Abinadi and refused to believe his words. As did all but one of his priests. The only priest that believed him was named Alma (remember him?) Alma tried to stand up to King Noah, but was thrown out of the palace. Abinadi was brought back to the King Noah after three days in prison and told that if he didn't take back what he said he would be killed. 

Abinadi knew that needed to stand up for his beliefs and he did. Abinadi was killed because of what he believed. While we may not be asked to die for our religion today, we are asked to live for it. Do we have the conviction enough that we can stand up to modern day "King Noahs" and fight for our religion?

What I also love about this story is the fact that Abinadi probably didn't know that Alma had been converted by his words. He defiantly didn't know about all the people that would become followers of Christ because of Alma. Abinadi probably thought as he was going to be killed that he wasn't making even the slightest difference. But in reality the fact that he had stood up for his beliefs brought one soul to the truth, which would in turn bless generations to come.  

You may not realize the effect you can have on the world by you standing up for your beliefs. But I promise you that you do make a difference. 

May we all be like Abinadi and have courage to stand up for eternal families and for our religion. May we know that God is bigger than anything else and that he is in charge. May we not fear man more than God. While we stand up for our beliefs may we have the courage and ability to love everyone and to remember that everybody we come in contact with is a child of God and that he loves each of his children. May we bring peace to this debate and may we love God forever.

I just want to end this post by saying that I have a testimony of the Book of Mormon (which this story about Abinadi and King Noah is found in.) I know without a doubt that it is true. I know it was indeed translated by Joseph Smith and that Joseph Smith was a true prophet and that he really did restore God's church on the earth. I know that Gordon B. Hinckley was a true prophet before he passed away and that Thomas S. Monson is the true prophet on the earth today and that the words that he, and the quorum of the 12 apostles do speak for God. I believe in their words and I believe in the hope and happiness that can come from following their words.

This is what I believe.

feel my sunlight

p.s. I leave for Orlando in T-87 days! Not that I'm counting. But Oh my goodness I'm so excited to serve a mission!

p.s.s. For those of you that are interested you can read the actual story of Abinadi in Mosiah Chapters 11-14. You can also watch this cheesy video about it!

Because I have been given much

Oh boy...

These upcoming months are going to bring the biggest changes in my life that I have ever seen. I had my final interview for my mission with my Stake President today and have officially completed the process of mission papers. They will be submitted to the quorum of the twelve apostles this Thursday. (what what!?)

I watched my best friend since birth give her farewell talk today. The same girl that I played mermaid in hotel swimming pools will be teaching on the islands of Tahiti... although she can't go in the water I know she'll do great. I can't tell you how proud I am of this girl. She's going to be incredible and I can't wait to follow in her footsteps and serve a mission... even if it does mean we won't see each other until 2017. I love you Lauren!

We have 15 days left of this bliss and then our worlds are going to turn upside down. This post goes out to all the graduating seniors of the class of 2015. This is it guys.

I don't know if I can accurately portray the feeling in my heart through words right now.

Tonight was the senior testimony meeting and oh how my heart strings have been pulled. All I have to say is that our seniors are strong. We are an army that has been in training for the last 12 years together and we are about to go forth all over the world and combat the Satan's army. But guess what Satan? The class of 2015 is going to give you a run for your money because these kids are strong... Nephi strong... Stripling Warrior strong... Lancer Strong.

I want to share with you some of the quotes from tonight's testimony meeting spoken by the mouths of Seniors...

"This complex world can be overcome by the simplicity of this gospel." -Davis
"[the gospel] is a foundation that if men build upon, they shall not fall." -Keara
"Reading the scriptures will make life so much easier." -Brady
"This gospel is perfect." -Jazzy
"Life is about to get harder...embrace the suck...it can suck less if we apply the gospel." -Caleb
"It all boils down to two words: Jesus Christ. The tomb is empty." -Adam
"Read a little more, and pray a little more." -Allie
"All is well, all is well. Our God will never us abandon." -Anna
"I've never been so sure of a decision [to serve a mission] in my life." -Tayli
"Trials are blessings." -Aubri
"Your prayers will be answered." -Kylie
"I smile because I know I am a daughter of God." -SaBree
"Learn how to love." -Landon
"We won't screw up." -Spencer
"You get to be the one person that gets to change someones life." -Caden
"I stand all amazed... because of him, I could do them." -Megan
"I made a promise that I wouldn't give up." -Yolanda
"After the tribulation come the blessing." -Ambie
"Walk as the Savior walked." -Hannah
"Christ will allow us to suffer, but he will never allow us to suffer alone." -Celeste
"Our Heavenly Father has a plan for us and it's probably not what we have in mind." -Brianna
"I know that families can be together forever." -Kenna
"We have created a little army." -Shaylee

As individual seniors we are small... when we are on our own at least, but when you read these quotes you don't read the words of weak people. These are the words of mighty warriors. So how did the weak things of the earth speak these powerful truths?

Alma 37:6 says that "by small and simple things are great things brought to pass."

And how are they brought to pass? How does a little teenager that's barely old enough to legally call themselves an adult manage to be strong?

Ether 12:27 says that "If men high school seniors come unto me I will show unto them their weakness. I give unto men high school seniors weakness that they may be humble; and my grace is sufficient for all men high school seniors that humble themselves before me; for if they humble themselves before me, and have faith in me, then I will make weak things become strong unto them."

High schoolers are weak. School and life humbles us. Seminary and the gospel teaches us faith. And eventually what was once a freshman becomes a graduate with a mission call who is prepared to teach the Lord's Gospel. And Layton High has an army of these strong warriors







I just want to add my testimony to the words of my peers...

"because I have been given much I too must give."

I've been thinking about what I've been given. I've been given a testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ. I know with every fiber of my being that he suffered for all my sins and pain and affliction, I know that he died for me. I know that he rose from the tomb and that the tomb is empty. I know he lives. And I know that because He lives death has no sting. I have been given the knowledge that families can be together forever and knowledge of the Plan of Salvation." I have been given a testimony of the scriptures. I know that Joseph Smith was a true prophet and that he really did translate the Book of Mormon. Oh how I love the Book of Mormon. I have been given a lot of knowledge that has gone unheard to much of the world.

I have also been pondering about what I must give because I have been given much. For me right now in this moment it is to serve an 18 month mission. Later it will be something else. For Nephi it was to build a boat, For Moses it was to guide his people out of Egypt, And for young Joseph Smith it was to restore the true church. What is remarkable about Nephi, Moses, and Joseph is that none of them would have been able to accomplish what they did on their own. They needed help. Likewise, we aren't able to give what we need to give without the help of our Savior, who is ever-willing to help us if we just accept His help.

I don't know what your gift will be, but I know we all have one. So I challenge you to ponder what you have been given, and also figure out what you too must give.






feel my sunlight




p.s. Next time I blog my mission papers will have been submitted and I may have a call...so that's a thought.
p.s.s. Look how cute our MORP pictures are! I had a blast and a half at my last high school dance. I'm pretty sure I had the best date... so just saying. Thanks Adam!

#knowHElives

ahhh I can taste spring in the air. It's wonderful.

I mean... It's spring break and both Easter and Conference are next week. I don't think life could get any sweeter.

I started working on mission papers and it feels fabulous! I had an interview with my bishop last Sunday and I am so excited about this new gospel adventure that I am about to embark on. (see what I did there?!) I also need to say thanks to my incredible young womens leaders who dropped off a cute "congrats on starting your papers" present earlier this week. It made my day. I have the very best leaders. I love you guys! 

One countdown finished and onto the next one! 55 days until I can submit my papers!

This month my school's seminary council extended a challenge that everyone spread their testimonies about Christ by posting pictures, quotes, and testimonies on social media with the hashtag

#knowHElives

You should all go look up that hashtag on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. It is all kinds of awesome!

And to wrap up this fantastic challenge we asked students (and teachers) to finish the sentence

"Because I know HE lives...."

This was what they said...

As you might have noticed I have a picture in there that said that I would "share my testimony on my blog" so here it is.

I have a testimony of Jesus Christ. I know He once walked the earth with the saints and he taught the truest doctrine of love. I know that He Atoned for all of my sins, and that He also Atoned for all of my pains and afflictions. I know that He died so that we might all be able to return to live with Him and our Father in Heaven again. I also believe that if I had been the only person that needed this pure act of love that He would still have done it because He loves me that much. I also know that He would have done the same for each of you. I know he was resurrected and that because of Him death has no sting. I know that He loves me so much more than I can even comprehend and that He wants what's very best for me. I know that He will direct my path as long as I'm willing to follow Him. I know that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is in fact, HIS church and that He is the head of it which is why it is the only church with His complete gospel on the earth today. I know that He lives. Because I know that He lives I will prepare to dedicate 18 months of my life to His service by serving a mission. I will also dedicate every second after that to loving Him and building his kingdom. I will do this by not being afraid to share my testimony, by loving everyone around me, and by letting His light shine through me (hence the blog name...."feel my sunlight.") I promise to do my very best, and because I know that alone I will never be enough, I also promise to rely on Him everyday. Because He is almighty, and all-knowing. He is ever loving and everlasting. He is Jesus Christ, the Only Begotten of the Father. He is my Savior, And He is my Redeemer.

And I love Him.

What parts of your are changed...
#BecauseHeLives?

What are you going to do...
#BecauseOfHim?

How are you going to help others...
#KnowHelives?

---

In addition to my testimony I also thought I'd add a "what I'm listening to right now" section because I know that you guys like them. I've been on a Christian music kick lately. {I've had my radio set to play K love for over a month.} So here is the music that have been playing through my headphones lately...

feel my sunlight

p.s. Who's excited for #LDSconf tomorrow and next week?!? I AM!

p.s.s. Shout out to all my seniors out there... ONLY ONE MORE TERM OF HIGH SCHOOL!

p.s.s.s. Sorry this is such a long post, but I just have to share this picture I found on Pinterest... It's the single cutest thing I have ever seen.

night changes

Does it ever drive you crazy 

Just how fast the night changes 

Everything that you’ve ever dreamed of 

Disappearing when you wake up 

But there’s nothing to be afraid of 

Even when the night changes

Well hello friends!

Have you ever just listened to a new album all the way through and had it speak to ever aspect of your life at that very moment? I have had One Directions new album playing for the last hour and a half and words can't even describe my emotions right now.

Does it ever drive you crazy just how fast the night changes?

I can't even explain how much this is about my life in this exact moment. It seems that my world is spinning at a million miles an hour in the right direction. It's almost like I have just begun to breath the most beautiful air just as the realization that it's all about to change knocks the wind out of me and I struggle to keep the last breath of sweet air in my lungs.

I don't know how else to explain it.

I was sitting here listening to this album when I came across a song called 18 when I thought "hey I'm 18!" but then literally thought "no... no that can't be right."

18 means I'm a senior in high school.
18 means my last year of public school.
18 means all the friends that I have gone to school with for as long as I can remember are about to become people I only see on Facebook.
18 means seminary council is almost over.
18 means my life right now is about to become memories.
18 means mission papers.
18 means college decision.
18 means graduation.
18 means this is my last Christmas before I leave on a mission.
18 means attending the farewells of all of my friends.
18 means my night is changing.

As I pondered these things I realized just how fast these changes are happening and just how little I can do to stop it.

Santa has bought and wrapped my mission luggage, and the colleges have my applications. Whether I like it or not things are about to change.

All my life has been planned up until graduation. Every year I left school in the Summer with complete assurance that I would find myself sitting in another desk within three months. This is the first time the plans have been changed.

While it's everything I've ever dreamed of-- Graduating, going on a mission, attending college-- It still drives me crazy just how fast the night is changing.

But even though it seems that things are about to change, many amazing things are happening as well!

While I've been away on holiday from my blog (do I sound British? Oh please say I sound British!) many things have happened!

Last weekend I went to Cotillion with the adorable Hayden Rigby and had a blast! Thanks again Hayden!

 

Turns out December was also a month for tumbling reunions. I got to see Anedy and Shawn who are some of my favorite former teammates at the Utah Gymnastics Preview...

 

and a few days after that I got a surprise call from one of my other former teammates, B, telling me to come to the gym because all my best friends were coming to visit!

 

It was so much fun to see everyone!

Another exciting gym happening took place at our annual competition team party which I was working. I was playing games with the 7 years old and under group when all of the sudden one of our little girls gets very big eyes and grabs onto me for dear life. I turned around to see a large Grinch walk into the gym just as a few other little girls begin to notice and demand hugs. All the older kids thought he was awesome, but some of the little ones weren't convinced, which was great for me because now they all think I'm a superhero because I saved them from the scary Grinch. And then after the Grinch left I gained a small fan club. It's moments like this when I love being a tumbling coach.

And perhaps one of my favorite parts of December was our annual ginger bread making party with the Daniels. Which is technically a graham cracker making party because we can't handle real ginger bread. We have done this every year for as long as I can remember and this year is the last year that we will all be here since both Lauren and I will be on a mission next time this activity comes around. I'd say it was a success even though the houses haven't gotten any better over the years.



I'm also proud to say that my house is the only one still standing at my house.

December has been good and OH LOOK IT"S CHRISTMAS EVE!!! In case I don't get around to posting again before Christmas I hope everyone has a fantastic holiday and I wish you all the joy and happiness I can summon. Thank you all so much for taking the time to read my blog. Without you this blog would just be words in the universe. I love you all! Merry Christmas!



feel my sunlight



p.s. Since it's Christmas Eve, check out these two awesome videos!

invisible lies

This post rests a little more personal than I usually prefer to sit. This blog post is a letter addressed to the teenage girls of the world, but the message is for everyone. To the girls who read this I hope you realize just how great you are, and to the boys I hope it changes the way you see and treat God's precious daughters.

The world is mean to teenage girls. The world is mean to all, but currently I reside in the time of life that one would call "teenage girl years". These years are filled with messages that tell you that "you aren't good enough" and while they haven't been as mean to me as they have been for some, they have indeed been a mountain to climb.

You know how medicine bottles will say "GRAPE FLAVOR!" like it is going to be some kind of amazing, delicious drink, and then come to find out the actual flavor of the medicine is "death, and the tears of small children?" Yet, somehow that disgusting spoonful of medicine somehow manages to make you feel better? This is an accurate description of what it is like to be a teenage girl living in the 21st century.

Satan feeds lies about what we are expected to be. Teenage girls are among the most receptive of these deceitful messages.

Hank Smith is one of my favorite motivational speakers. In his CD Break Up With the World he talks about how the world is obsessed "with comparing, competing, and never feeling that we are enough." As teenage girls we are bombarded with the message that we need to be taller, skinnier, healthier, more outgoing, more involved, smarter, prettier, more loved, richer, and stronger.

"take a girl to the grocery store, and let her look at the magazines. What will happen to her self esteem? It will fall. Why? Well she looks at that, and lets say she's standing next to a boy, and the boy says "Oh, that girl's so hot", and the girl looks at that and looks at her and says "I look nothing like that, so apparently I'm not." and her self esteem falls."

I, being a teenage girl, know exactly what this can feel like.

Just today we were sitting in our seminary class when our teacher asked the boy who sits behind me "When you're playing for keeps what is one quality that is non-negotiable for your future wife to have." The immediate, non-hesitant response that came out of his mouth was "tall." Now, this comment had nothing to do with me and he was in no means being rude at all, but being the fact that I stand roughly 4'10" tall this stung a little bit.

Now, Satan is very good at seizing these kinds of opportunities. He began to plant thoughts into my mind like "maybe all boys prefer tall girls", "you will never be tall enough", "this is why you have never been asked on a date", "you will never find someone because you lack vertical inches."

lies.

Satan is very good at lies.

I am a generally happy person. I don't have any major issues with self-esteem, in fact, I like being short (tumbler perks!), but it is in the moments that I give into Satan's lies that life suddenly becomes hard. I know what you're thinking... "just don't give in." But that is easier said than done when your grades aren't up to par with how your dream college would prefer, you have been stuck at the same competition level in tumbling for four years while your team mates go on to do things you only dream of doing, you have never been asked on a date, your teacher is yelling at you because you were a few days late on an assignment, your bedroom looks like a tornado hit, The group of people sitting next to you are making fun of your religion, and the boy behind you said that being tall is a requirement for his future spouse and you only stand 4'10" tall.

I know so many girls who feel exactly the same way that I do. I also know so many girls who have it even worse than I do.

In retrospect, there is someone who is very good at speaking truth to counteract the lies.

His name is Christ.

He knows exactly what you need, exactly when you need it. He gives comfort in tribulation, strength in oppression, and peace in trial, but he can only provide these things when we choose to listen to him rather than Satan.

He did indeed feel every pain and heartache the world ever has, or ever will face while kneeling in the Garden of Gethsemane. He knows exactly what you are going through and he want's nothing more than to help you in your trials and tribulations. He knows of your struggles and weaknesses and He also knows of your strengths and your possibilities and He wants the best for you and He is always available to help and assist you.

To the daughters of the Most High, I cry that you will turn to Him and realize that "You are a Daughter of your Heavenly Father, who loves you."

You are a Princess who is heir to the Kingdom of God. While things might be hard right now, someday your pain will be invisible.

"Here's to anyone who has ever felt invisible." Listen to the truth, disregard the lies. You a peculiar treasure of great worth.




feel my sunlight



p.s. Shout out to any of you who read that entire thing! I would totally love to give you an ice cream sandwich for completing that task, but because I don't know where you currently are, and because I don't have any ice cream sandwiches, I guess you will have to live with pretending I showed up to your house with an ice cream sandwich to give to you. It seems like a good gesture. Pretend I did it.

p.s.s. I decided I am going to compete in the 2014 US Power Tumbling National Championships. This means I need to do some serious fundraising. Fundraisers coming soon. Fat Boy ice cream sandwiches are my favorite fundraiser, so who knows, maybe I will show up at your door with a box of ice cream sandwiches! I give more info when the time comes. :)

p.s.s.s. Thanks for taking the time to read my writing! This blog would be nothing without you. Without you it would just sit here collecting internet dust if that were a thing.

#becauseofHim {an Easter post}

Exhalation is eternal life. It is the kind of life that our father lives. It is the kind of life we can live.

To have this life you MUST be PERFECT.

But we are all human. Humans make mistakes. It is inevitable that all humans who have ever walked this earth, walk this earth today, or will walk this earth will be imperfect.

All except one.

"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believe in him should not perish, but have everlasting life."
-John 3:16

There was one who walked this earth walked every single day in perfect steps. He never gave to temptation and he spent his entire existence caring for those around him. He was the most unselfish person to ever walk this earth.

He suffered every pain and trial that human kind had ever known. He did this that we might not suffer as he did. He did this that we might have the chance to be forgiven.

He died so that the sting of death might have no victory, he lived that we might live again.

Because of him we can feel JOY.
Because of him we can LIVE AGAIN.
Because of him we can be FORGIVEN.
Because of him we can FORGIVE.
Because of him we can feel PEACE.
Because of him we can become LIKE HIM.
Because of him we can be made PERFECT.

This beautiful Sunday morning attended grandma's ward because me aunt and sister were performing a musical number for the program. During sacrament meeting wonderful returned sister missionary spoke about Christ. She made me realize something that I hadn't thought of before.

 You don't drive up to the window and say "I'd like eternal life please!" and then they would reply "okay, please drive up to the next window and we will give it to you."

It doesn't work that way.

It takes action. It is through Christ we are saved AFTER ALL THAT WE CAN DO.

Our mission on earth is to become like Christ, and then to help others become like Christ.

Moses 1:39 says
"For behold, this is my work and my glory—to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man."

God's greatest goal is that we will all receive immortality and eternal life. This is why he sent his Son.

We must live in a way that will bring us to this immortality and eternal life. We must live like Christ. We must apply Christ's atonement. We must become perfected in him. And then we must help others do the same.

There are those who are waiting to hear the truth, but they don't know where to find it.

We must bring it to him.

This Easter can prove as a reminder to us of what Christ did for us, and what we must now do for him.




feel my sunlight



p.s. I competed at the 2014 Utah State Power Tumbling State Championships yesterday!! I placed 2nd out of 21 girls. I had some FANTASTIC competition and everyone was great. I am so excited to be able to say that I hit mobility to move from level 8 to 9. In tumbling you must receive a certain score to do this. It has taken me 4 long years to receive this score and I am so proud to say that I FINALLY DID IT! Was it easy? NO. Was it worth it. YES! I also qualified for National Championships and am crossing my fingers that I will be able to go. Thanks to my amazing coaches, team mates, and tumbling friends that have helped me and pushed me down this long road. I couldn't have done this without you. I can't wait to see what the future brings.