Anyone who reads my blog probably thinks I'm doing something illegal with my time-I promise I'm not! Everything seems to be going really well! The Chariots get to compete at ICCA in a few weeks and rehearsals are kind of crazy right now for me still getting used to the music and the choreography. But seriously, it's so fun! I am incredibly lucky being able to be a part of this group with some really amazing people that I am enjoying getting to know:)
As far as school goes, it's pretty crazy right now. I am terrible at French, whoever invented the language is an idiot because it makes no sense. My physical anthropology class is pretty exciting and the lab is even better! This week we started talking BIO and got to prick our fingers to test what kind of blood we have. I wasn't really nervous until I had to actually do it. But hey, I have A+ blood! It's pretty smart I guess! Okay I won't make anymore puns...I promise. Sort of. My online classes I keep forgetting about, which is kind of bad but I will have to remind myself more often.
Overall, I'm super busy. Like seriously. I have two hours a day to eat and get homework done before I'm back and completely exhausted. But it's so awesome and so fun! I love everything that keeps me busy and entertained! Except that I forgot my ballroom dance class this week...whoops. This week I'm adding in something else...get ready world because KELLY IS GOING TO START RUNNING. That's right. I will become a runner. Of 5k's. By March 16. Because guess what else. I'M DOING THE COLOR RUN ON THAT DAY. With Liz. YAY:)
So pretty much do you ever just feel like you are doing what you can and you hope you are on the right path and doing the things you should be, but you just don't feel like you are positive you are fine and doing okay? That's kind of how I've been feeling - just going through life and trying to do your best and working on little things here and there and just trying but never knowing if it's good enough. Well today I got the confirmation that I've needed that it really is okay and I am doing just fine. I'm on the right path and doing well with where I am. I've made it more of a point to make my morning prayers more of being thankful and just keeping that constant through the day and that has been such a blessing in itself! I'm so excited to know that we are all children of our Heavenly Father and have the potential to become so much more. And so thankful for that knowledge! This is going to sound silly, but I'm so excited that some day I get to raise a family who will be close to the Lord and enjoy the blessings it brings and the challenges I will face as well. LIFE IS JUST SO COOL!
I'm pretty sure that whole last paragraph was just not related to each other and super random. But seriously this little smile has grown bigger as days go by and I don't see how much more I could be blessed. I'm just hoping I have the energy to pull good grades out of this semester and keep up with all my work! Have a great week everyone!
Sunday, January 27, 2013
Tuesday, January 22, 2013
Just Another One of Those Obnoxiously Happy Posts
I'm already a week and a half into classes and haven't posted...whoops! Not like anyone reads this thing anyways, it's really just for my own enjoyment and to make sense of this messed up brain I got! Nothin like a good dose of A.D.D. to make it hard to make sense of your own thoughts. Which has gotten me into some pretty rough trouble the past few weeks. I over-think the thoughts that haven't completely formed yet, so it's just been a lot of trouble getting past that. Not the spectacular start to the semester I had been hoping for, but it'll work out! It always does! And that's honestly what amazes me and keeps me going. There really is a unique and individualized plan for each and every person on this planet. No one is doing the exact same thing and will have the exact same experiences and think the exact same thoughts. No two people are completely identical, so why should people live identical lives and have the same story written out for them? Trying to mold them into a story that's not their own just causes chaos to ensue and will be the long road back onto your own path.
While we choose our own paths and make our own choices to go into our very own personalized stories, there are always the "good" "better" "best" options. Personally, I want the "best" option. Always. Yet sometimes, in the middle of our path, we trip over roots, fall down, or we can't see the road in front of us. And that's okay. That's when you hold on and realize that it's hard and it hurts, but in the end, you are still on the best path and it will take you to the best place with the best people for you. And you know what? We all have the opportunity to pick the best path and change paths whenever we want! Any path is hard and has different struggles, but you endure what is put in front of you because it will make you better. You will look back at everything and realize that it was all a part of the master plan for the best! AND THAT IS THE COOLEST THING EVER! Nothing is ever by chance or random. Everything has a purpose and a reason to it. So I'm learning and growing from these experiences that I've been having and going through. I've never felt so blessed in my life! Even when everything is going right, I'm lucky to know that I'm being prepared for more in this life and making me a better person. God has trusted me enough and knows I'm strong enough for the challenges in myself and my life that will make me a better version of myself. I know that whatever happens is all to make me stronger and fit me for the best plan.
So that part was a lot longer than I had planned in my head.
The next super happy thing is this: WE GOT SNOW, PEOPLE. I walked around outside in it but then went indoors to watch it because I remembered I don't like freezing cold weather...or anything below 60 degrees.
The other super happy thing is this: I GOT INTO THE CHARIOTS! It's a co-ed a capella group at UNCG and to quote "Pitch Perfect": "We sing covers of songs, but we do it without any instruments. It's all from our mouths!". So here goes the endless list of songs I need to learn and hours of rehearsals coming towards me, but bring it on! It has been way way too long since I've done something official-type with singing and I have missed it!
Happy Week Everyone!
I leave you with a song that's been stuck in my head all day that I actually super love and has really done wonders today.
While we choose our own paths and make our own choices to go into our very own personalized stories, there are always the "good" "better" "best" options. Personally, I want the "best" option. Always. Yet sometimes, in the middle of our path, we trip over roots, fall down, or we can't see the road in front of us. And that's okay. That's when you hold on and realize that it's hard and it hurts, but in the end, you are still on the best path and it will take you to the best place with the best people for you. And you know what? We all have the opportunity to pick the best path and change paths whenever we want! Any path is hard and has different struggles, but you endure what is put in front of you because it will make you better. You will look back at everything and realize that it was all a part of the master plan for the best! AND THAT IS THE COOLEST THING EVER! Nothing is ever by chance or random. Everything has a purpose and a reason to it. So I'm learning and growing from these experiences that I've been having and going through. I've never felt so blessed in my life! Even when everything is going right, I'm lucky to know that I'm being prepared for more in this life and making me a better person. God has trusted me enough and knows I'm strong enough for the challenges in myself and my life that will make me a better version of myself. I know that whatever happens is all to make me stronger and fit me for the best plan.
So that part was a lot longer than I had planned in my head.
The next super happy thing is this: WE GOT SNOW, PEOPLE. I walked around outside in it but then went indoors to watch it because I remembered I don't like freezing cold weather...or anything below 60 degrees.
The other super happy thing is this: I GOT INTO THE CHARIOTS! It's a co-ed a capella group at UNCG and to quote "Pitch Perfect": "We sing covers of songs, but we do it without any instruments. It's all from our mouths!". So here goes the endless list of songs I need to learn and hours of rehearsals coming towards me, but bring it on! It has been way way too long since I've done something official-type with singing and I have missed it!
Happy Week Everyone!
Thursday, January 3, 2013
The Holiday Season/New Beginnings!
I'm so far behind, I know! So basically finals wrapped up and some grades were better than expected(by far!) and some were lower than I had hoped but you get what you get! This next semester I'm planning on doing tons better-despite the fact that it will be 20x more difficult than last semester.
Christmas! It was...fantastic! It was really one of my first/favorite "grown up" Christmas's. By that I mean I didn't ask for anything for Christmas. I didn't really want anything too spectacular! I got an ironing board, which I have to admit I was beyond excited about (domestic Kelly...when did that happen?!) and a tv for my dorm room. I was honestly most excited about my FANNY PACK though (Join me for Fanny Pack Fridays!):)
The most fantastic thing happened this Christmas. My older brother, Jeff, surprised us and flew home! A few weeks ago he was looking at tickets, but didn't find any. The Friday before Christmas, he bought a ticket and told my dad. My dad kept the secret until Sunday night, three hours before we would leave to pick him up, and told me. I went to get pick Jeff up and we surprised my family when we got home! My mother was floored, as expected, and everyone was in the Christmas spirit just in time for Christmas Eve!
With the arrival of my brother, Christmas was so much more family centered. Being out of school for a month and not working for a few weeks has given me the time to hang out with my siblings and my parents. I have loved getting to know them more and strengthening our relationships! Listen to how awesome my family is-Sophie is the most hilarious and deep and honestly the coolest person I know. Jack is the most entertaining, positive, and uplifting person. Nicole is sweet, patient, and witty. Jeff is thoughtful, caring, and loving. Danika is smart, also extremely thoughtful, and creative. Each one of my siblings has grown more and it's been amazing to notice the changes in them through the years and their experiences!
So here comes the general New Years Post, but it's done for a reason, right?! So. This year. 2012. It definitely was the craziest, most insane roller coaster ride ever. I've done a whole lot more internally than I would have ever thought I would/could do. I thought this year would be..different. I had planned 2012 to be my year to travel and do what I had always wanted to do. I didn't plan for this year to twist and turn so much! But I wouldn't change this year for the world!
This year I have strengthened my testimony in so many ways. I've learned that I am stronger than I could ever imagine when I have the Lord beside me. I've had some really fun times with some really amazing people. I saw my best friend of 4 years for the first time since she moved. I made another amazing best friend that I got to room with. I spent the summer with a few close, fun, and caring friends. I made a lot of friends I wouldn't have met before. I made one of the hardest decisions I have ever had to make. There's a lot that happened this year that was amazing and a lot that happened that was hard, but worth it!
All in all, 2012 was great and I am so ready to move forward with 2013! This years focus will be to see how I can improve myself each day. Merry Belated Christmas and Happy Belated New Year to all of you!
Christmas! It was...fantastic! It was really one of my first/favorite "grown up" Christmas's. By that I mean I didn't ask for anything for Christmas. I didn't really want anything too spectacular! I got an ironing board, which I have to admit I was beyond excited about (domestic Kelly...when did that happen?!) and a tv for my dorm room. I was honestly most excited about my FANNY PACK though (Join me for Fanny Pack Fridays!):)
The most fantastic thing happened this Christmas. My older brother, Jeff, surprised us and flew home! A few weeks ago he was looking at tickets, but didn't find any. The Friday before Christmas, he bought a ticket and told my dad. My dad kept the secret until Sunday night, three hours before we would leave to pick him up, and told me. I went to get pick Jeff up and we surprised my family when we got home! My mother was floored, as expected, and everyone was in the Christmas spirit just in time for Christmas Eve!
With the arrival of my brother, Christmas was so much more family centered. Being out of school for a month and not working for a few weeks has given me the time to hang out with my siblings and my parents. I have loved getting to know them more and strengthening our relationships! Listen to how awesome my family is-Sophie is the most hilarious and deep and honestly the coolest person I know. Jack is the most entertaining, positive, and uplifting person. Nicole is sweet, patient, and witty. Jeff is thoughtful, caring, and loving. Danika is smart, also extremely thoughtful, and creative. Each one of my siblings has grown more and it's been amazing to notice the changes in them through the years and their experiences!
So here comes the general New Years Post, but it's done for a reason, right?! So. This year. 2012. It definitely was the craziest, most insane roller coaster ride ever. I've done a whole lot more internally than I would have ever thought I would/could do. I thought this year would be..different. I had planned 2012 to be my year to travel and do what I had always wanted to do. I didn't plan for this year to twist and turn so much! But I wouldn't change this year for the world!
This year I have strengthened my testimony in so many ways. I've learned that I am stronger than I could ever imagine when I have the Lord beside me. I've had some really fun times with some really amazing people. I saw my best friend of 4 years for the first time since she moved. I made another amazing best friend that I got to room with. I spent the summer with a few close, fun, and caring friends. I made a lot of friends I wouldn't have met before. I made one of the hardest decisions I have ever had to make. There's a lot that happened this year that was amazing and a lot that happened that was hard, but worth it!
All in all, 2012 was great and I am so ready to move forward with 2013! This years focus will be to see how I can improve myself each day. Merry Belated Christmas and Happy Belated New Year to all of you!
Monday, December 17, 2012
Something I've Been Avoiding
I haven't wanted to write about this for the longest time, but I feel like this is my area to delve into what really makes me...me. Relationships have been a crazy ride for me. I feel like every year there is at least one story of a boy and how they helped push me to grow into myself or how I became me. It sounds sad and weird and all sorts of messed up and I swear I'm not boy crazy because I really get along just fine without them, but everyone is different and learns in different ways.
As a heads up, none of this is going to make any sense or be, in any way, fluid.
I have had some amazing boyfriends. Most of them I didn't deserve, but all of them I learned amazing lessons from and grew from. All of them I needed to date. Even that one. That one who would make me feel like I wasn't worth it. Like I couldn't keep anyone's attention more than a few weeks. The one who made me feel insecure and lonely and broke my capacity to truly trust. But I learned. Oh, did I learn! Those feelings and insecurities stay with me now. They didn't hit until a year after the fact, I don't know why, they just didn't. And when they did, they hit hard. I didn't know what I was feeling or why. I didn't know why I felt like I couldn't trust any relationship I was going into. It wasn't until after I was down and out again when I truly recognized, sat down and took a look at what happened to me, who I had become from those things. I didn't like it. I still don't. It's still hard for me and I know it will continue to be. But I also know that these things take time. I know what it is now and I'm not entirely sure how to deal with it, but I'm ready to give everything a shot. I want to feel happy and secure and comfortable again.
Every day, with the Lord's help, I become stronger. I realize what I am worth. I know what I want. One day I will get it. I've become more able to realize when I sink back to these awful feelings of unworthiness and pull myself out of it. It's not easy-it never is. These challenges and setbacks are there to help perfect us. We are all given these challenges and trials to help our weaknesses become strong. It's the only way to become perfected and that's the ultimate goal! Obviously we can't make it there in this life, but if that is our goal all of the time, we will eventually get there in the next life.
I know this hasn't really said much of anything, given any insight, or done anything really, but this post needed to happen for me. I have refused to address the problems I have because, like most people, I wanted to pretend it didn't happen. It was nothing huge or way major, but major enough to cause me to have these emotions and thoughts. It was enough to make my weaknesses become strong:) Looking back, and forwards, it's a true blessing to be able to have my Heavenly Father think I am ready to become one step closer to being perfected! I am so grateful for that trial and that I could learn and grow.
As a heads up, none of this is going to make any sense or be, in any way, fluid.
I have had some amazing boyfriends. Most of them I didn't deserve, but all of them I learned amazing lessons from and grew from. All of them I needed to date. Even that one. That one who would make me feel like I wasn't worth it. Like I couldn't keep anyone's attention more than a few weeks. The one who made me feel insecure and lonely and broke my capacity to truly trust. But I learned. Oh, did I learn! Those feelings and insecurities stay with me now. They didn't hit until a year after the fact, I don't know why, they just didn't. And when they did, they hit hard. I didn't know what I was feeling or why. I didn't know why I felt like I couldn't trust any relationship I was going into. It wasn't until after I was down and out again when I truly recognized, sat down and took a look at what happened to me, who I had become from those things. I didn't like it. I still don't. It's still hard for me and I know it will continue to be. But I also know that these things take time. I know what it is now and I'm not entirely sure how to deal with it, but I'm ready to give everything a shot. I want to feel happy and secure and comfortable again.
Every day, with the Lord's help, I become stronger. I realize what I am worth. I know what I want. One day I will get it. I've become more able to realize when I sink back to these awful feelings of unworthiness and pull myself out of it. It's not easy-it never is. These challenges and setbacks are there to help perfect us. We are all given these challenges and trials to help our weaknesses become strong. It's the only way to become perfected and that's the ultimate goal! Obviously we can't make it there in this life, but if that is our goal all of the time, we will eventually get there in the next life.
I know this hasn't really said much of anything, given any insight, or done anything really, but this post needed to happen for me. I have refused to address the problems I have because, like most people, I wanted to pretend it didn't happen. It was nothing huge or way major, but major enough to cause me to have these emotions and thoughts. It was enough to make my weaknesses become strong:) Looking back, and forwards, it's a true blessing to be able to have my Heavenly Father think I am ready to become one step closer to being perfected! I am so grateful for that trial and that I could learn and grow.
Monday, November 26, 2012
Happiness is Anyone and Anything At All
Happiness is gratitude. Needless to say, this weekend was fantastic! Besides Easter and then Christmas, Thanksgiving is one of my favorite Holidays. What better day than the one where you are surrounded by people you love and eat tons of amazing food and being reminded of how many blessings you have in life?! The answer is there is none. On Thanksgiving everyone got on me cause I banned saying thankful for family and the gospel. But here is the thing: Those are the two most outstanding things that I am thankful for and I know everyone there was thankful for as well. I like hearing the little things people are thankful for. Family and the gospel are the two most consistent things in my life and my rock and foundation. They are the things I am most thankful for everyday. I see Thanksgiving as a day to not only recognize those things, but what the past year has brought and the blessings I have been given.
So here goes what else I am thankful for this past year-well at least a little bit of the things:
1. The opportunity to further my education
2. My major: Anthropology.
3. My desire to learn
4. The trials I have gone through this year
5. The testimony I have gained and strengthened
6. Tithing
7. Fasting
8. My Health
9. Doctors
10. My wonderful job and that family!
11. Living on Campus
12. My amazing roommates!
13. Netflix
14. Blogging
15. The people who have influenced my life this year and been there to help me grow and push me to be the best version of myself
16. A new, reliable car
17. The relationships I am gaining with my family
18. The ever growing relationship I have with my Father in Heaven
19. The influence and comfort the scriptures have and my patriarchal blessing
20. The talents I have
21. Friends getting the opportunity to serve missions
22. General Conference and General Authorities
23. Instagram
24. I got to see my baby nephew boys this summer...and my sister and brother!
25. I saw my best friend for the first time since she moved!
26. Halloween decorations in my dorm
27. Dermatologist
28. Really good music:)
29. Quotes
30. Odwalla Drinks
So like I said, those are just a few of the other things besides my family and the gospel I am thankful for this year, granted some aspects of family and gospel were in there!
I also had the opportunity to sing for my friends mission farewell yesterday. Most of the time, I can get through a song without crying. But sometimes I really listen to the words I am singing. So if you need a good boost to get you through the day and remind you how much you are loved, check out this beautiful hymn - "I Know That My Redeemer Lives".
So this weekend for Thanksgiving my family and I and two of my friends went to a cabin in Maggie Valley just past Asheville. It was gorgeous!! We drove on the Blue Ridge Parkway, went shooting, ate tons of food, sat in the hot tub, played card games, and visited funky little stores! Here are just a few of my favorite pictures from the weekend!
Hope everyone had a fantastic Holiday! And Good Luck with Finals!
So here goes what else I am thankful for this past year-well at least a little bit of the things:
1. The opportunity to further my education
2. My major: Anthropology.
3. My desire to learn
4. The trials I have gone through this year
5. The testimony I have gained and strengthened
6. Tithing
7. Fasting
8. My Health
9. Doctors
10. My wonderful job and that family!
11. Living on Campus
12. My amazing roommates!
13. Netflix
14. Blogging
15. The people who have influenced my life this year and been there to help me grow and push me to be the best version of myself
16. A new, reliable car
17. The relationships I am gaining with my family
18. The ever growing relationship I have with my Father in Heaven
19. The influence and comfort the scriptures have and my patriarchal blessing
20. The talents I have
21. Friends getting the opportunity to serve missions
22. General Conference and General Authorities
23. Instagram
24. I got to see my baby nephew boys this summer...and my sister and brother!
25. I saw my best friend for the first time since she moved!
26. Halloween decorations in my dorm
27. Dermatologist
28. Really good music:)
29. Quotes
30. Odwalla Drinks
So like I said, those are just a few of the other things besides my family and the gospel I am thankful for this year, granted some aspects of family and gospel were in there!
I also had the opportunity to sing for my friends mission farewell yesterday. Most of the time, I can get through a song without crying. But sometimes I really listen to the words I am singing. So if you need a good boost to get you through the day and remind you how much you are loved, check out this beautiful hymn - "I Know That My Redeemer Lives".
So this weekend for Thanksgiving my family and I and two of my friends went to a cabin in Maggie Valley just past Asheville. It was gorgeous!! We drove on the Blue Ridge Parkway, went shooting, ate tons of food, sat in the hot tub, played card games, and visited funky little stores! Here are just a few of my favorite pictures from the weekend!
Hope everyone had a fantastic Holiday! And Good Luck with Finals!
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| View from the Porch! |
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| Me and Soph Soph |
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| Photobomb turned one of favorite pictures |
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| Blue Ridge Parkway! |
Sunday, November 4, 2012
What A Wonderful Weekend!
This title has too many W's.
First off, I want to apologize to anyone I offended with my last blog post. I have very strong beliefs and realize that other people have their own as well and may not coincide with mine. I respect everyone's opinion and love to learn about their beliefs, so please share yours with me and why you believe that! Part of being an anthropology major is not only just learning what people believe and do and how they act, but why . So throw it at me!!
Second, I have so much to say right now. Literally so many thoughts have come through my head this weekend and I have been amazed at what the gospel teaches us and how I have seen it in my life. It started off at the Raleigh Stake YSA conference where the theme was "Come As You Are" (not only the Nirvana song that was stuck in my head all weekend, guys). Right off the bat I thought of Christ's plea to "Come unto Me". He goes on to say everyone come to Him. Everyone. Those who think they are having a great time in life so far and those who are not. Everyone is invited to partake of His blessings that he WANTS to give! This is going to be a jump ahead, but I talked to someone tonight who went to the temple today and she said "The more I looked at the temple yesterday, the more I was struck with how unworthy we all are to go inside and do what we do and make covenants with Him, yet He wants us to go so bad so He can give us those blessings." I'd like to add even though He knows we are imperfect. So that was the "Come" part. The "As You Are" part was what else I focused on this weekend. Who am I right now? Who do I want to be? Who do I want to become? And HOW do I get there? First off, one speaker made me realize that I need to stop being my own worst enemy. I need to stop bringing myself down and realize how much the Lord see's in me. I can do whatever I put my mind to as long as I keep the Lord in front and beside me every step of the way. I wish I could post all the notes from this weekend!!
Another one of my favorite things was the last presentation on Saturday. The couple presenting had us think of a moment or a day that meant something to us and why and how it shaped us. We then got into groups and discussed and shared. I was so struck after reflecting on my own and listening to the others in my group on just how strong we all are. We are all made for our trials. We are designed to overcome anything we are put to. As I sat back and looked at everyone, I wondered just what they have all been through. All around my same age, but so very different and unique and as unique as we all are, the Lord loves each and every one of us and has such a divine purpose and mission for each. We all have very important missions in life. Tonight there was a CES broadcast for the YSA as well and guess what the topic was? Basically just the same thing we talked about this weekend and more of the how to all of it. This weekend was one that I needed more so so that I can focus on how I can serve others and see the beauty in them and how Christ see's them. He didn't see them as weird or freaky or odd, but saw them as beautiful and perfect. I just hope I can become better at seeing people through God's eyes and be better at serving all of His children!
Now that the spiritual side has been talked about-OH! I'm reading "The Miracle of Forgiveness" by Spencer W. Kimball right now-SO GOOD. And I just want to sit and read it all day:) I recommend it and I'm not even done.
Anyways I made tons of good friends this weekend and had a blast BecUAE I WAS NHHAYLEY-from Hayley. But that's pretty much been life in a nutshell! Those thoughts and school. Which will be over in four weeks and then one more semester and I'm halfway through college and then soon I will be all the way done with college and have to do something with my life and I'm about to have a midlife crisis bye!
First off, I want to apologize to anyone I offended with my last blog post. I have very strong beliefs and realize that other people have their own as well and may not coincide with mine. I respect everyone's opinion and love to learn about their beliefs, so please share yours with me and why you believe that! Part of being an anthropology major is not only just learning what people believe and do and how they act, but why . So throw it at me!!
Second, I have so much to say right now. Literally so many thoughts have come through my head this weekend and I have been amazed at what the gospel teaches us and how I have seen it in my life. It started off at the Raleigh Stake YSA conference where the theme was "Come As You Are" (not only the Nirvana song that was stuck in my head all weekend, guys). Right off the bat I thought of Christ's plea to "Come unto Me". He goes on to say everyone come to Him. Everyone. Those who think they are having a great time in life so far and those who are not. Everyone is invited to partake of His blessings that he WANTS to give! This is going to be a jump ahead, but I talked to someone tonight who went to the temple today and she said "The more I looked at the temple yesterday, the more I was struck with how unworthy we all are to go inside and do what we do and make covenants with Him, yet He wants us to go so bad so He can give us those blessings." I'd like to add even though He knows we are imperfect. So that was the "Come" part. The "As You Are" part was what else I focused on this weekend. Who am I right now? Who do I want to be? Who do I want to become? And HOW do I get there? First off, one speaker made me realize that I need to stop being my own worst enemy. I need to stop bringing myself down and realize how much the Lord see's in me. I can do whatever I put my mind to as long as I keep the Lord in front and beside me every step of the way. I wish I could post all the notes from this weekend!!
Another one of my favorite things was the last presentation on Saturday. The couple presenting had us think of a moment or a day that meant something to us and why and how it shaped us. We then got into groups and discussed and shared. I was so struck after reflecting on my own and listening to the others in my group on just how strong we all are. We are all made for our trials. We are designed to overcome anything we are put to. As I sat back and looked at everyone, I wondered just what they have all been through. All around my same age, but so very different and unique and as unique as we all are, the Lord loves each and every one of us and has such a divine purpose and mission for each. We all have very important missions in life. Tonight there was a CES broadcast for the YSA as well and guess what the topic was? Basically just the same thing we talked about this weekend and more of the how to all of it. This weekend was one that I needed more so so that I can focus on how I can serve others and see the beauty in them and how Christ see's them. He didn't see them as weird or freaky or odd, but saw them as beautiful and perfect. I just hope I can become better at seeing people through God's eyes and be better at serving all of His children!
Now that the spiritual side has been talked about-OH! I'm reading "The Miracle of Forgiveness" by Spencer W. Kimball right now-SO GOOD. And I just want to sit and read it all day:) I recommend it and I'm not even done.
Anyways I made tons of good friends this weekend and had a blast BecUAE I WAS NHHAYLEY-from Hayley. But that's pretty much been life in a nutshell! Those thoughts and school. Which will be over in four weeks and then one more semester and I'm halfway through college and then soon I will be all the way done with college and have to do something with my life and I'm about to have a midlife crisis bye!
Thursday, November 1, 2012
It Just Makes Sense
I should be studying for my Archaeology test right now, but I decided to start studying off by reading a talk from this Octobers General Conference. I stated it before in a previous post, but for those of you reading for the first time or just need a refresher, LDS (Mormon) believe in modern day revelation and prophets on the earth like back in the times of the Bible. We have a prophet on the earth today named Thomas Monson and he leads the church through revelation from God. Twice a year we have General Conference, where he speaks to us as well as some other members of the church who are ordained as apostles and other authorities over the church (Read what they said in October here!).
That being said, I was reading a talk by Elder Russel M. Nelson, one of the Twelve Apostles today, titled "Ask the Missionaries! They Can Help You!" (which you can read here). I have always known this church is the true church of God and has the full gospel, but reading this talk just made so much sense to me of the mission of the church and what we believe. It's not a new idea to me, as I have grown up in this church and experienced it's truths and felt the power of it in my own life before, but the way he says it is so clear and simple. He said:
"The true name of the Church is The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It is the reestablished original Church of Jesus Christ. When He walked upon the earth, He organized His Church. He called Apostles, Seventies, and other leaders to whom He gave priesthood authority to act in His name.3 After Christ and His Apostles passed away, men changed the ordinances and doctrine. The original Church and the priesthood were lost. After the Dark Ages, and under the direction of Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ brought back His Church. Now it lives again, restored and functioning under His divine direction."
Wouldn't it make sense for the true church of God today to be just like the church He created back when Christ was on the church? With a prophet, apostles, the same doctrine? I think so. I believe that to be considered the only true church of God, you must have prophets and apostles called of God. And guess what? The LDS church does! I was so blessed and so lucky to be born into the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. I didn't have to search. I didn't have to be conflicted between what different messages church's of the same faith say about the Bible. Because the Lord's true church has all the answers and it is the same throughout every country it is on. He has made it so clear to us, not only through the prophets, but through the Book of Mormon. Please don't trash talk that wonderful book if you have not even read it. It's like saying you don't like a food when you haven't tried it. How do you know if you won't try? How do you know what Mormon's believe if you don't ask? If you don't look to the proper people for guidance in what they truly believe. We won't all try to convert you-that's something you do of your own will and desire. But we want you to know what we believe so it's not so misconstrued out in this crazy world. Go to www.lds.org or www.mormon.org if you want the true knowledge and answers about our church. Find your local LDS missionaries if you really want to know what we believe. Better yet, actually visit one of our churches (you can find the location and times of the one nearest you through lds.org)! Talk to the people there. Actually get to know us. Don't assume. Keep and Open Mind and Heart.
Have you ever wondered why other church's don't have a prophet or apostles like back in Christ's time? And they don't have the priesthood? Yet they claim to follow all of His teachings? I believe that Christ intended for us to have prophets and apostles because times do change, but one thing is for certain is that He is the same yesterday, today, and forever. So shouldn't His teachings and His church be the same yesterday, today, and forever?
"For behold, I am God; and I am a God of miracles; and I will show unto the world that I am the same yesterday, today, and forever; and I work not among the children of men save it be according to their faith." -2 Nephi 27:23 (Book of Mormon)
I have such a strong testimony that this is the true church of God. That His son, Jesus Christ, came to the earth to show us the way to live our lives, to establish a church with everything we need, and to suffer for all of our sins-physically, emotionally, and mentally-so that we can live with Him and our families once again in the highest degree of glory. I know that we have a living prophet today that is here to help us remember the things Christ taught us, so we can all strive to be perfect like He is. I know that after Christ died for our sins, He showed Himself to the people on the other Continents, the "others who are not of this fold" ( John 10:16), and they saw his pierced hands and feet and sides. They established His church as well. They were blessed by Him and taught by Him. It was all recorded in what is now the Book of Mormon. I cannot think of a better way to surround my life than with His love and His guidance. So please, take a moment and actually look at what the Mormon's believe. We are Christians. Life is an ongoing process and we can all learn to be a little kinder, show more compassion and love, and learn to be better people. That's really what God's church teaches.
That being said, I was reading a talk by Elder Russel M. Nelson, one of the Twelve Apostles today, titled "Ask the Missionaries! They Can Help You!" (which you can read here). I have always known this church is the true church of God and has the full gospel, but reading this talk just made so much sense to me of the mission of the church and what we believe. It's not a new idea to me, as I have grown up in this church and experienced it's truths and felt the power of it in my own life before, but the way he says it is so clear and simple. He said:
"The true name of the Church is The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It is the reestablished original Church of Jesus Christ. When He walked upon the earth, He organized His Church. He called Apostles, Seventies, and other leaders to whom He gave priesthood authority to act in His name.3 After Christ and His Apostles passed away, men changed the ordinances and doctrine. The original Church and the priesthood were lost. After the Dark Ages, and under the direction of Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ brought back His Church. Now it lives again, restored and functioning under His divine direction."
Wouldn't it make sense for the true church of God today to be just like the church He created back when Christ was on the church? With a prophet, apostles, the same doctrine? I think so. I believe that to be considered the only true church of God, you must have prophets and apostles called of God. And guess what? The LDS church does! I was so blessed and so lucky to be born into the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. I didn't have to search. I didn't have to be conflicted between what different messages church's of the same faith say about the Bible. Because the Lord's true church has all the answers and it is the same throughout every country it is on. He has made it so clear to us, not only through the prophets, but through the Book of Mormon. Please don't trash talk that wonderful book if you have not even read it. It's like saying you don't like a food when you haven't tried it. How do you know if you won't try? How do you know what Mormon's believe if you don't ask? If you don't look to the proper people for guidance in what they truly believe. We won't all try to convert you-that's something you do of your own will and desire. But we want you to know what we believe so it's not so misconstrued out in this crazy world. Go to www.lds.org or www.mormon.org if you want the true knowledge and answers about our church. Find your local LDS missionaries if you really want to know what we believe. Better yet, actually visit one of our churches (you can find the location and times of the one nearest you through lds.org)! Talk to the people there. Actually get to know us. Don't assume. Keep and Open Mind and Heart.
Have you ever wondered why other church's don't have a prophet or apostles like back in Christ's time? And they don't have the priesthood? Yet they claim to follow all of His teachings? I believe that Christ intended for us to have prophets and apostles because times do change, but one thing is for certain is that He is the same yesterday, today, and forever. So shouldn't His teachings and His church be the same yesterday, today, and forever?
"For behold, I am God; and I am a God of miracles; and I will show unto the world that I am the same yesterday, today, and forever; and I work not among the children of men save it be according to their faith." -2 Nephi 27:23 (Book of Mormon)
I have such a strong testimony that this is the true church of God. That His son, Jesus Christ, came to the earth to show us the way to live our lives, to establish a church with everything we need, and to suffer for all of our sins-physically, emotionally, and mentally-so that we can live with Him and our families once again in the highest degree of glory. I know that we have a living prophet today that is here to help us remember the things Christ taught us, so we can all strive to be perfect like He is. I know that after Christ died for our sins, He showed Himself to the people on the other Continents, the "others who are not of this fold" ( John 10:16), and they saw his pierced hands and feet and sides. They established His church as well. They were blessed by Him and taught by Him. It was all recorded in what is now the Book of Mormon. I cannot think of a better way to surround my life than with His love and His guidance. So please, take a moment and actually look at what the Mormon's believe. We are Christians. Life is an ongoing process and we can all learn to be a little kinder, show more compassion and love, and learn to be better people. That's really what God's church teaches.
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