~Love yourself ~

The past while has been a very long period of time. I have had to adjust to hard classes at school, keeping up with church/seminary and watching my 2 favorite football teams loose. meanwhile, I have established a passion for University of Alabama (Roll Tide Roll!) I also have dyed my hair (it looks almost a strawberry blond) and I have had the chance to fall and be lifted. But what I want to focus on in this post was my weekend, one that will be hard to top.
It all began Friday, when I made my epic wish at 11:11 on 11/11/11! That afternoon I spent with a whole bunch of super cool people! We watched movies, chiled outside, talked, chilled, went on random car rides to peoples house and bought white boxers at Wal-Mart! (yeah, we're cool!) That night Luke and Andres slept over my house!
The next morning we were blessed with the wonderful Opportunity to attend the Temple! And man was that amazing. I got the chance to escape the world and think. I got to ponder about my life and where to go next, and it couldn't have been a more perfect time. Being able to do the wonderful ordinance of Baptism for those who  didn't get a chance felt amazing. The fact that I was worthy to enter into the house of the Lord made me feel so blessed, and encouraged me to stay that way and strive to do better so I can continue to receive the blessings of the Temple! Being able to be with people who encourage me to be better and do better has helped me so much! I have some friends that I know no matter what I can count on. Friends that always bring me up when I'm down and always come with their hearts and arms open. Friends that have advice for me no matter the situation, or the horrible timing in which I need them.
To end my AMAZING weekend was an amazing day at church! We had the primary Program, and I LOVED hearing the little kids talk about church and sing songs all about reading the scriptures and preparing for the temple! Then in YW I had the BEST lesson about loving myself, and being able to love others. And it was just what I needed. It was a confidence booster, and a lesson I won't forget.
I honestly couldn't ask for a better weekend, it was filled with fun, the spirit and blessings <3 In the spirit of Thanksgiving, i am SO grateful for the church and the Blessings it gives me in my daily life!

Nobody said life would be easy, they just promised it would be worth it.

This half of the week has been quite uneventful, naturally making my life eventful... emotionally That's what happens when you have WAY to much time on your hands! You totally over think things! So... Im actually excited for this weekend. I honestly CAN NOT wait to cuddle up and listen to the prophets answer my questions! I feel lucky enough to have this blessing in my life. So, lately I have been reading some blogs... that have REALLY helped me out. One of them is my friends named Brian. His is so short, sweet and to the point. He gets his message across, yet in doing so touches my heart. http://littlemormon.blogspot.com/ that is the URL for it, so I HIGHLY recommend you check it out! He gets points out wayyyy better then me... he actually knows what hes talking about! Another is from a girl, who seems to have a lot of knowledge and inspiration. Her link is: http://www.kellyoneohone.blogspot.com/
I love the music on hers <3 So, today in Seminary something really  hit me. We really all do mess up. Nobody is perfect. But honestly, I can't live in the world while trying to keep my church standards. I have to decide what I want more in my life. Generations before us also had to make this choice. We can learn from them, that if you choose the right path that you will be blessed and it will work out better. But we also have the atonement. So even when we do mess up (it's bound to happen)  we can repent and be forgiven. No matter what we do, we have that option. We just have to humble ourselves enough to admit that that's what we need to do.  So, that's all I really have for today...

If you are constantly wondering where you stand with someone, it is probably time to stop standing and start walking.

Ok, so today has been quite a day! My ear has been bugging me all day! I think I have an ear infection :( But, I'm not sure since I have never had one before... but it REALLY hurts, so I started my day out irritable. I was kinda annoyed all day at school because I just wanted to sleep but I had way to much to work to do, and I knew when i came home I would have to write up 2 lab reports... fun, right? So, I was on Facebook and I saw a status I likes (it's the title of this post) and I made it mine. It fit PERFECTLY for the events that occurred today. I did Brian's challenge and began to make that change! Thanks Brian! Anyways, I then remembered it was Monday, so Robert emailed me! I was so excited and I was secretly hoping he sent me something really sweet to cheer up my day, but he didn't. Instead, an elder who used to be his companion sent me an email. It read "I hope you are doing fine,me too.It's my pleasure to write this piece of email,to get to know each other.In fact I served with your brother Elder Hales as my companion for six weeks he is so nice guy and hard worker.I don't have much but I wish I could meet with you face to face one day after my mission.I just wanna wish you nice week.May the lord bless you with His Happiness and Joy.
        
        With love,Elder Mgaya."

How sweet?! This simple email totally made my day! A guy who has never met me took time out of his day to share just a sweet and simple way. The Lord truly does know what we need and always finds a way of touching us, as long as we let him <3
I just felt like I should share this today!

"I will not leave you comfortless. I will come to you."

The title of my blog today comes from Jesus Christ. Don't ask where, because I don't know. I found it online. So, recently I have been trying to embark on a new life style. I wanted to just try to kind of fly solo, and try to picture how some people feel. I must admit, I think I did a pretty good job. I noticed unless I make the effort, a lot of people don't seek after me, they don't text me first, or send me cute messages first. I also learned that people don't care, and they are really oblivious. Fake smiles are so easy to have, yet so hard to realize. I have learned a lot about myself. I decided to buckle down and get to work on school, I need to prepare for my future somehow... That alone is a job within itself. So yesterday a good friend of mine said he needed some "cheering up" (something I wish I could post so bluntly on FB, but I'm too scared of what others with think) so i felt impressed to tell him to blog, that it would help him. It turned out that the blog helped ME. A short, paragraph long post about making the change hit home with me. Just DO IT. All day today I have thought about just forgetting about all my "friends" forgetting about what other people and the world think of me, and being me. Being happy when I want, feeling sad when I want, and most of all dropping everything and saying a prayer just because. His theme of just doing it makes me want to so bad. If people don't bring you up, why would you want to be friends with them? And if they bring you down, all the more reason to leave. So today we had a lesson in Sunday school about Godly sorrow, and I haven't really done anything bad but, it hit me hard. We always have the chance to be forgiven, and we don't suffer the pains of repentance to feel and, we do it because its Vital to feeling completely sorrowful. When we remember the awful feeling in our stomachs, the headaches from the tears, we will remember what we did and how it made us feel. Chances are, we won't want to do it again. I just really liked that we don't go through all of these trials for no reason, we only get as much as we can handle, but it helps us realize just how much we can endure through. I just want to end by saying I really love people who are there for me. Its nice to know that a few people actually care <3

Happiness and sadness run parallel to each other. When one takes a rest, the other one tends to take up the slack.

The past few days a lot has been on my mind. I have wanted to blog, but was afraid at just how much might come out. I lost my iPod on Saturday, and I STILL haven't found it. I have been overwhelmed with homework, and my English project has me so confused. So, to start out I want to talk about being happy in tough times. Everyone goes through them, it is just how we view our situations. It is SO hard to try and put a smile on your face when all you can think about is failing a test, being forever alone, having no friends, or TOTALLY lost on a school project. But, no matter what the problem, happiness is somewhere to be found, whether you can see it or not. Sorry, this is really random and doesn't quite fit with the theme for today. So, Tonight at dinner I talked with my mom and brother about which letter to choose. One of my friends had suggested "A" or "F" for Alone, or Forever alone... and I actually really have been considering this. I think as of now, its accurate. But, then my mom suggested doing a "V" Instantly, Andrew asked if that was for Virgin - nice. But, it stood for vulnerable. Not everyone might know this, but my feelings get hurt really easily, and some of the stupidest things really bother me, But, I have a good way of not showing it! So vote! Comment or text me on which letter I should do, and if you have any other Ideas, let me know! I want to end this blog post by saying thanks. To all those people who have stuck with me, when even I didn't want to be with me. And I want to apologize to all those who I have hurt or let down <3 Just blogging this has made me feel a lot better. "This is my "depressed stance." When you're depressed, it makes a lot of difference how you stand. The worst thing you can do is straighten up and hold your head high because then you'll start to feel better. If you're going to get any joy out of being depressed, you've got to stand like this."

Life isn't always what you want.

Where to begin? The past few days have been crazy and I'm not even sure why. I just know I'm overwhelmed with homework, yet I have this feeling that I need to be blogging, and relieve some of my stress and thoughts. I have been thinking a lot lately about being OK to change and move on, without having to make a big event happen first, or to have the change so dramatic. And I came to some good points. Change isn't a big deal. It is just a necessary part of life. Think about it. How slowly do we change. Everyday we change in some way, Our mood, our hair style, our clothes, whatever it may be, its a change. So why not change our actions in small steps? Why don't we Make sure we always speak in a tone and manner in which everyone feels comfortable and loved. Lately I feel like I have kind of shrugged off the people I love the most. I just wanted to be alone, and it hit me, that is NOT what I want! I want the opposite. I want someone to love me. Someone who texts me in the morning just to make sure i have a good day, I want that person who will listen to me ranting about some stupid project even when they have more important things. I just wanted to be loved. And not to say I don't love my friends that are girls, but A guy would be nice. I just feel kind of useless and like I'm just another person taking up space. I want to be that person who makes someones day because I smiled at them, or save someones life because I complimented their shoes. I want a lot of things. But, I am willing to give. I want to give my time to help the poor and needy. I want to help others feel welcomed and loved. I want to show people that someone always cares for them. So today I really don't have a theme. I just have a big list of what I want. A cry almost for help, but in reality I just want to get some things off my chest. I feel better now. A little anyways. I guess I just needed someone to talk to. And for someone to listen. I just want to end in a quote that I liked.
“All of us should accept things we cannot change. We should have strength to change what we can, but we must be wise enough to know the difference between these things.”

Our greatest glory consist not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.

This past week has been nothing but chaos, in which only good things have come. Or, I'm hoping something good will come from it. It all started Friday, while I was babysitting. Let me start by saying, if you are ever down, go play with a little kid, they ALWAYS know how to cheer you up! Anyways, after the little boy was sound asleep, My amazing friend Jazmin started texted me. I don't want to get in the details, but Saturday afternoon I received a call from her, and at 6:47 her flight to Texas would take off. I was Heart broken. Then, I took a step back and really pondered. She was finally getting the happiness she deserved, she got to start over, and get the chance to be with family.And then I remembered Jada. And how I felt when she was gone. I feel as if I'm closer, when in reality, I'm probably further. Space and distance brings people together. Take Robert and I for example, since he has left on his mission, him and I have grown a greater appreciation and love for one another. <3 Anyways, that night I went to a child hood friends surprise sweet 16! I had a BLAST! The people were great, the food amazing, and the games were so INTENSE! I also had a really good experience Saturday. Right after I found out Jazmin was moving, our wonderful elders stopped by! You call it a coincidence, but i think it was the spirit telling them I needed it. They blessed our Home and instantly peace was over me, my family and my home. What a blessing in my life. Sunday we then talked about everyone having a Divine purpose. That really opened my eyes on how I look at people, and what I think of others. It inspired me to give everyone the benefit of the doubt, and to realize their divine potential. Today was memorial day... Pool party, BBQ, and friends! Does it get any better?!? I think Not! Oh, and texting old friends... wow. This past weekend has tried me, and come out ahead. I have been blessed and shown loved from everyone I have come in contact with! I want to ed7nd with a quote "When one door of happiness closes, another opens, but often we look so long at the closed door that we do not see the one that has been opened for us." Helen Keller

The Scarlet Letter

So, yesterday in English class we started reading the Scarlet letter. As most people know, I absolutely DESPISE reading! But, I figured, it will probably be a grade, so I should make an attempt to endure the torture of reading it. Chapter 1, even though it was only 1 page was HORRIBLE. I never wanted to pick up the book, But, the better part of me decided I needed to. So, I did. Chapter 2 was rough, it was long. But then I got to Chapter 3. And I knew I liked this book already! It reminded me of Easy A  (Yes, the movie! I know- shameful.) Anyways It got me thinking. This past week in English we have been talking a lot about different religions. I feel blessed to inform you, that it was a great Missionary experience! I got to explain some false rumors about our Church to one of my good friends, Alec. I am so thankful that she listened and she cared. She was so easy to talk to, AND she asked questions! Dream come true for a missionary, I know. Anyways, it got me thinking a lot about school and seminary. Freshman year I used seminary as a homework hall, or nap time, with the occasional(or more) social hour. I took it for granted and just went through the motions. Well, Sophomore year was better because I LOVED D&C. I feel like I learned a lot. So, this brings me to sacrifice. I think about how late I stay up, doing homework and getting ready for school, then I ponder the time in which i awake from my sleep at a mere 4:59 AM. I know, a weird time! And then I asked myself, "why on Earth do I do this" and then I get a nasty feeling. I know it is the right thing to do. Our Education gets to go with us in the next life! I need to take advantage of that! (especially while it is free!) And then seminary is such a blessing. I get to start of my day by furthering my knowledge of the true church. How much better can life get? Then I think of my friends, and I almost feel sorry for them. They don't get that opportunity. A wise man once told me the hardest thing in life - pertaining to the church - would be to bring your friends unto Christ. And he was right. I am so willing to share my testimony with a complete stranger, because i know I will never see them again! But a best friend, PSHHHHHHHHH forget that! I feel embarrassed and awkward. Almost ashamed, and it's not because I don't have a testimony, because i do, it's that I am to scared t=of being judged, or potentially driving a block between a friendship. So, to drive this all home I am so grateful that school and good friends have allowed me to be able to speak up of my Beliefs. Reading the Scarlet letter, and seeing how having a child out of wed-lock was such a sin, amazed me. If you look in today's society, I think that is SO common! And looking back in time, that scares me! I can't even imagine what the world will be like in 100 years... It feels as though life would be nearly impossible. So this is for you Alec, I love you <3

“To many people overvalue what they are not and undervalue what they are.”

“Whatever course you decide upon, there is someone to tell you that you are wrong. There are always difficulties arising which tempt you to believe that your critics are right. To map out a course of action and follow it to an end requires courage.”

  

Today in English class we had a unique homework assignment. Now, this whole week I have been contemplating what to discuss in my blog. Many ideas have come and gone, but none of them I was particularly fond of. So I consider today a blessing. Because I found it in something as simple as an English homework assignment. The topic we had to write about was about the early colonists and why they did what they did, based on our judgement and psychology. And this got me thinking. At first, I was un-easy, and had NO clue on what to write about! But then it came to me, this was So easy! In life, how often do we find ourselves judging it other? Wether it be that a hobo is gross and a creeper, or that some girl at school is a slut because she doesn't have the same standards as us, and dress in that manner. But why do we do this? I believe that it is a natural human tendency. We make assumptions and from them we judge others, and this has been around since the settlers and before! I have done this myself. Infact, I can vividly remember SO many thmes where I catch myself thinking someone is gross, or weird, but in reality, I don't know them. I just think because I am diffrent from them, or because they aren't what I am used to , that they have to be the "weird" or "unique" one. But why is that so? I think that being a member of the Church, and just a member of society we should try to avoid judging others. I mean, how many of us wonder what people think of us? How many of us want everyone to like us? I know I am one of those people. I often find myself hoping that people will see beyond my looks and be my friend. Realize that I have more to myself hen looks, because lets be honest, my looks really aren't all that hot. I also find myself just HOPING that everyone will like me. I want to try to please everyone. But, if people were to judge me by my looks, or on my bad day, what would they think of me? Would I ever be able to have friends? I am a firm believer in second chances, and that people can change. Someone who knew me last year might know that I really have changed. I try to be more aware of my thoughts, and my actions. I try to emit the light of Christ through me. I strive for excellnce. I pray that people can notice that I am trying to be diffrent, that I want that warm and comfort to me. BUt, I am not perfect. I know I can't always be the best. But why not try? Judging people just puts thoughts and opinions in our head, that realisticly, can be far from the truth. Keeping an Open mind, and trying to always find the best in others might help us to achieve this goal of not judging others! 

" People that think they are better than others are worse than others."

 

I couldn't have said it any better, We are no better then any of our peers, and in Gods eyes we are all equal, so why judge others, when the Lord is really the only one who can judge us?

 

  

"I never knew a few seconds under water, could change your life"

I want to start my saying congrats to a friend of mine named Andres. Yesterday he took a leap of faith and entered into the waters of baptism. :D

The past 10 week can be compared to a roller coaster, it had its ups, but it also had all-time lows. I have been looking back in this summer and I have realized a few things. Looking back at the Mortensens empty, old row it hit me, and it hit me hard. Most recently, my favorite young women teacher had her last Sunday in our ward (today) which was hard to see someone SO inspiring have to leave. Before that we also had my young women leader and my nephew move, which was hard because that family has touched my heart in the 4 short years they lived in SOFLA. In addition to that, possibly the CUTEST kids and their parents moved to embark upon their new journey in Utah. I love those kids with my heart, remembering when there was only 1 child, and now there are four. those kids will always hold a special place in my heart. <3 And last, but CERTAINLY not least is the wonderful Mortensen family! I will never forget that Monday night when the family left, hugging us all saying our final good-byes. I will never forget the words spoken or the memories made. Looking back I realized just how many people special to my heart have left in just a short 11 weeks. This is where my title comes in, This summer has been quite an event! I got my license(On the first try!), finished my personal progress, shared my testimony, got to see good friends from pageant, visited BOTH sides of my family, went cherry picking, hung out with friends, flown by myself, saw fireworks on the 4th in CA, and even saw a 14 year old boy, with faith stronger then most people I know, come unto Christ and be baptized! It couldn't be better, right? Wrong. I failed to mention I also attended my best friend since birth, funeral. Seeing her family, someone I consider to be my family suffer, in loss of a sister and best friend. But from it, I have just learned and grown. I have blossomed. My faith has grown so much. In that fraction of a second between life and death, so many lives have been changed. So really, who knew a few seconds could truly change your life? Not me. Well, at least until now. I feel like I have come to my Savior, and in doing that, I feel like I found who I am, and who I want to be. I know, sounds cliche, but, it really is true. I feel like I finally have my OWN testimony, it doesn't have to be borrowed anymore. I also have come closer to the Youth in my stake. We all came together and we were there for each other. I feel like I have made new friendships, lasting ones. People I have known my whole life, and now, just now were getting to know each other. I feel lucky to be in the ward I am and to have the people in it that are. And some may leave, and others come, but with good-byes, comes hello. You really don't know what you have, until it's gone. If I could learn one thing from this summer it would be live in the moment, and not just with you, but with the Lord, and you will end up straight on your path. <3 So summer 2011 has ended and Junior year is starting! So, good luck to everyone and remember "trust in the Lord with all your might"

Pray always :D

Yesterday I was so scared and anxious all at one time. I came home from a party, and I could NOT find my iPod ANYWHERE. This iPod - ok, I know all of you adults will laugh at this - but it is my life. It has so many important things on it! All of my lessons learned at Pageant, some journal entries, and most importantly all of the notes and pictures and sweet letters Jada would write me whenever she felt that I needed a Pick-Me-up, or just because. And these mean so much to me! So naturally, when my iPod is nowhere to be found I start freaking out. Luckily, my first thought after the initial shock was to say a prayer. I paused for a moment and said a prayer, just hoping I would find it! After searching all over my house, in the van, and asking Emma to look in her house, I feel the need to go to bed, and in the morning go look again. This morning I woke up with to thoughts in my head. 1. I can go back to bed, wake up later then take my shower, or 2. I could get up now and check the van one more time. I walk outside to search the van, and notice my mom leaving for work. She was going to check the parking lot! How sweet?!?! Well, i looked in the van and didn't see it, then something caught my eye! I found my iPod! I was SO happy I had said that prayer and felt the spirit guiding me to it. I am proud of myself( I know, LAME) for my first thought when I found it was to pray in thanks to the Lord. I am so grateful for the power of prayer and for ability to take advantage of it, and to have that spirit with me.  As I have been going on in my daily life, I really have been able to appreciate the blessings the gospel has given me, and to realize how lucky I am. I see how genuinely happy I am, and I just want that for everyone! So, pray always that we may come of conquer.

The Lord is my Light, So why Should I fear?

Being a Latter-Day-Saint since birth, I feel lucky. But times like these, where you see a close friend become a member, you can't help and wonder what you would be like without the church. Some may say they could drink, or party, or even sleep around. Others might say, a mess, and that they wouldn't be able to go through there trials, and that they would have made a TON more mistakes. Personally I have seen confrence, and through reading the Book of Mormon, seminary, and finishing my Personal Progress I can proudly say I think I would be a WRECK without the church. I think being a member for my whole life I have taken many opportunities and much knowledge for granted. Seeing friends struggle and grieve, while I knew the truth, but was to shy to speak out about it. I feel like a criminal. Why is it that I am able to share my most sacred things such as my testimony to a complete stranger, yet I am to scared to tell my friend - someone I want so desperately I want to be friends with for eternity - about the gospel? Lately, I have pondered this a lot. A good friend of Mine and the family set his baptism date yesterday, for this upcoming Saturday! This individual is a very sweet young man who cares a lot for others and who Christ clearly shines through. Why can I not be like that, if I have had the gospel in my life since I was born? I think I have found my answer. Before my brother went on his mission, I remember someone telling him it didn't matter how many baptisms he got, as long as he got one conversion. I took that as in, himself. For him to have that change of heart when his life, and the gospel become one. And I understand that. The gospel isn't just a "Sunday" thing. It is a life-style. A commitment. And I realized that conversion, that change of heart, is necessary in all of us, if we want to have the light of Christ shine through us. And that change of heart, is what will bring many others unto Christ. I am so proud of my friend Andres, for having the courage to be different. To be able as a 14 year old teenage boy, to come unto Christ, and enter into His fold. It take a leap of faith, to put your trust in the Lord that you will be blessed. No matter how rough the road may be, that you made the right choice. I know he has made the right choice and I am so PROUD of him and his faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Shine on. "But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin."

"For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ."

I hope that the days come easy and the moments pass slow

My wish is the name of the song where the title comes from. This song is all I can think about right now. So many thought have been racing through my mind that I want to talk about on my blog. And the two I REALLY wanna talk about are polar opposites. One is about Bullying, and over coming it- knowing you are beautiful and amazing as YOU! The other is compliments. I want to start with the harder subject first, Bullying. Cyber Bullying, face to face, or backstabbing, or even rumors. All are forms of bullying. And they all hurt. So why do people do it? I believe it is because they are so incompetent about themselves, that they have to pick on others to feel better, and more powerful. So, things as little as telling someone they look fat or ugly, or that nobody likes them to as big as "go kill yourself" can all hurt someone more then you think. Words can never be take back, or un-heard. Whats they are said, that person will remember them. People have made fun of me all my life. And i get it.Not everyone will like you. But sometimes, I would long for someone to tell me something nice, or stand up for me. But it dosn't always happen. So I came to the relization that I am me. My teacher had a sign in the classroom that said "Be you. Who else is better qualified?" How true is that? No one else can be me. It is time for me to be the best I can, and I will show these people I can be an amazing person, and that they are missing out. In Gods eyes, we are all equal, so why can't we all see it that way? its true. Everyone is beautiful, at least In the Lords eyes, and in mine. Michelle R., a good friend of mine, I just want to let you know, I love you and you are awesome <3

Anyways, I want to talk about something Happier now, because that's what I strive to be! Today I got the smallest compliment and it made my day. I posted a picture of myself on Facebook(The one above) and a very sweet girl commented this, "Love the curls! You're gonna have to teach me how to do that with my hair!" that made my day. It was something so sweet as to compliment someones hair that can cheer them up after a rough day! Not only did I get that compliment, but a girl from school I don't talk to often( she is GORG) just liked the picture. Instantly my face lit up from cheekbone, to cheekbone. It might only take 10 seconds,  but that small compliment could do a lot for one person. I am a perfect example of that. I know just something as smiling at someone can make them happier, and I am so grateful for The friends I have and to all the people who have put smiles on my face! I encourage everyone to be nice, and to compliment each other! Don't let a moment pass away without letting someone know you love them and appericiate them!


Check out the video of My wish.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6eCYb0X9iqM

Fear is Not Faith~

I want to start off with sharing my status from exactly one year ago. "Wow... I regret ever wishing away my life. I want all kids to enjoy life while they can. I thought adults were lying all those years when then they said like would fly by... I'm not even 16 and I have learned not to wish my life away. Now I want to start all over. Tomorrow my brother will be gone... Two years of quiet emptiness. I will miss him, I wish you the best! Love you forever! ♥" Can you believe it? And with all the recent events, to have some of the same thoughts. Anyways, I want to give a shout out to my girl Katherine Hale. She is so sweet and an inspiration to all. Her brother is also on a Mission! I am so proud of the Faith these 19 year old boys have to give up their life for 2 years to serve the Lord.  Anyways, Yesterday my Dad and I sat down and had a chat about the future. During that talk about my future I mentioned that I was scared to go out for my future, and my dad told me this " Brianna, the Lord is always there for you, and if you have faith in him, and his plan for you, you will be blessed." Well, that surely brought peace to me, and what better a person to hear it from then your dad? and to top it off, that night I came to a scripture which reinforced this. it is in Ether chapter 12, It says
"And if men come unto me I will show unto them their weakness. I give unto men weakness that they may be humble; and my grace is sufficient for all men that humble themselves before me; for if they humble themselves before me, and have faith in me, then will I make weak things become strong unto them."
If I have faith, I will be able to get through those trials. I am not exempted from them, (although that would be SWEET) but I will have strength to get through them. To me, that brings me so much joy! Anyways, most of you know my goal for this summer was to finish the Book of Mormon, also finishing my Personal Progress. Sure enough, today I read the very last chapter of Moroni! What a wonderful feeling! This was my first time reading it, and gaining knowledge, not just doing it for a challenge.And wow, I have learned so much! More then I have from seeing pageant a million times! In personal progress, when you finish the BOM you are to share your testimony of it. I want to take this chance to do it. I am soo grateful for the inspiration and personal revelation it has given me! I have grown a stronger testimony of the gospel, and faith, and the atonement. I have become more grateful, and I have learned to have more faith in the Lord, and that having fear, isn't having faith. And I want to go through life, grateful for the guidance I have with being a member of this wonderful church <3 my Young women leaders have been a HUGE tool in this. I will never forget the challenge to do it to get Frozen Yogurt and Katherine and I went <3 I am so grateful for all my young women leaders, and Family for helping and encouraging me to finish <3

The sun is just rising in my life

The title of this blog post doesn't exactly apply to what I want to talk about. But, I just love the song. It is called "No Regrets" by Chad Neth. it continues to read,
"The sun is just rising in my life
And these are the years
Where I am deciding
And I am defining
The way I will go   
In these moments of my youth
I want to live every day in the light of His truth;
I want to look back on this time
And be proud of the person I’ve been
I want to know that the choices I’ve made
Won’t leave me wishing I could make them again
That during these years my devotion was set
I want to look back on this time
With no regrets"
So today, I want to try and relate this! In young Women we have an AMAZING teacher. Today we had a lesson about scripture reading. We disscussed why we don't read, and how to make it more fun. We also had Ashley share her favorite scripture, which is found in D&C 122:7 "And if thou shouldst be cast into the pit, or into the hands of murderers, and the sentence of death passed upon thee; if thou be cast into the deep; if the billowing surge conspire against thee; if fierce winds become thine enemy; if the heavens gather blackness, and all the elements combine to hedge up the way; and above all, if the very jaws of hell shall gape open the mouth wide after thee, know thou, my son, that all these things shall give thee experience, and shall be for thy good." And it applies a lot in My life. All the trials we think are so HARD! and we think we can never concquer them, just read the scriptures. So, she concluded the lesson with a challenge. She challenged us all to read the scriptures everyday! I don't know if she knows this, but, I do. I have promised myself I will read EVERYDAY, even if it is only one verse! I really loved her lesson and the knowledge she shares with us. I will miss her dearly when she moves. I know Jesus Christ loves me, and I KNOW he answers my prayers. The scriptures truly do inspire and guide me. And I am so grateful for my knowledge of the scriptures.

"There are no strangers. Only friends we haven't met yet"

Today I want to start off by wishing my sister and friend a Happy 18th Birthday! I love you Ashley <3
  Ok, so as you can see from the title I want to talk about this quote a little bit.  I want to talk about friends, and making new ones. Everyone in life eventually goes through a time in life, when you have to choose friends, and wisely. For some, it comes naturally, and is easy. For others, work and courage is involved. I know personally, I love being social. But making true and good friends is hard for me, I don't trust as much as I should. So, I got lucky finding my friends. I was lucky to make friends who accepted me. But not everyone is this lucky. My aunt once said something to me that I really liked it goes like this:
"I had lots of people half way across the world that I loved. Friends are a wonderful blessing in life. It took me a while to realize that it's perfectly fine to let go of friends when you move away, situations change, etc. As hard as it is sometimes, it's ok to just have a good friend for a period of time. I consider all of my old friends "friends", but we just aren't as close as we used to be. This is why family is so important. They are the friends that will ALWAYS be there for you, no matter what changes you go through in life."
And I liked that. Its ok to let go of friends. Life does change and so do your friends. In girl scouts we sang a song. part of it said "Make new friends, and keep the old. Some are silver, and the others gold" Amen! I know I keep bringing up Jada, But, she taught me this. There really are no strangers. They are people you have just never met. Think of all the friends you have NOW. Before you knew them, weren't they just a stranger? Now, look at what you have! I am so grateful for my amazing friends. And I hope, that as the school year starts I am able to keep this in mind. To go out and make new friends. To see that kid eating lunch alone, and have the courage to be able to sit with them, and converse. And make a new friend. I know friends are so valuable and can help you through struggling times. I appericiate the love and kindness my friends have for me. And most of all, for the knowledge attained through them. I used to think family was family, and friends were friends. I can now understand how my family can also be my friend. Someone always there for me <3 I want to end in a quote.

"Friendship is one of the grand

Fundamental principles of Mormonism;

It is designed to revolutionize

And civilize the world,

And cause wars and contentions to cease

And men to become friends and brothers."

"Touched be An Angel"

As many of you know, or will find out from reading this a beloved friend of mine passed away on June 21st, 2011 in a TRAGIC car accident. So, Yesterday, August 11th, 2011 we all joined together- family and friends- to celebrate her life. I'm usually not one to cry, but seeing my best friends casket, I just couldn't help it. The opening song was "How firm a Foundation" The fourth verse goes like this  "When through the deep waters I call thee to go,
The rivers of sorrow shall not overflow;
For I will be with thee thy troubles to bless
And sanctify to thee thy deepest distress."
This hit me so hard! The rivers of sorrow shall not overflow... wow! So, Lately she has been on my mind. At the memorial I could feel her there watching over me. And seeing her family being able to smile and laugh... It became contagious. I just Love that family. So, to bring me to my next point I want to talk about missionary work... Now, Jada... what a Missionary! I always saw her going out with the Elders in our Ward and always telling her friends about the gospel, bringing them into His fold. Now, even though Jada isn't here anymore, She still continues to change lives and touch hearts. I am one example of that. My testimony of the Resurrection and of the Atonement has grown enormously! She has inspired me! Simple things she did such as smile all the time, or friend a child that seemed lonely, things like that people noticed, and wanted to become like her- Happy.  Her mom(Nic) gave an AMAZING talk about 14 lessons learned from Jada. I know this won't be perfect, but she talked about living in the Moment. This really struck me. How many of us can honestly say we live EACH and EVERY day in the moment. Never wasting a minute. I know I can't. But isn't that something amazing to strive for?  Can you just Imagine how much we would get done? How much happier we would be? I'm not saying TV is a waste of time(although, too much is!) But, I am saying that we should strive to make the most out of everything, even the start of school in a little over a week! Think positive, Like the new friends, and the freedoms you have to be able to attain an education!  Lastly I want to talk about one thing. This is something so IMPORTANT to me, and that is living worthy. I know I want to see her again, and I will do what it takes! That's the motivation needed to strive for Celestial! On Fast and Testimony meeting someone mentioned this. His father told him "If any of my children ever die, it would be an HONOR to me. It means the Lord needed them, and they had lived up to their potential" wow... an Honor. It also gives us something to truly strive for. So that is my goal. To do WHATEVER it takes to return to her with Honor <3 I love her, and so many others on the other side of the Veil, and I just can't wait to see them all. R.I.P Jada Mortensen. I am so happy to know you are  in a better place right now <3
"Be assured that just as an hour is only part of a day, so life on Earth is only part of Eternity." <3

~May those who enter as Guests, leave as friends ~

Bestie, BFF, BFFL, Best Friend, it doesn't matter. It's all the same. A friend is someone to trust, to love and grow with. So many people get involved in drama throughout their high school years, and friends are usually the first thing to go. So, if friends are something very important to us, why do they come and go? Well, I can't answer that, but, I can say what I feel about it. I am a person who chooses friends very carefully. I value EACH and EVERY one of my friends. In hard times, they are the ones I count on to help me through. When something new in life comes, and I want to share my joy, friends are the ones to celebrate with. So why treat them like a guest or acquittance? Who knows? I see so many people who have "friends" or in other words, people who they use, maybe for popularity, money, or any other thing! well, my question to them would be "How can you strand it?" I rely on my friends. I trust them. How can you pretend so much? Not only lying to them, but yourself as well? This all puzzles me. So, as usual I turned to the one person who will NEVER lie to you. and that is the Lord. I have had my share of bad friendships... but, I knew I always had at least one. I can feel him with me at school when I would get left out or excluded from a "click" or club. And it hurt. But, it taught me something. I'm never alone. And who better to be friends with, then Jesus Christ? It also taught me to find good friends. If you can't feel Him with you, then that person might not be the best influence on you. Well, Anyways today I want to focus on my gratitude to my awesome friends who are always there for me <3 and I am lucky enough to have a wonderful family who love and support me, and as if that isn't enough I have TONS of amazing church leaders that Inspire me and help me grow <3 and This post is to thank all of them <3

No Regrets

 So today was just one of "those" days. It started off at Sister Guffys house! She gave me a new hair style- which is what I want to talk about first. Change is something that either you embrace or, its something you totally shun. For me its something I embrace... after a while.  At first, something new seems completely alien. At first I looked at it and thought it was so short! and now, I just cant stop looking at myself! I just love it! So, I thought, change is always a good thing, well at least in my opinion. I look at it as new opportunities. Something fun and new! Every opportunity brings different blessing, and who doesn't want to be blessed? Today I found out I might be getting my own room. well kind of- I will be sharing it with the food storage room. And this is a huge change! College is also a big one! I see my sister and all her struggles to persevere through it all. I see the money invested, the time spent, and the struggles endured. Now, some say, I can't afford college, I will take the easy way out and just get a job. But most of us want more then that. But, at what cost? Many options are out there, but which one to choose? How does one know what to pick, and which is best? My answer for this would be to pray. Today as I saw my sister stressed, I read her two of my favorite scripture. One is found in Helaman chapter 12 verse 1. It reads "... Yea, we can see that the Lord in his great infinite goodness doth bless and prosper those who put their trust in Him."  This just brings me so much peace. I read this, and all I picture is a happy family, with caring parents and loving children, because of the efforts the parents put into their faith in the Lord, knowing that only good will come from the Lord, and that he will Bless us for doing what is right. I feel so lucky to be able to have this blessing. So, back to making those choices... That is where Jesus Christ comes in. Inspiration through the Holy Ghost. When you have a question, you have the wonderful opportunity to call upon the Lord and ask Him. "Therefore let your hearts be comforted ; for all things shall work together for good to them that walk uprightly... And all that call upon the name of the Lord, and keep His commandments, shall be saved." What a wonderful Promise. Call upon with something as small as who to take to a dance, to as big as who to marry, or where to pursue your education. I want to end with my Testimony. I truly believe that the Lord answers ALL of your questions. No matter how big or small, He is always there for you! And I know he Loves us and only wants what is best for everyone <3

Thankful

When I decided that today would be my first blog post, one song came into mind. That song is called "Thankful" by Josh Groban. In life, there are so many things to be thankful for! When someone firsts asks you what you are thankful for(like on Thanksgiving) you might say things such as food, electricty, cars, friends, water, etc... But lately deeper things have come to mind. Things such as lasting friendships, Joseph Smith and his faith to endure to the end, then we also have wonderful blessings like the Preisthood, and Technology that enables people to save lives. Sitting back yesterday I pondered this while waiting at the DMV. I saw the little children, and what a wonderful blessing! I saw the people that work so hard to try and keep the roads safe. So why am I talking about this? Because I know its something I need to work on. I'm giving myself, and all of you a challenge. Try to make a list, for ONE MONTH of something you are thankful for, without repeating. And if you can do this, then continue it! We need to be more thankful for things that we have, I mean look what the Lord has given all of us! As most of you know, I got my drivers License yesterday! What a GREAT thing to be thankful for! as the song says,
"Somedays we forget
To look around us
Somedays we can't see
The joy that surrounds us
So caught up inside ourselves
We take when we should give.

So for tonight we pray for
What we know can be.
And on this day we hope for
What we still can't see.
It's up to us to be the change
And even though we all can still do more
There's so much to be thankful for."

I couldn't have said it any better! So for todays thought, I want you to remember there's so much to be thankful for!Thankful video