Thursday, November 8, 2012

Two Ways to Judge

Over the past week or two, I have made a discovery. The more friendly you are, the more people you will become friends with. Genius, right?  Put into such simple words, the concept seems... simple. But sometimes it's much harder to actually act on such an idea.
Somewhere in the past few days, I realized that I'm a lot more judgmental than I think. I fancied myself a pretty open, and accepting person, but now I realize that I was only practicing not being judgmental in one way, but there are two ways we in which we need to become proficient. If people have short-comings, or flaws, if they may do something wrong, or mess up, I find it easy to understand that they're not perfect,  and are just doing the best they can. They may have specific circumstances which cause them to act a certain way. This is the first way, and I consider myself pretty good at not judging others in this regard.. However, there's a second way to judge people negatively, and I didn't even realize I was doing it. If a person was really pretty, or really popular, I would automatically assume that they would never want to talk to me. This judgement assumes that those people I categorized like that would be complete snobs and totally rude, which is not so.
Recently, I have begun to overcome this way of judging people. I am starting to categorize people less. Instead of "pretty people" and "not pretty people", I am able to see the outward and inward beauty of each person I meet. This helps me see that I cannot judge someone's heart based upon their friends or how attractive they seem.
During the past few weeks, I have tried to put aside those judgements and actually talk to the people I was judging. I've gotten to know so many new people, and I'm excited to see where it will lead. My school days have been really exciting and interesting because they're full of new people who I thought I never had a chance being friends with.
This has also led me to realize that I shouldn't assume that people won't like me. It's an unhealthy assumption, and not true. We as individuals can build our confidence in ourselves by developing a closer relationship to Jesus Christ. I know this to be true, for I have seen it work in my own life.

" Judge not, that ye be not judged.
 For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again."
-Matthew 7:1-2


Monday, October 22, 2012

Missionary Miracles

Hey guys! I just wanted to tell you about someone incredible. Her name is Shantelle, and she is one of the greatest people I know. Period. Shantelle devotes her life to helping other people and making sure that they are happy.  Hands down, she is the most optimistic person I know. Shantelle is such an example to me, and everyone around her, and I have looked up to her ever since I was a young girl. When I've been in some of my darkest hours, this wonderful, dear friend has been there to help me through. Shantelle blesses so many lives through her example and her attitude. I can honestly say that Shantelle is one of the most Christ-like people I know.
A few Saturdays ago, there was a very important announcement in General Conference; it changes Shantelle's life forever. When she found out that she could serve a mission two years earlier than she originally planned, Shantelle was ecstatic. Soon, she began to see astounding miracles in her life every day while she was preparing for her mission. Shantelle started a blog to share her faith and the beautiful miracles she has seen with other people.
Her blog is beautiful. Her words are wonderful, and it's amazing to read! I know that you all would really enjoy reading it, too.  And, I know that she would love it if you did.

Here's the link:
http://missionarymiracles.blogspot.com/



You won't regret it!

Sunday, October 21, 2012

Beauty All Around Us

Today I'm posting from...FLORIDA! I'm on vacation for fall break. Everyone in my family is taking a nap right now, so I thought I'd write a little post. :D
Today, as I was frolicking in the ocean, I noticed that every time a wave would come to shore it would bring tons of tiny little minnows with it. Then, the minnows would struggle back to the ocean so that they wouldn't wind up on shore. When the wave receded into the sea, it took the minnows back to their wet homes.


So, I sat close to the shore in shallow water and watched all of the minnows swim and swarm around me. It was really incredible. I'm just in awe of all of Heavenly Father's beautiful creations which He made just for us. God loves us so much. He created the magnificent, beautiful earth, and everything on it, for our happiness. I'm so grateful for all of the wonderful things we have to enjoy on this earth.
As I was riding to and from the places I went last week, I was struck with how beautiful my town really is. I never realized how much beauty I saw in my every day life and didn't realize it. I know that I definitely never want to overlook any of the beauty God gave us ever again.. So often, people take for granted the marvels around them.


Enjoy your day! I'm definitely going to enjoy my time at the beach!!!



Tuesday, October 16, 2012

Testimony Meeting

Greetings friends. I hope you're doing well. :D I am on fall break right now, so I am doing very well. :D
Sunday was fast and testimony meeting. I woke up feeling kinda...grumpy, not really grumpy... I was just really tired and feeling kind of moody that morning. I tried to quell my moodiness by having a positive attitude, but it just wasn't working. So, we got to church and we listened to the testimonies. I remembered that earlier in the week I had wanted share my testimony during this fast and testimony meeting. But, I was just wasn't feeling the Spirit. I was feeling really tired, and kind of dejected, maybe. I can't really describe my mood. You know that feeling when you feel like a mixture of sadness, apathy (apathy means that you don't care about anything), and grouchiness? But it's not so strong to be really terrible, just annoying? That's how I felt. So, anyway. I really wanted to share my testimony, but I just couldn't get over this mood and receive the Spirit in my heart, and I knew that having the Holy Ghost with me is vital when sharing my testimony. So, I prayed that I could have the Spirit with me. I prayed several times for this. But, all throughout the meeting, I just didn't' feel it. Now, by this time, there were about seven minutes left in the meeting. A woman got up and bore her testimony. Her testimony really touched me because it was about a subject that is very dear to me. Through her testimony, I gained the Holy Ghost with me. right when she was finished, I stood up and walked up to the pulpit. There were probably about three or four minutes left.  Usually, I kind of have a rough idea of what I'm going to say before I bear my testimony, but this time I only had wisps of topics floating around in my head that I couldn't put together. But, I went up there anyway and started speaking. I spoke about a special experience I've had this month, and of how my testimony has really grown in a certain area lately. I was crying, and I felt the Spirit very strongly. When I walked off the stand, I knew that I had said exactly what I needed to say. It was wonderful. I'm so grateful that the Lord answered my prayer and allowed me to kick my bad mood and gain the Holy Ghost with me again.


Friday, October 12, 2012

Some Random Thoughts and Stories...

Good Friday to you all. Someone posted the words which are on the picture below as a facebook status, and I thought they were so great that I had to make a meme. I hope you like it!
This week has been pretty awesome. Our high school is putting on the show "Guys and Dolls". I went and saw it yesterday. It was phenomenal!  I had lots of friends who were in it, so it was tons of fun.
These next two weeks are fall break for me. I may or may not write any posts. But, I'm super excited for the much needed break!
Ohh, guess what? I gave away a Book of Mormon today. I think this will make either the second or third one this school year. I gave it to a friend in orchestra who always teases me about being Mormon. When I gave it to him, he looked through the index and said "Where does it say you can't drink coffee? Why do you have a dictionary in your book?" He was teasing me, but I also gave him a mini copy of the For Strength of Youth. Even if he doesn't read these anytime soon, he may eventually read them.




Here is the link to his extremely awesome conference talk from last week!

Hope everyone has a stupendous weekend full of donuts, sleeping, and watching Phineas and Ferb. Wouldn't that be a wonderful weekend? :D Anyway, even if your weekend isn't like that, I hope it's wonderful!

Monday, October 8, 2012

The Cure For Not-As-Good Days

Hello everybody. How are you guys doing? Have you had a good day? Most of the time, I have really good days. Probably about 98.5% of the time. I'm really good at having good days because I work very hard at being optimistic. But, I also have not-as-good days. Notice, I did not call them bad days.  I don't believe in bad days. No matter what may happen, you can at least learn from that experience. And learning is good, therefore, there are no bad days. :D Haha.
Well, today I had a not-as-good day. There were good moments, and not-as-good moments, as there are in every day, but today I had some particularly not-as-good moments. I was criticized by my friend. She was trying to help me, but I don't take criticism well, and she didn't say it in the nicest way. I've been having a hard time in one of my classes, and I was worrying about that today. I've also been struggling with some interesting and...um, unwanted emotions lately. And, I had a terrible time on the bus today. In a nutshell, my bus ride consisted of: hearing people talk about taking drugs, those same people passing around pornography, swear words whizzing past my ears every other second, and inappropriate music blaring from the bus speakers. Unfortunately, I forgot my headphones for my iPod so that I could listen to it to block out all of those things on the bus today.

I felt kind of like this today.

So, I got home, and was really upset. After pacing around the house in distress, I finally managed a sobbed-out prayer. I asked over and over, "Father, please help me. I need Thy help. Please help me." After a while of that, a thought/image/feeling came to me. It was of the Savior and I sitting, and my head was in His lap. He was stroking my hair and calming me. This answer to my prayer, which came from the Holy Ghost, helped me realize that I'm not alone, and that my Savior loves me so much. He is rooting for me, and will always be there for me.

He is at our door; we only need to let Him in, and He will help  us bear our burdens.
I'm so grateful for the power of prayer, and for the Holy Ghost. I know that Heavenly Father answers prayers. I never want to do anything that will block this sacred communication I have with my Father in Heaven. I know that Jesus is my advocate and that He loves me.

Saturday, October 6, 2012

The Blessings of Trials

Lately, I've been feeling the most wonderful joy inside of me, for no apparent reason at all. Well, sort of. There hasn't been any big, extraordinary event in my life lately, and I still have struggles, but my life is just so happy.
I feel so overjoyed to be alive. I know that I have a special and divine purpose here on earth. I can feel that. I am starting to see my part in life and it's so exciting.
As you may know, this past winter, spring, and summer were really tough for me. They were the hardest months I've ever known. I went through many long, drawn out trials. I prayed over and over again for solace, healing, and peace. They were months filled with pain and desperation. Now, however, I'm seeing those trials come to a close and I am experiencing a very blessed reprieve. I feel so grateful to my Heavenly Father that He gave me the strength to come out on top. I am so blessed.
Looking in retrospect, I can see just how much those painfully, seemingly excruciating trials helped me grow. I can see how much my relationship with my Savior, Father in Heaven, and the Holy Ghost have grown. I have learned to pray with all of my might to my Heavenly Father. He listens, and loves me. I've realized how magnificent and marvelous Christ's atonement is for me. And, I've come to recognize the Holy Ghost's influence more precisely in my life. These are incredible gifts that help me every day.
For example, the past seven months I have worn a back brace. When I first got it, I was devastated. It looked so awful on me, and I felt so self conscious. Sometimes I didn't even want to leave the house. Plus, it was uncomfortable. I tried and I tried to accept it. I prayed continually that Father would grant me the power to see myself as He did, instead of just seeing how I looked. It took a long time, about six months, but finally I started being able to see myself as a beautiful daughter of God. This is one of the main things I learned from wearing my brace. I realized that it truly is not what's on the outside that counts. My identity is not what color my hair is, or how shirts may look on me, that is just an earthly shell. My identity is a noble, royal, elect daughter of God, saved through the ages for such a time as this. Finally, a few weeks ago, my doctor gave me permission to stop wearing the brace. I feel so incredibly liberated and exhilarated. I didn't realize how much of a blessing it is to be able to bend over, twist my torso, and stretch my back until I had a large, ugly, green piece of plastic wrapped around my body everyday.

This is kind of what my brace looked like, except it was forest green (it had a water droplet pattern), and the straps were a little different. But, the top went to a bit under my neck, the bottom went over my hips.

Also, ever since last fall, one of my dear friends has been suffering a devastating trial. It practically destroyed this wonderful person. It was so difficult to see my friend in so much anguish, and know that they wouldn't accept the Lord's help. I've been praying for this person everyday for a year, and fasting for them every single fast Sunday. Sometimes I even fasted for my friend on non-fast Sundays. But, about a week or to ago, I put this person's name on the temple prayer roll. I'd never done that for anyone before, but I knew it couldn't hurt. Almost immediately, I saw a change in this person. My friend's habits have begun to change for the better. I've seen this person begin to draw closer to the Lord. And my relationship with this friend has increased ever so much just in this short period of time. I'm so extremely grateful that the Lord is answering my prayer and helping my amazing friend. I have developed a testimony of the temple prayer roll. I'm so incredibly thankful for it. And I'm so very glad that my friend is beginning to be healed by the Savior's atonement.
This, my dear friends, is why I am so full of joy. I am just so wonderfully glad that I have such a loving and merciful God. My testimony has truly been strengthened through my trials, and there have been many. I'm so eternally grateful that I am the daughter of my Father in Heaven. I know for sure that there are great things in store for me. I know that He has a plan and purpose for me here on this earth.
If you are struggling, upset, angry, afflicted, depressed, grieving, or are in any other way facing trials, turn to the Lord. He holds the balm for your pain. I know this to be true with every fiber of my being. The Lord loves you. I know this. You are a precious child of a King.

Christ's arms are always open. He will carry you.

Saturday, September 29, 2012

Temple Groundbreaking

This morning was the groundbreaking for the temple we are getting!!!! I am so excited that there will now be a temple only half an hour away from where I live! One of the speakers at the groundbreaking spoke of how the time while the temple's being built will be a time of growth and development for us on personal, family, ward, stake, and temple-area levels. I really liked this. I also believe that it will be very important for us to share the gospel even more because the temple is coming. People are going to be curious about it, and I'm sure to have some wonderful experiences sharing about it with them.

This is the architectural rendering of  our new temple! It's going to be a medium sized temple. It has a unique and new design.


I'm sooooo excited! Can you tell?

When they announced in General Conference a few years ago that they were going to build one here, I literally jumped out of my chair (we were at home watching) and shrieked with joy! Then I started jumping up and down. :) Within the next ten minutes, family and friends were all calling us to make sure we had heard, and to speculate and be exited with us. That was such a precious and joyous moment for me.

Temples mean so much to me. The way I feel when I'm inside the temple is unlike anything else. Ever. It's so hard, yet so easy to describe what it feels like. It's like a peaceful energy lands inside of my chest and stays there. It's beautiful, and I feel the Spirit so strongly. I've had some amazing experiences in that Holy House.

I feel so blessed that a temple is coming close to me.

Thursday, September 20, 2012

Worth Waiting For

Hey everybody. I haven't posted in a while, and I apologize for that. I haven't forgotten to blog, I've just been soooo busy lately. I'm still trying to figure out how to balance my schedule this school year.  I don't have time for a real post, unfortunately, but I thought I'd leave you with something.




Love you guys!

Wednesday, August 15, 2012

As You Really Are

Hey everybody! I know that I haven't posted in a super long time, and I apologize for that. I'm still trying to figure out how to juggle everything and balance my schedule with the new school year.

I found a video recently that really impacted me and brought a huge smile to my face.



I really loved hearing what young men actually think of us young women. (Sorry guys, this post is more for the Young Women, but you are welcome to still finish reading to the end since you've read this far already. :D) Sometimes we get so caught up in trying to look cute and seem perfect to them, but I think that they for the most part don't see all of the imperfections that we see in ourselves. Young Men see the beauty in us, and they see our potential for good. You are more than you know. :D

Saturday, August 4, 2012

Stories from School

Hey! Well, I started school again on Wednesday. And, it was nowhere near as scary as I thought it would be! It was actually fun! I met lots of new people, and I didn't even get lost once, which for me is pretty amazing! I know that the Lord blessed me so that things went smoothly for me. Starting this school also allowed me to have some pretty amazing experiences, and I want to share some of them with you.
The first day went pretty well. But, by the time lunch rolled around, I couldn't find anyone I knew to sit with. So, I started to worry. But then I found a girl I sort of knew, and she let me sit with her. After that, some of her friends, whom I didn't know, sat at the table as well. we were introduced, and they seemed nice enough. But soon they started swearing and talking about things I didn't want to hear. I just looked away and never laughed or responded when they talked of those things. After a while of that, my acquaintance looked over at me when they were talking and said, "This makes you uncomfortable, doesn't it." I was surprised, so I responded saying, "Well, yeah it does." She said, "I could kind of tell." Then I asked, "How did you know that I don't speak like that? We haven't really known each other that long." She said, "I don't know. You just don't seem like that kind of person." This really touched me. It made me realize that other people truly do see my example, even if they don't say so all the time. 
At the end of the second day of school, I got on the bus to go home. However, all of the seats that I would have wanted were full. So, I sat in the only empty seat, which was near the back of the bus, and the seats which surrounded it were filled with who were a lot bigger and older than me, and who I knew were really mean. Needless to say, I was kinda scared of them. I was afraid that they would try to do something to me, and all of the awful things that they were capable of doing rushed through my mind. I thought for sure that the bus ride home would be miserable. So then, I decided to say a prayer to comfort and protect me. Before I could even finish saying my prayer, this scripture came to my mind:
"And whoso receiveth you, there I will be also, for I will go before your face. I will be on your right hand and on your left, and my Spirit shall be in your hearts, and mine angels round about you, to bear you up."
- Doctrine and Covenants 84:88
I realized that God would send His angels to protect me should I need protecting. In fact, I thought, there could have been an angel sitting next to me on that bus, and I didn't know. After Heavenly Father told me that through the Holy Ghost, I felt calm. I was able to listen to my ipod for the rest of the bus ride in peace. Those boys ended up ignoring me the whole ride home, which is just how I wanted it. I am so grateful that Heavenly Father protects us and that He answers our prayers.
These have been some powerful lessons for me. They seemed like small occurrences at the time, but after looking back, I realized that Heavenly Father blesses me in many small, almost imperceptible ways every day! It's incredible! Now I've been able to find those small blessings everywhere, which in itself is a blessing! I'm so grateful for my loving Father in Heaven. And I'm so grateful for my Savior, Jesus Christ who makes every day worth living. 

 

Monday, July 30, 2012

The Life of a Mormon Teen on YouTube

Big news everybody! The Life of a Mormon Teen is now on YouTube!!!!!!! You will now be able to watch video posts! Let me explain!


I'm so excited!!! It's going to be great!

Here's the web address:   http://www.youtube.com/user/LifeOfaMormonTeen




Wednesday, July 25, 2012

No Longer Afraid

Hey guys! I'm really excited to officially open the YouTube channel for The Life of a Mormon Teen soon!  Be watching!
So, this school year, I am going to a new school. And I am really scared. I've been scared about this for a long time, but no matter how unprepared I feel, school is going to start. Next week.  So, I've been thinking about this, pondering the situation, mulling it over, playing billions of possible future scenarios in my head, and no matter what, I'm still scared. And, as I've been scared, in the back of my mind I've kept thinking "fear and faith cannot dwell together". I know I need to have faith, but at the same time I just want to wallow in my fear.
But I have made a decision. No longer will I give in to the fear that's plaguing me. Those feelings come from Satan, and I don't want him to rule my life. The adversary knows that I'm no good to the world when I live in fear, so he bombards me with it. But I am going to prove to myself and to the Lord that I am stronger than Satan. I will not be afraid, even though there are so many things for me to be afraid about. I desire to make a difference in this world, so I will.
I really like these words from Elder Neil L. Anderson:
 "Fear and faith cannot coexist in our hearts at the same time. In our days of difficulty, we choose the road of faith. Jesus said, “Be not afraid, only believe.” 
I will have faith in Jesus that He will help me through this transition, and throughout the rest of my schooling and life. He knows and loves me, and He will take care of me. The Lord promises us in Doctrine and Covenants 88:84:
"And whoso receiveth you, there I will be also, for I will go before your face. I will be on your right hand and on your left, and my Spirit shall be in your hearts, and mine angels round about you, to bear you up."
I really love the Lord's promise that He will send angels to help us when we need help. I know this to be true. I have literally felt angels around me in my darkest times. I am so grateful for my wonderful Savior. And I am grateful that I don't need to fear. I love my Savior.

 

Friday, July 20, 2012

To Date... or Not To Date...

Hey everyone! As I was pondering as to what I should post about today, it occurred to me that I have a strong testimony about the Lord's standards on teenage dating, and that I wanted to share that with you so that if you haven't already made a firm decision about your future or present, you can now.

Recently, I was able to realize just how much I agree with and am blessed by the standards which the Lord sets about dating. I'm sure you've all heard the rules: Don't date before age 16, start with double dates and group dates, be very cautious about being in a relationship, etc. Many teenagers feel like these are restrictions. Others are dismayed by these guidelines, and as much as they want to be able to follow them willingly without any second thoughts, have a hard time doing so. Well, I'm going to share with you how you can follow these standards and actually enjoy doing so!

Here's why I am so glad and blessed to have the church's standards about dating:

  • Teenage years are emotional.  Personally, I have so much to be emotional about already, what with everything that goes on, and all those hormones, I really don't need or want to add any extra heartbreak, jealousy, lust, or frustration to the mix, all of which are included with dating and having relationships.
  • Teens have a lot on their plates! Teenagers these days, especially LDS teens, have tons of stuff to do everyday! We have school, which in itself includes tests, studying, punctuality, homework, social expectations, and more. Then, we have extra-curricular stuff to do. Whether it be music, sports, student government, yearbook staff, or any clubs, most teens do at least one of these things, and many do even more!  Then, lots of us have jobs. Younger teens may babysit or mow lawns, and older ones may work at a frozen yogurt shop, or something. All teenagers will eventually do driver's ed. And, most teenagers, whether they're LDS, or not, have lots of things to do for church. LDS teens have church on Sunday, Mutual, Seminary, Family Home Evening, Duty to God or Personal Progress, service activites, genealogy, temple trips, and more! Also, all teenagers should have a focus somewhere in their mind of trying to get into college eventually. Obviously, we have a lot of stuff to do! The more we have to do, the more sacrifices we have to make of things we can't do. So, if you add a relationship on top of everything, you may have to sacrifice something like getting good grades, Personal Progress, focusing on college, etc. Letting these things slip by will harm you.
  • Babies are great, but not so great for teens!  If you're not careful when you're dating someone, you could end up being a parent long before you ever thought you would. And, while being a parent is a great thing, it's not what teenagers need to be doing at this point in our lives. Having a baby before you're married could: hinder or permanently stop you from getting a college degree, strain relationships with friends, family, and your boyfriend/girlfriend, rush marriage which could cause marital problems in the future, cause an unstable family or financial environment for your baby/ family. The best protection is abstinence, and it's easiest to stay pure when you are not in a serious relationship.
These are only some of the reasons why I feel blessed to have the guidelines and standards which the Lord gives us. I know that when I follow these guidelines, I will be blessed. I will be able to have a good time when I am dating, I will save myself from lots of heartbreak, I will be able to enjoy having children when I'm married, rather than worrying about it when I'm not married, I will be able to have a beautiful, successful marriage, I will be able to focus on the things which I need to do now which will make my future more successful, and so many more things. But, most of all, I know that when I follow the standards which my Father in Heaven gives me, He will be pleased with me and trust me with more things.






Tuesday, July 17, 2012

Happy Birthday to The Life of a Mormon Teen!

Well, I have some exciting news for everybody! I betcha' can't guess what it is! So, I'll tell you.

Today is The Life of a Mormon Teen's 
First Birthday!

Wooooooh! Yeah! It's so exciting for me to think that I have been blogging for exactly a year. And what a year it's been!

Here's what has happened to this blog in the past year:

  • The Life of a Mormon Teen began. (Even though that's a bit self-explanatory, it still humors me to include this event.)
  • I decided to use it as my ten-hour project for Good Works.
  • I learned how to blog.
  • My writing has gotten better.
  • Melanie, from SugarDoodle.net, included my blog on her site.
  • I interviewed Jenny Phillips, a prominent LDS singer/songwriter, on my blog.
  • I have guest posted on some blogs, including My Soul Delighteth.
  • A few of my stories have been published in a book!
  • And of course, there was the time, not-so-long-ago, when I thought I was going to quit blogging, but thankfully I decided against it.
  • And through it all, I have met many amazing people who have brightened my life! 
  • I've even had some missionary opportunities come from my blog!
To me, it's really amazing the influence I can have. I didn't really realize how much of a difference I can make in the world until this blog. It brings me such joy to be able to brighten people's day, let them know they're not alone in this world, and help them come towards Christ.

Here are some stats:

  • The Life of a Mormon Teen has been viewed 19,006 times in this year. 
  • On average, about a hundred people read it everyday.
  • The most-read post of The Life of a Mormon Teen is Spring Time: A Time for Rejuvenation and Renewal.
  • The website which brings the most people to my blog is SugarDoodle.net .
  • After the United States, people from Canada read my blog the most.
  • Then comes Russia, the UK, Australia, Germany, and Lithuania.
  • People from countries I'd never heard of even read my blog!
  • 67% of people who read my blog use Windows. 
I feel so blessed to have the opportunity to have this blog. It has blessed my life in so many ways. It's really incredible to be able to talk to you guys when you email me. I'm so grateful that the Lord has let me serve you in this capacity!

Year two of The Life of a Mormon Teen is going to be even better than year one, if you can believe that! I am excited for the growth which will occur for my blog, but also for me. It's so great to be able to post things for you. You are the reason I blog. I really hope you enjoy my blog!




Sunday, July 15, 2012

Two Testimonies of the Book of Mormon

Hey everybody!  How's it going? I just got back from Girl's Camp, so I'm super tired, but I really want to share this video that one of our leaders showed us. 


    
       How one man gained his testimony of the Book of Mormon.

I just want to let you know that I have a testimony of the Book of Mormon. When I was twelve, I decided that I really wanted to know for myself if the Book of Mormon was true or not. I knew that my parents and teachers believed, but I was ready to know for myself. So, I read. And I prayed. I did that for a long time. But nothing came. I kept reading, and praying. Still, nothing came. I started to get discouraged, but still, I read and prayed. At that point, I didn't actually read the whole thing, the thought of doing so daunted me. Looking back, I realize that I was expecting to feel a burst of emotion, a fire in my bosom, and warm tears running down my face to know that the Book of Mormon was true, but that never happened. My testimony came slowly. I would read some, and I would feel peace. The next day I would read and pray some more. I would feel at home. The day after, I would read and pray again. I would forget my cares. After a while, I realized that all of these seemingly small feelings added up. I knew that the Book of Mormon was true. I didn't see a pillar of light, but the Holy Ghost did whisper the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon into my heart.

Fast forward a year. I had just finished reading the Book of Mormon, cover-to-cover, for the first time. I had just reached Moroni's Promise, in Moroni 10. I decided that since I had just read the Book of Mormon all the way through, I would pray to see if it was true. The previous experience I just told you about came to the back of my mind, but I paid no heed and went ahead and prayed to know if the Book of Mormon was true. Here's an excerpt from my journal of this experience:

"I just finished the Book of Mormon for the first time. I feel accomplished. I feel  the Spirit.  It is whispering peace to me, but really I just feel at home. I feel comfortable and at home. When I got to Moroni's Promise, I decided to pray about the Book of Mormon again, even though I'd done that before. And, [when I did] I didn't feel anything. I was afraid I'd done something wrong. So I kept reading. Then the words, "I already know" came to my mind. the Spirit was confirming my knowledge reminding me that I already knew. those words were accompanied by a very quiet sense of relief and truth. Then, exactly as I finished the last word of the Book of Mormon, I fel a gentle surge of confirmation. I felt at peace, happy, joyful, and at home. I know Heavenly Father is pleased with me." 

I am so very very grateful for the Book of Mormon in my life. As I have continued to study it, the precious confirmation of it's truthfulness keeps coming back. I love the wonderful knowledge and promises which are contained in it's pages. I know that it confirms the truths that are in the Bible. I feel so blessed to be able to read out of this holy book.

 




Sunday, July 8, 2012

Arise and Shine Forth: EFY 2012!!

Hey guys! I know I haven't blogged in a while, but I have something exciting to tell you. I just came back from the BEST week of my life! Yep! The best week EVER!!! I went to EFY last week, and it was incredible!



EFY is a one week camp sponsored by BYU for LDS teens which helps them learn more about the gospel, themselves, and helps them make AMAZING friends!!!! I had such a marvelous time.

At EFY I learned how to better make use of my scripture study. I also became much closer to my Savior, my heavenly Father, and the Holy Ghost. I was able to strengthen my faith in so many things like prayer, the Holy Ghost, Jesus Christ, Heavenly Father, the scriptures, love, and myself.

I also gained soooo many new friends. Over the week, we became extremely close. I now have about forty new best friends! It's great! I will never lose touch with them, for they mean too much to me.

My testimony has grown so incredibly much! EFY has changed my life forever! I am so so so grateful for the opportunity to go to EFY. I know Heavenly Father helped me get there. I know that I am so blessed to be able to have gone.

Here are some pictures from the week!














Thursday, June 14, 2012

What Heaven Sees in You

I'm teaching the lesson in Young Womens' on Sunday. Topic is Temple Marriage. I made this video to show the girls. I hope you like it!





Music: What Heaven Sees in You; Mindy Gledhill

Thursday, June 7, 2012

The Joys of Journaling

Okay, so it's basically impossible for me to stop blogging. I really love it! So, I'm not going to stop!!!! Yayyyyyyyy for blogging!!!!! Okay! Whew! However, I may not post as often as I did. Maybe once a week during the school year, and once or twice a week in the summer.

I have a question for you. What is the point of keeping a journal?
Now, allow me to answer!

People keep personal or family journals for many reasons, such as the following:
  • To remember important events
  • To allow their posterity to learn about them
  • To learn from their past
  • To see how much they have grown
These are just a few reasons! So, as you can see, keeping a journal is super important, especially as teenagers! The teenage years are some of the hardest years we will ever pass through. It's good to remember the good times, learn from our mistakes and triumphs, and see how much we've grown.

I once read a story in the New Era about a girl whose mother had passed away when she was very young. For her whole life, this girl had yearned to know her mother. For her fifteenth birthday, among some other things, this girl received a box full of journals that were her mother's. These journals were written in by the mother when she was fifteen. Because this girl's mother had recorded parts of her life in journals, her daughter was able to become closer to her. This story really touched me, and made me realize the importance of journaling.

Within the past year, I have started keeping a journal. I started in the latter part of 2011. I am now realizing that the Lord was then preparing me for 2012. These past six months have by far been the hardest months of my life. Because I was already in the habit of journaling, I have been able to keep a journal full of the hardships, pain, sorrow, and also my blessings, joys, and triumphs over those things. It's been a blessing to see how much I've grown and how  much I've been able to overcome.

I can truly see the blessings of journals in my life. They are beautiful.



Friday, May 18, 2012

Sad News

Hey everyone. It is with heavy heart and much thought and consideration that I have decided to discontinue writing my blog. Things have been getting really hectic and busy for me. As you've probably noticed, I haven't posted as often lately. I'm growing up, and my life is getting a lot busier. I'm going to be in the top orchestra in my high school next year, the symphony. I'm really excited for that. Also I'm taking many advanced classes, and I still have to keep time for family home evening, mutual, etc.
Indeed, I haven't had this blog for much time. I actually only started it last July. Throughout this journey, I have developed my writing skills, learned more about interacting with others online, talked with and interviewed Jenny Phillips for a post, and even had some of my stories published in a book! And it all started with a personal progress project! This just shows how many blessings I can receive through following the Lord's commandments for me.
Occasionally in the future I may post things. So, you can still stop by every once and a while. And, I'm keeping the blog up so people can still read and be inspired by my posts from the past.

I'd like to leave with my testimony.

I know that Christ lives. I know He atoned for me. And I know without a doubt that He loves me. I am absolutely sure that the Book of Mormon and Bible are true. Joseph Smith was, and is a prophet. Thomas S. Monson is our prophet today. I know that he and his apostles recieve revelation from God. And, I love temples. I know that they are the closest place to heaven that we have on earth. I know that the things accomplished in them are so powerful, wonderful, sacred, and beautiful. I love the peace, happiness, and assurance that the gospel gives me.

I hope that you all can find the strength to stand up for what you believe in. Us youth need to band together to uphold truth and righteousness. We are so strong together. The Lord chose us as His wonderful children to come to earth in these challenging and wonderful times. We get so many opportunities for good. We are very blessed. I believe in every single one of you.

And, even if I'm discontinuing my blog, maybe only temporarily, you can still email me about whatever you want. If I can help you, or anything, even though I don't know you, I would be absolutely honored to help you. Good luck. God bless.


 Love,
Whitney



Tuesday, May 8, 2012