You're An Angel

There's this guy in a few of my classes, let's call him Brandon, who is quite the interesting character. On the outside, he seems really rough. On any given day, Brandon can be seen wearing sweats or dark, baggy jeans with an over-sized t-shirt, and shoes which look at least two sizes too big. He always has a pair of of beats around his neck.

In Spanish, we earn pesos for participating, and for each ten we earn, we receive extra credit. Last week on a peso-turn-in-day, Brandon was lamenting the fact that he only had eight pesos, and that his friend Sean would have given him two more if Sean had been at school that day. Having seventeen pesos myself, I gave him two. He seemed shocked and amazed that someone would want to show kindness to him. The rest of the day, he thanked me over and over, and told everyone around him how nice I was. Over the next couple days Brandon let me go ahead of him in line, always smiled and said hi to me, and thanked me more.

Fast forward to today. I was talking to my friend about why I keep the standards of the church (such as not dating til 16, etc.), and Brandon, who was sitting on the other side of her heard our conversation. It was kind of funny though, because he only heard half of it at first. I was telling my friend about how I don't do drugs and alcohol and Brandon's face went into shock, "You do drugs and alcohol?" The incredulity in his voice was funny, and it made me feel great that he couldn't imagine me doing such things. I informed him that I definitely do not do drugs and alcohol and that he only heard half of the conversation. He seemed relieved. Later my friend and I were talking about chastity, and I said something to the effect of, "Yeah, I definitely don't want to become pregnant in high school!". Again, Brandon's head snapped around and his face was one of shock. "You're... you're.." he stammered. I replied, "No, I'm definitely not pregnant, nor will I be until after I'm married."What happened next is what surprised me the most. His face lit up and he said, "I respect that. I respect that a lot. Good for you!" and he gave me a high five. How sweet is that? But it gets better.

Towards the end of the Spanish period, Brandon was singing/rapping (I think) under his breath to some music he was listening to. In the process of which, he cussed a few times. Immediately, his head snapped up and he had a look on his face as though he'd just run over his mother's cat. He said, "Oh snap! Oh my goodness! I am so, so sorry! You did not just hear what I said! I should not have said those things around you! You're too innocent. You're an angel. You're an angel. I am so sorry!" I thanked him for his respect and thoughtfulness. I had never even asked him to not swear around me. He just knew not to instinctively. How cool is that?

If only the world had more Brandons. At first glance, I didn't know if he was someone I could be friends with, but now I see that he is just so awesome. I know that he notices my example- knowledge which I feel blessed to have. I am so grateful for the cool experiences that Heavenly Father lets us have in our lives!

Small and Simple Example- Great Impact

Lately I've been just a little discouraged because I have felt like I'm not being the example I can be. Especially these past two weeks. I haven't been doing anything wrong to be a bad example, and I've been doing lots of good things, but I just felt a little un-brilliant and uninspiring. I had to keep telling myself, though, that all the little things we do add up. The little choices which make up who we are are noticed by those around us. I reminded myself of the scripture, "...behold I say unto you, that by small and simple things are great things brought to pass..." (Alma 37:6)

Then, I decided to try to notice the little things I did everyday to help others, be righteous, and set a good example in general. Some of these things included:

• Being patient and loving to those who might annoy me
• Setting and working toward personal goals
• Being optimistic about trials and helping others be optimistic about theirs
• Paying attention and loving to learn in church meetings
• Giving advice to those who come to me with problems
• Being polite and kind to everyone
• Dressing modestly, using good language, keeping the dating standards, keeping the sabbath day holy

These are all small things which I don't ever think twice about over the course of my day, but I realized that their combined effect is really powerful. I bet you all do these things, too! People do notice that we are different, and they think it's awesome! They are drawn to our lights! We just don't always realize it because we can't read minds.

However, there are those awesome occasions when those affected by our awesome examples tell us about it. It's so cool when that happens! That happened to me on Sunday.

An eleven year old girl in our ward came up to me after church and told me that she had noticed me taking notes in Sacrament meeting for several weeks. She decided that she wanted to take notes, too. I was told that her mom bought her a special notebook for it, and that she was going to hang up her notes on her locker. I was so touched and humbled by her acknowledgement of how my actions affected her. Taking notes is a simple thing I do for myself, but because I wanted to bless my own life, it blessed her's too!

So really, we're not the only ones affected by keeping the commandments and our awesome acts of righteousness. Those around us are watching, and the things we do have a ripple effect. Don't be discouraged if no one comes up to you and tells you that you're inspiring them! Just because no one tells you doesn't mean it's not happening! So what will you do with your good example? Who will your ripple touch? You may never know in this life, but just think about all the people you could be inspiring! It's exciting, isn't it?
 

School: More Awesome than You Realize...

My heart is so full right now! So very full of joy! I began school yesterday, and it's going marvelously. I love all the people. They make me so so so happy! And I'm really excited about my classes!
I have something very important to tell you all.
Learn to love school. Just do it*. We are celestial, glorious beings of light. Light is derived from intelligence. Pretty much the whole reason we're on earth is to learn! (Along with obtaining a body, being sealed to our family for time and eternity, etc...) What better opportunity to learn do we have than school? That's the reason we're there! And if you stop and think about it, it's SUCH a blessing that we can go to school! For most of us, it's free, public education.
In my patriarchal blessing it tells me to cherish my education, and that as long as I seize the educational and learning opportunities which come my way, that the knowledge I obtain will bring me joy, and that I'll be able to bless the lives of others with it. How cool is that? Not only does this apply to me, but to each person on earth. It most definitely applies to you.
The cool thing is that I have found this to be very true! I just love knowing things! Even if my knowledge isn't very deep, it's so great to understand why parts of the world work the way they do. For instance, whenever I wash my hands, I think of how the soap molecules bond to the water and dirt molecules, which is how it cleans my hands. I just find it amazing to know this, and how that science applies to me!
Also, school is an incredible way to develop yourself. I could write a book on how I grew as a person through school and the opportunities it brought just last year alone. In the two days I've been in school this year, I have already seen myself beginning to progress as I've had to adjust to new situations. I find it very fascinating. It makes me soooo happy to think about where I am now, and where I'll be at the end of this school year: socially, academically, musically, spiritually, personally, etc. It's all affected!
In addition, I want to stress the importance and awesomeness of goal-setting. Some people groan when that is mentioned. Goal-setting doesn't have to be difficult, boring, drawn-out, or confusing. Goal-setting can be simple. I half-subconsciously set a goal yesterday! Isn't that cool? In my math class I passively decided that I wanted to be more outgoing- ask more questions, and participate more. (Generally, since math is my worst subject, I was afraid of participating too much because I didn't want to look stupid. But I realized that by going out on a limb, I'll grow.)  When I realized the goal that my subconscious mind made, I solidified the goal. I made it reachable. I decided that I'd either ask a question, or answer a question at least once every day. It's simple. It's doable. And it will help me become a greater person.
Seriously, guys. Have fun in school! It's not worth as much if you don't strive to enjoy it! Your possibilities are truly endless. For real.

 * By the way, at youth conference, there was a guy who had a sweatshirt that said, "Just go and do it." with an angel Moroni in the act of running. It was so cool!

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

This is my Savior

Well. It's been an awfully long time since I have posted. And for that, I apologize.  It's been pretty crazy around here. I've been making up homework for almost a month now because I was so sick a few months ago. But, that's enough excuses right?

This is my Savior. He is your Savior too. I love Him with all my heart. He is the reason that life has meaning and value. He loves us with an infinite love. Infinite. Try to fathom that word. Infinite. His love for you and me has no beginning and has no end. His love is limitless and perfect. He proved that when He suffered for our sins in Gethsemane and died for us on Calvary. And then after three days' time He arose from His sepulchre, victorious over the bonds of death.
I know He lives. I have felt His power in my life. I have tasted of His redeeming love when I have partaken of the divine power of repentance. I have felt the peace which comes from knowing that I am loved enough for the Master of the world to sacrifice Himself for me. I know that I can live with Him again if I strive daily to live as He does.
Sometimes, when it feels like no one's there, when everything goes wrong, and when it seems as though every sadness, temptation, and pain in the world have conspired against me, He is the only one who can help me through my pain. My knowledge of His ultimate love for me helps me maintain the strength I need to see my trials to the door.
I know He is always there for me. It's such a powerful knowledge, the most invigorating knowledge in the universe. The beautiful universe. The universe that He created for our enjoyment, which universe contains worlds without number all created by the hands of our Holy Redeemer.
He loves us. He gave the ultimate sacrifice for us. And He lives. This is my Savior.

"I know He lives.

I will live my life to Him.

The Savior gave this life to me,

and He gave His own

that I might be free.

I know He lives.

This is my testimony."

-Whitney

These are the lyrics of the chorus of a song I am writing about my faith in my Savior Jesus Christ. 

This song is my ten hour project for the Faith portion of Personal Progress.

To learn more about Jesus Christ, click here.

Arise and Shine Forth: Your Light Can Illuminate The World

Wow! It's been a while since I've posted! Sorry about that! Usually I post every week....... Anyway.  As you all probably know, a new year means a new mutual theme! Here it is in Doctrine and Covenants 115:5:

“Arise and shine forth, that thy light may be a standard for the nations” -Doctrine and Covenants 115:5

Short and sweet, this scripture has A LOT of meaning in it for us!
What is light? There are many instances in the scriptures where light is referenced. The brother of Jared recieved light in the stones he asked Jesus to touch, Joesph Smith saw a pillar of light, the ten virgins held old lamps, and it is said that Jesus's glory and brightness defies all description. (Joesph Smith History 1:17)
But one of my favorite descriptions of light is from the sermon on the mount. It is Matthew 5:14-16:

14. Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.

 15. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.

 16. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

God created you, yes you to be a light. He literally wants you to be a light to all the world. And you really can! Your Father has given you specific gifts that enable and empower you to shine for the world!

I am in the middle of writing a song about being the light. I am going to call it "Be The Light". I got the inspiration for this song when we had a fireside. I honestly don't remember what the speaker was addressing us about, but he said a phrase once, only once, that struck me with great force: "Be The Light". This wasn't even his topic, but those three little words have inspired me. Like I said, I'm not finished with the song yet, but I feel like I should share the chorus:

"Would the Lord make a light if it wasn't there to shine

He made the sun in the sky

and just like the sun, He created you to shine

Shine o'er the world, Be The Light"

It's a simple song so far, but I can't wait to finish it!

I know that people at school watch us everyday. It's true. I see it. We have the responsibility and privilege to share our happiness. Your single light can illuminate thousands, even millions if you just allow your the radiance of your testimony to shine through your everyday actions.  

To learn more about our mutual theme this year, click here.

Happiness, a Beacon

How do you know if someone is happy? They are smiling, maybe. Or laughing.  How do you know when you are happy? Do you feel good about yourself? Do you do well in school? Do you sleep better? Probably. Are you happy right now? If so, just stop for a moment, right now, and feel what it feels like. If you're not happy right now, try to vivdly imagine the last time you felt happy, and what it felt like.

Chances are, you have a smile on your face. :)  Now. Are you happy as often as you would like to be? If I lived in a perfect world, I would want to be happy all the time. Of course, in this mortal state, that's impossible. But, it is possible to be happy often, even most of the time!

So, how then, do you accomplish this? How can you become happy more often?

Lots of people think that happiness is just something that comes or goes because of  external situations. This is WRONG!  Those people that you know who seem like they are always happy are happy because they choose to be happy. Happiness is smost definitely a choice.The people I know who are happy all the time are happy even when they have a possibly life threatening illness, financial hardship, pressure at school, and more. 

One of my best friends is probably one of my biggest role  models.  She has gone through so many trials, including a life threatening illness. But, every I see her, she is always happy. I've talked to her about this, and she told me that she couldn't have been happy if she didn't actively try to be happy everyday. It takes effort to be happy. But that effort is so worth it!

Another friend of mine has depression. But she is a very happy and hopeful person. People often tell her that she is one of the happiest people they know. And everytime someone asks her how she can be happy even though she suffers from depression, she tells them that having depression has helped develop her into a happy person. She has felt the awfulness of depression and actively chooses to be happy because of how horrible it feels to be depressed.

And, we can always be happy as we think about the Savior.  He loves us. I know he does. And we are so precious to Him that He gave His life for each of us. This can give us confidence and happiness. Whenever we start to feel sad, we can think about Christ.  Also, you can always pray for the strength to choose to be happy. I know that He will give you that strength.

So. How can you be happy? You have to choose to be happy. And let me tell you, its not always, and sometimes not usually easy. And it takes practice.  Honestly.  But I know that each time you choose to be happy, the next time will be easier. And when you are happy, you shine like a light.  Others will flock to you, and you can influence them to be happy too.

Back into schedule...

Okay. I know that I have not been regularly posting for the past couple of weeks.  My excuse is that school just started, and stuff is crazy. But, that's only an excuse. :)  So, this week I'll get back into the groove of posting on Tuesdays and Thursdays. (And other days too if I randomly feel like posting something. (:  )  I will post about things that are happening in my life, great scriptures I have found, etc.

Tonight I was at a fireside. It was amazing!! I really love firesides.  For those who don't know, a fireside is an evening meeting for additional uplifting.  There are a couple speakers, and you just get to increase your spiritual knowledge.  Tonight it was a youth fireside, so it was for teens.
We talked about service.  One thing that i really took from the meeting today was that I truly do have a light. I can be and am a beacon to those around me. As long as I allow Christ to work through me. The speaker asked a question. He said "Does the world get to see your light?"  Please ponder that. Do you allow the world to see your light? Can your friends see your light? Then he said a simple phrase that will stick with me. Be the light. Be the light.  Those simple words are very powerful.
There is a scripture I like that goes well with this. It's Doctrine and Covenants 115:5:
5 Verily I say unto you all: ^aArise and shine forth, that thy ^blight may be a ^cstandard for the ^dnations;
(For those who don't know, you can find out what the Doctrine and Covenants is here. Basically, it is another book of scripture.)
I'm so grateful for our leaders. And I'm so grateful for my Savior's influence in my life.  I really felt his love today. And I know that I can return to live with him again.