Where Can I Turn for Peace?

"People who always run with the crowd, get lost in the crowd. Stand up for what you believe - even if you're the only one who believes it. At meetings, be the first to speak out, rather than the last to agree. Have the guts to admit when you're wrong, and the grace not to swagger when you're right. Yes, there might be comfort in numbers; but people often rise to great heights the same way kites do; against the wind - not with it."

"Yea, he that repenteth and exerciseth faith, and bringeth forth good works, and prayeth continually without ceasing—unto such it is given to know the mysteries of God; yea, unto such it shall be given to reveal things which never have been revealed; yea, and it shall be given unto such to bring thousands of souls to repentance, even as it has been given unto us to bring these our brethren to repentance." -Alma 26:22

"...all things denote there is a God; yea, even the earth, and all things that are upon the face of it, yea, and its motion, yea, and also all the planets which move in their regular form do witness that there is a Supreme Creator." -Alma 30:44

Of Regrets and Resolutions by Dieter F. Uchtdorf  (October 2012 General Conference)

The First Great Commandment by Jeffery R. Holland (October 2012 General Conference)

Being a More Christian Christian by Robert D. Hales (October 2012 General Conference)

"Character is how you treat those who can do nothing for you." -unknown

"Attitude is a little thing that makes a big difference." -Winston Churchill

Turn to Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ.

Let Christ LIFT Your Burdens

I had a rather discouraging yet powerful experience this afternoon. I participate in an after school weight training program and I cannot get enough of it! I am pretty sure I am addicted to weight training :P But it's a healthy addiction! Anyway, back to the story. I was warming up to do my one rep max on box squat and I got through the first set with only a little bit of a struggle. I was getting so excited for the second set and I racked the weight! I put the bar on my shoulders and sat down.
But I couldn't get back up.
No matter how hard I tried I just could not get my legs to lift me back up. The spotters lifted the weight and I stood up... I felt so defeated. I've easily done this weight before... My max last year far exceeded the weight I attempted today. The rest of training didn't go well either. I am so determined to reach my goal and I want it bad. I have good days, and I have great days! But I also have days like today that just knock me to the ground. 

And I realized something today. 

You can't always do it by yourself. Not just weight lifting, but anything in life. At some point in time we will all need help from someone to lift that heavy weight from our shoulders. Don't be afraid to ask for help! You have friends and family who love you. You also have a loving Heavenly Father to guide you along the way. He's your spotter. He pushes you, encourages you, motivates you and keeps you safe. All we have to do is open our hearts. That one step opens countless doors! It changes lives every day -- it changed mine. After years of waiting to be baptized I can now say that I am a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. And I LOVE IT! I can't say it without smiling!

Don't be afraid to ask for Heavenly Father's help. He is there for you and wants you to succeed. Yes, there will be times that you fall down and cannot get back up, but He is there to lift that heavy bar from your shoulders. Don't allow yourself to try doing it alone; it can and will hurt you. Allowing Christ to "spot you" brings endless blessings and indescribable happiness. He will never let you get stuck under the heavy load that you bear. 

"And it shall come to pass in that day that his burden shall be taken away from off thy shoulder, and his yoke from off thy neck, and the yoke shall be destroyed because of the anointing."

2 Nephi 20:27

Thoughts

So I have been thinking a lot lately... dangerous, I know! I have actually been thinking about some pretty serious things recently. What should I be doing to keep preparing for college? What more can I do to expand my knowledge of the Gospel in preparation for a mission? Should I do a summer semester of college before I go on a mission? Where should I be looking for jobs? Will I be able to finish my seminary make-up by the time seminary graduation comes? Do I do enough each day? How many opportunities did I miss to serve someone today? Does he ever think of me??

Okay, so that last one isn't very important. But it is still on my mind every day. I won't say who he is, but I will say that I wish things didn't go this direction. We haven't talked for some time and I miss being friends. But with the way things were going I didn't feel like we could remain friends. If he is reading this, I hope you know I feel awful for the way things ended and I want to apologize for it. 

Being different is a wonderful thing. It keeps the world exciting! But I think being TOO different can have its issues as well. This whole situation has been a struggle for me. Sometimes it takes a little extra strength to face the new day. I have been so overwhelmed with everything that may be involved with those questions. And it scares me. Where I am going? When will I get there? HOW will I get there? I suppose this is all a part of transitioning from adolescence into adulthood. What a bumpy ride it is! But the good news: I know I'm never alone. I can't believe it has been over a month since I was baptized! I could feel the Spirit before, but this... it's just indescribable. Indescribable joy and comfort. I couldn't be happier!

NieNie

For Girl's Camp this year, the stake's theme was "Happily Ever After". Each ward chose a temple as our 'castle' and a woman who demonstrated the value that we had. My ward represented virtue and our lovely princess was Stephanie Nielson! For those of you who don't know who she is, look up her story and read her blog (her blog is listed to the right: NieNie). She is such an inspiration and a huge example of faith. We have grown to love her so much as we continued to learn about her life and her stories.

As a part of camp, each ward made a book about their princess to share with the rest of the stake. Me and two other girls in my ward decided to make a handmade book then print copies of it for each girl and all of our leaders. The real book would then be delivered to Stephanie! Well... Today we got to meet her!! :D She had just come home from church and we were standing on her porch, but she was still so glad to meet us! She gave us all a hug and her smile just glowed with happiness. I am so happy we got to meet her!

Zoe, Ari, me, Stephanie (NieNie), Gabby, Sister Cole, Mia & Sophie

What a beautiful and inspiring woman she is!