My A-ha Moment

I love my ward. I don't know what it is, but student wards in the BYU community are absolutely amazing. The spirit that is felt in every sacrament meeting is second to none.

Today, while the sacrament was being passed, and the "chapel" was completely silent I decided to open up my scriptures and read in John chapter 17. This chapter is the great intercessory prayer. 

I have read this passage of scripture a couple times and never really thought that is was extraordinary or profound. But today, I found out that I was sadly mistaken.

This prayer is absolutley profound, and has now profoundly changed the way I think about every day things. In the

intercessory prayer, Jesus says, (in verses 6-11),

"I have manifested thy name unto the men which thou gavest me out of the world: thine they were, and thou gavest them me; and they have kept thy word.

Now they have known that all things whatsoever thou hast given me are of thee.

For I have given unto them the words which thou gavest me; and they have received them, and have known surely that I came out from thee, and they have believed that thou didst send me.

I pray for them: I pray not for the world, but for them which thou hast given me; for they are thine.

And all mine are thine, and thine are mine; and I am glorified in them.

And now I am no more in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to thee. Holy Father, keep through thine own name those whom thou has given me, that they may be one, as we are."

When I read those words, I felt a great sense of peace and joy come flooding over me. In reading those words, I felt as though Christ had prayed for me, when he offered up that prayer.

He cares enough about me to not only suffer and die for my sins, but to also pray to His father for me.

Now that, is profound.

After reading this passage of scripture, I have been able to see more clearly the Lord's hand in my life. I am so grateful that I have a Heavenly Father that loves me so much.

And I am so grateful for the scriptures that allow me to become closer to my Heavenly Father. I love the scriptures. The words that are contained in them radiate love from our Heavenly Father. They bring peace and happiness in times of confusion and doubt. I am so grateful for the people years and years ago who sacrificed so much so that I can have the scriptures, and receive my own personal revelation.

Roomies!

I love my roomies!!

I was so nervous about going off to college and being all alone. Thank goodness for a group of five beautiful girls! I love them all. They all make me laugh and smile! I don't know what I would do without my new best friends! 

 

Thank you, Michelle, Mariah, Natalie, Erinn, and Hannah for everything you guys do for me! I love you all!

Today

Today I am a champion.

Today I decided to change.

Today I decided to be happy even when I wanted to be sad.

Today I decided to pray with my entire soul to my Heavenly Father.

Today I decided to have faith.

Today, I was closer to my Heavenly Father than I have been in a very long time. I am grateful that He gives us struggles in our lives. Struggles that are always opportunities to succeed. These struggles will always come when it is inconvenient. Yeah, they're not so fun. But what my little experience tells me is that He loves me enough to give me struggles. He loves me enough to send me help even when I don't deserve it. I am so grateful that I am a daughter of God. And that I have a Father in Heaven that loves me so much.

Today was a good day.

Not So Simple, or Beautiful For That Matter...

Yesterday was my first day as an actual student on a college campus. All of my classes in the morning went wonderfully, and I was really excited about everything.

UNTIL...

I went to work.

I was hired a couple weeks ago to work in a food court on my campus. My friend and her sister helped me get the job and I am so grateful for their help. However, I HATED my first day. It was chaos! I have never worked in food service before and I received no training. They threw me into the mix and fully expected me to perform like a seasoned veteran.

That was not the case.

I didn't know what the heck was going on.

All I knew is that I was brand new, there was a ridiculously long line, and no one was willing to help me.

Perhaps it's silly to be complaining about such a thing, especially since it's hard for anyone to find a job nowadays.

I just wish that yesterday I wasn't so alone.

I hate feeling alone.

It was my first real day away from my parents.

My first day taking college classes.

Overwhelming doesn't even begin to describe it.

I am grateful for the opportunity I have to attend this university, and I am equally grateful for such a good friend to help me find a job.

But sometimes, everything collides and a big explosion of emotions erupt.

I pray that I will have the strength to continue this job.

I pray that my faith will be sufficient to never give up.

And I pray that tomorrow, will be an easier day.

Beautiful Sunday

Today was the first Sunday of the month.

Fast Sunday.

Testimonies were shared in Sacrament Meeting and they were absolutely lovely.

I too, bore my testimony to my RS sisters.

I shared with them how I know that the Savior of the world not only saved the world, but saved me too.

He suffered for my sins. 

My trangressions.

He is my personal Savior.

He loves me enough to die for me. 

What a miracle that is. 

He loves all of us enough to lay down His own life so that we all may return to live with Him and our Heavenly Father again. 

I love my Savior, Jesus Christ.

And, I know He loves me. 

I love my mom.

In 24 days, I will be leaving home and going to college. I'm excited and a little nervous too. But the one person who I am going to worry about most when I'm gone, is my sweet mother.

She is an amazing example. Not only does she take care of our family, but she works full-time as a night nurse, and actively serves in our church. What an inspiration she truly is. Every person that has had the privilege of getting to know my mother would agree that she has changed their life for the better. I'm going to miss her a lot. My only hope is that one day, I will be able to be just like her.

Mom, don't worry about me. I'll be just fine. You have raised me right. Your smile, your counsel, your laugh, and your hugs have helped me through everything. I love you very much. And just remember, the Lord will never give us more than what we can handle.

Mom, because of you, I am a young woman who has an immense amount of love and faith in our Heavenly Father and His son, Jesus Christ. Thank you for being my example.