Families forever

For my vacation this summer we went to Iowa to spend time with my moms side of the family. this year they decided to make into a family reunion kind of thing where all of my moms side of the family (her siblings)at first i didn't like the idea because it would be almost 30 people in the house all at once even though people arriving and leaving different days, a couple days would be all 30. so i didn't like it because i thought it'd be to many people in the house and i was going to have anxieties and stress over everything, even if it didn't even have anything to do with me. i was wrong though, not completely but i did have some stresses and exaggerations. the only thing that really got me through the couple days when every one was there,was praying. i guess scripture reading to but mainly praying though. i just wanted people to know even if you do know, that even when you are stressed and don't know what to do, you can pray to your heavenly father.remember you can pray to him ALWAYS there is no limit, so use it!i know i am not perfect with it and will continue to work on it, by praying to my heavenly father. one of the other things that got me through the vacation is the thought that the family here, part of the family i'm going to be with forever.

Finals week

Everyone remembers finals week! Am I right? The stress, no sleep, no social life whatsoever, physical and mental exhaustion. You remember. Let me tell you the honest truth here. I have never been really perfect at prayers and scripture reading at night and mornings. But I'm not going to lie the things that I have noticed that have helped me the most through just review week. Is all of those. Attending church and seminary and mutual activities, also prayers and scripture reading. It really does help. It kick starts your day and allows you to start it in a spirituality uplifting way. I have noticed I am more awake and focused of what is going one. And that the best days this year have been when I am doing those things. So I invite you to do so to. Especially finals week. IT HELPS!! I promise. Have a great week everyone. Teens. We. Are. Almost. There. Just a little longer. You've got this!

"let us all speak kind words to each other."

We should be kinder to each other always. And looking for opportunities to make someone feel better. You have no idea what the stranger next to you on the bus or at work is going through. And just a smile or a funny comment could make or break them. I feel like we have so many missed opportunities as the human race now a days because we have this technology at our fingertips that are just hovering in front of our faces all day every day whenever we can. And I know I'm kin of a hypocrite because it is typical stereotype as teens to have our phone in our face. But I can tell you honestly that I'm working my best at using it as little a possible. And putting it down or keeping it in my pocket as I'm walkingdown the   hallway at school. I'm sure you have all seen the look up from your phone video and all the missed opportunities just that one day. Imagine that everyday. With every person on earth. What are we really accomplishing by using our phone 24/7. I noticed my family members weren't treating each other kindly because the other was hogging technology. We shouldn't let technology run our lives. They are meant to improve not deceive and distract. We need to be spending more time with families and focusing on the opportunities we have in front o us everyday and speak kindly to each other and not let technology run our lives. 

Better than you think you are.

My YW in my ward had our new beginnings tonight and it was themed around coming to Christ and we had some really great talks about the for the straight of youth. And there was our bishops talk which related fishing to the for strength of youth. And then one about our YW values by one of our leaders. Then before we presented all our projects for the new incoming YW. The leaders got up and sang a song for us tht was basically saying you don't know who you really are you are better than you think you are. And that Heavenly Father knows who you are and also knows who you will become. And it was beautiful. It move me to tears because it is what I needed to hear as a teenage girl we always feel like we aren't good enough and aren't the prettiest or the best. But we need to turnout hearts to god and know that he loves us for who we are and also go we will become because he knows. We are all better than we think we are. 

RESPECT

Ok so guys. Let me just give you a quick hint to help You in your search for a girl. I don't care what your excuse is or anything but when a girl corrects you on something and tells you to fix something your doing wrong. DO IT! Because honestly it's rude and disrespectful to bot listen at all And completely ignore what we are saying. At least acknowledge it. Because will remember what you did for a little while despite what we advised you to stop doing. For example today in seminary our teacher needed to print something off and told us to quietly think and ponder what these two scripture verses mean to us while he went to go print these papers. And I don't know if I've explained this before but there are 4 girls and I think 7 guys. But there is two tables one is the girls and our friend that is one of the guys who does treat us with respect always. Then the other table is the rest of the guys. And don't get me wrong they are nice guys. But sometimes like what they did today can be a little damaging to what I thought of them. And majority of the time It's my table 're that does the most participating while the other table is busy talking about Whatever. And that's a whole other story for a different time, but As we were suppose to be reading these verses the guys at the other table were continuously talking. And one of the girls at our table was constantly trying to tell them to be quiet so we (girls and one guy) could focus. Then they'd give her or US this look of whatever why would we listen to you and then they'd get back to talking. So finally all 4 girls including me got up and went to another room to study because they were being very disruptful and taking away from the spirit and our learning. So when we got back in there they treated us with more disrespect by saying that we were lying and nothing happened till we left. Of course our teacher knows the truth. And was trying to explain to the guys more often than not the girls are right.  So moral of the story listen to the girls. Again I don't care about your excuses on why you shouldn't. Just do it. Please. You'd do everyone a favor because it is rude and disrespectful. And we don't do it to you so don't do it to us. Thanks!

True beauty

This is not like gospel truth here but I know it is true for me. True beauty can not be defined in words really but in actions definitely. For example. I was looking at this girl who isn't Mormon that I know is known for being immodest all the time. So I decided to look at her profile on Facebook to see what she was really like before I just judge. And I have to be honest. I was jealous. I'm not the skinniest person ever. And I'm not huge either. But as I was looking at this all these guys giving her attention that I don't get and all of them saying something about how hot she is and how hot her BODY is. Ya. Her body. Not her herself. Then it finally hit me that they don't even care that she doesn't have a personality. No one does. Not even the girls. All they care about is how much better she looks in a swimsuit than they do. And I realized that that isn't the attention I want. And its not the attention I want for anyone really. Because even though you feel beautiful And people tell you you are hot or beautiful. It isn't true beauty in that way. I'm not saying when someone says oh your so pretty or your so beautiful is a bad thing. I'm saying receive it the right way in the right situation. For example posting your ? daily selfie of what you are wearing to school and someone says oh you look so pretty or beautiful. That is a good thing. Recieving it like that girl in my school. Not so much. Learn what is the right attention to have. True beauty will make you the happiest the longest. And remember hottest is modest. It really really is.

Drivers license.

Got my drivers license today! So excited and so happy to finally have one! And the important thing I learned is to pray before I drive I've said this before but it does make a huge huge difference. We were planning on praying in the morning with me my mom and my dad but we forgot. I went to school and got out of school early to leave and we said that we will pray when we get there. (Just me and my mom) we get there and get out of the car forgetting to pray about walk in and before we walk in we remembered and stop go to a side of the building a say a quick prayer praying for it to be easy and that everything I have learned will com back to my memory so I can pass and also that I won't be so nervous. I get in there and we get all our paper work filed and stuff and we honestly thought that there was a written part to this. And there wasn't. And that was the main thing I was stressing about. And it was non existent. Haha and the other thing was parallel parking and I did perfectly on that. So. Praying before driving is super duper important because when we left we didn't pray. And I was being very dangerous and chancy I'm not going to lie. That and I've never been to this area before so I didn't know where I was going as well. But it's not an excuse for me being very dangerous and not as safe as I normally am. I promise I am a great teen driver. Because I normally pray before I leave. So Yes pray pray pray before you leave in the car! It DOES make a difference.

Lil siblings(choir)

We have a thing in choir called little siblings program. And its where all the upper classman have a "lil sibling" That is an incoming freshman and basically you help them around the school. So that they feel welcomed. And that they have bragging rights to say oh Ya I know someone in high school. Come on you remember when you were a freshman and it was THE coolest thing to know someone so much older. So it's important. Every incoming freshman has one. And this year. A lot of the freshman from this year aren't doing it or dropping out of choir. And so normally incoming juniors can't have a sibling because junior year is crazy and overwhelming. So because they were short and we have a HUGE incoming freshman class of choir nerds they needed everyone they could get so I signed up. And this girl that I got is absolutely amazing. Absoultely amazing she is so sweet and adorable. She texts me all the time and I know she is thinking oh my word a highschooler is texting me. Haha and so I just be nice and respond but I love her. I haven't met her yet. But honestly she is so so so amazing! So my challenge for you is to reach out to people you may not think will like you or you like them. I promise you they will all be outstanding people and affect your life forever in a good way. C: just like my little fish is!

Passover

My wards youth and me tonight had a Passover dinner (traditional) we of course had to shorten it. But it was such an amazing night it really was a good experience to not fully understand what the people went through but to get an idea of what they may have gone through. And it was so so good. I enjoyed it a lot. And all my friends were there So I got to enjoy it with them to. I helped prepare the food and set up tables and specific things that had to be done traditionally were just outstanding. It makes me realize the connections between everyday life and what we did tonight. I enjoyed it so much And invite you to read up more on the Passover and the background to it. It will completely change your perspective on things. But all in all it was a fantastic mutual night and has definitely prepared me for Easter. And my drivers license test on Thursday! Wish me luck. Assignment: read more about the past and all about the Passover.

Count your blessings

My friend had just backed out of a parking lot and was driving when another lady didn't see her and hit her from the side. Little miracles like her being perfectly ok And just having a crushed in door is amazing! Things like this are constant reminders to me that even though bad things happen, blessings are also there. She could have easily been totally upset and angry with this lady, but then again it is just a fixable car. That lady was irreplaceable if she was hurt (she wasn't) I was listening to a video called the "last lecture" and this guy who has like three months to live because of pancreatic cancer was telling a story about going and picking up his nieces and nephews every weekend in a crappy car a long long time ago. When he finally got this awesome convertible brand new BMW he went to go pick up his nieces and nephews and his sister was all like "be very careful in his car don't, eat don't drink in the care, etc." And while she was saying this he opened a soda and poured it on the back seat. She came running to him and said. "What are you doing?!" He responded with "its just a replaceable car. But they are irreplaceable family." We need to remember that somethings just arent as important as to make sure that the person that hit you is ok for example. And I know from my experiences already in driving people are crazy sometimes and you have to pay attention. Remember people are irreplaceable. Cars are. I will now pray every time with my family before I drive to seminary and school in the morning. Thank you heavenly father for keeping my friend safe! Let her continue to be safe while driving. Count your blessings.

Mission emails

Missionary emails are literally the BEST thing ever. I learn so much from them, and they are my friends having such amazing experiences, and I'm so so proud of them. I have a couple I'm writing one is in Brazil, Argentina, Germany, Utah, south Korea, and London. And they are all fantastic. They have been out less than a year, two of them less than a month. They do so great in what they are doing for our church of preaching the gospel to non members. I do miss them all because they are so great and such good Friends and I definitely always look forward to my Mondays believe it or not because I get their emails in the morning and it makes my day and my week. They are so enjoyable. And I wanted to share that any talking with them or counseling is great. I got some great advice on things from a missionary. And it helped me SO much And I cherish it. It is even the background on my phone which is a picture of the email because I love it so much. So talk to your missionaries whether they be in your ward or someone you know. Even if you don't know them that well. They are always willing to listen and help in anyway they can because they are that amazing!

Have you done any good in the world today?

That church hymn have you done any good in the world today has been in my head which is odd because I haven't heard it in church for a while But it made me realize. I haven't done ANY good in the world for a while. Like legit service. So today after lunch starts the service! I challenge you to every day make it a goal to provide service for any one. Because mine today may only be for my family. Good luck and do good!

Counselors office

I got called into my counselors office today because she wanted me to literally plan my whole life right here and now. And I honestly don't know what I'm going to do. I have changed the career path I was interested in about 40 gazillion times because I just don't know. Anything could happen on any day. It could be tomorrow a week from now or years from now. And I realized I need to be living my life better. I feel like I could do so so so much better than I am now. And like I said you don't know what could happen to you so you might as well prepare. And ya I don't know where I'll be at in 10 years. But that doesn't scare or worry me anymore. I'm cool with anything happen because Ik by then I will be prepared for what is to come.

National siblings day!

Happy national siblings day everyone. I have no idea what I'd do without not only my while crazy family but my crazy siblings. They remind me So much What to live for every day. They are definitely the rock in my life. And to me family is everything. I love you guys so so much! So happy national siblings say and I'm glad I could spend it with you guys. You mean everything to Me.  <3

Why I love and hate being Mormon

Like it or not as a teenager being Mormon is tough. I won't lie to you. Your friends that aren't or are but still go out and have fun parties And date before their 16 (sarcasm) they do what they want without even thinking of the consequences. That word, Just that one word changes that whole view on that sentence and you didn't even notice I bet. CONSEQUENCES still exists whether you are Mormon or not. So doing what is right will always be important especially when you know the truth. It doesn't matter what your friends are doing now. They will have consequences I mean Think about what their life will be like in twenty years because of the poor choices they make now. That is what I do to keep myself motivated to sticking to the straight and narrow path. I don't gloive myself extra room to think about well if I did this it will bring me immediate happiness. No it will bring you eternal suffering. So don't give in! Don't give in to anything! You know what's right so do it. Such a simple concept yet always seems the toughest because of the way society is. In our society Everyone holds Mormons to a higher standard because of lack for a better word think we should be perfect and act that way when in reality we aren't anywhere near being perfect. Just closer to the truth than them. So when we do give in and people know we are Mormon and later down their lifetime that person meets another Mormon and say oh I knew a Mormon. Ya they were crazy drinkers or druggies or partiers. And when that person tells them. Oh. Well they weren't suppose to be doing that. Well how does the church now look to that person? Why would they want to join a church with unfaithful members? Doesn't that defeat the purpose. Hold yourself to a higher standard and represent our church well. I have found in my own experiences it is better to stick to the straight and narrow then veer off into who knows what because in reality. Doing what is right will make us much much happier. My seminary teacher is a very smart man. And knows how us teenagers work pretty darn well. So he can tell us a thing or two about how our choices will affect us and we need to think before we act. So I advise you to take That And apply it to your life wherever you may be. In the end it will make you much much happier. Thirty years from now or even five maybe even months after, Will that party, that drink, the heroine or weed you just took, that sex you had with that really cute guy/girl whose name you can't even remember matter? Because I can promise you. It won't. And more often than not You will have regretted it. Live your life to where you will feel most happy naturally. Naturally isn't by using fake things like drugs and alcohol that the world says will make you happy and I guarantee you, you will be more happy than they are after this life and in the eternities. Don't let their choices dictate your decisions. Oh and as for hating it. I dont. I love it i have nothing to complain about. I am so much happier than pretty much anyone i go to school with. 

UIL choir competition

Had a really good discussion about religion today with my friend of 4 years Lila and it was the best religion discussions I have ever had. We talked about what we believe in,the book of Mormon, word of wisdom, law of chastity, how do we get married, what is a temple, the for strength of youth, modesty, and the plan of salvation also what is different from our religion and Christianity.And I answered all her questions. And she respected my answers and now understands why I dress modestly and don't swear or drink or do drugs. I respect my friend more now because she was comfortable enough to ask me questions about my beliefs.