The Book of Mormon :)

“A 14-year-old girl … said that she had been discussing religion with one of her friends at school. Her friend said to her, ‘What religion do you belong to?’

“She replied, ‘The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, or Mormons.’

“Her friend replied, ‘I know that church, and I know it’s not true.’

“‘How do you know?’ came the reply.

“‘Because,’ said her friend, ‘I have researched it.’

“‘Have you read the Book of Mormon?’

“‘No,’ came the answer. ‘I haven’t.’

“Then this sweet young girl responded, ‘Then you haven’t researched my church, because I have read every page of the Book of Mormon and I know it’s true’” (“The Book of Mormon—a Book from God,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2011, 76).

As we live life, we will be faced with times that our testimony is tried. Like this 14 year old, we should stand for what we believe in and not be afraid to be who we are. I have read the Book of Mormon cover to cover, and I know it is true. And I challenge you all to do the same, read it, study it, and pray/ponder about its truthfulness. And you will be blessed with answers in your life and strength when you are weak. Love you all!<3 

Never be afraid to be YOU :D

I figured we needed another post so... :)



I've found when I move to new areas, or meet new people, I close up. It's hard to be outgoing when you feel shy. But there are times you should be able to be yourself and not worry. When I moved into this new ward, I was extremely shy. I was angry at the fact that I had to flip everything in my life upside down. I have now lived here 9 months and I have made friends with amazing home school friends. Around them, I can be myself. But I still find as I go to our ward, I still feel unwelcome. I feel judged and alone, and because of the way I am, I can't open up easily. But as I've prayed and thought about it, I've found it doesn't matter what they think of me. It doesn't matter if I feel welcome or loved. I can be myself, if they don't like who I am, it is okay. Because I am me, and I should be proud to be who I am. Each day I can improve my flaws, make mistakes, learn from them, and be proud of who I'm becoming. I've learned that even though I don't feel loved by these YW, I can make a difference, and show them that I care. If I go to church with a willing heart, one that I want to help and uplift others, I will be blessed. So as you go to new places, and face new challenges, don't be afraid to be yourself. The scriptures say love your enemies, do good to them that hurt you. As you go about your day, do good. Show those around you the love that is needed, who knows, they may need it more than you think. Let the light of Christ shine through you, and show others they are loved. Even when you feel you don't matter, teach others that they do. Lift them up and show them you care. You will feel the love needed by doing these things. And most importantly, be YOURSELF. Don't be afraid to be who you are!

Happiness

This is my new favorite quote. It applies to my life in so many ways right now. One example of this would be, the weather. I love spring, and it should be spring, but, its snowing. But in a more mental sense of this quote, every one has bad days. Sometimes we have bad weeks or even bad months. But we must remember that trials come and go, and that "everybody wants happiness and no one wants pain, but you can't have a rainbow without a little rain."

This week has been...awful, so to say. I am getting so behind on all of my school work and I have been feeling quite frustrated and hopeless. Ya know? That feeling where you feel like you can't do anything about anything. Its hard to push past these feelings but once again, "everybody wants happiness and no one wants pain, but you can't have a rainbow without a little rain."

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Christ Lives!

“In order for your faith to lead you to salvation, it must be centered in the Lord Jesus Christ. … You can exercise faith in Christ when you have an assurance that He exists, a correct idea of His character, and a knowledge that you are striving to live according to His will” (True to the Faith: A Gospel Reference [2004], 54).

Seminary today was incredible! We studied about Christ and having faith in him. We watched this video, which made me almost cry.- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pUb1Kwlgitw 

And I was asked to write how I would feel being there when he came to heal the people and bless the little children. And what I would ask to be healed from. Here's what I said:

There are no words that can express how I would feel. My joy would be so full, seeing him heal others, and his love for all. I feel like I might feel inadequate, like I wouldn't deserve to be healed or blessed. But I know he would heal me and he would show his love and I wouldn't even be able to comprehend the joy and the emotion I would feel. If he were to heal me, I would probably ask him to help with my ankles. I have weak ankles, so they sprain easily. Because I have sprained both now, they act up and it's painful. I'd also ask for help with my emotions. Then one of the bigger ones would be that ever since I was 5 I have had a skin condition called psoriasis, it doesn't hurt unless I scratch at it, but it's been on my skin for a long time and it just gets annoying. The fact that he could heal that amazes me. I would feel almost as if I did not deserve for him to take away those things, but I know he would. I know right now though in my life, even though I can't see him, if I have faith and pray for him to help me with the pain in my ankles, or help me feel love towards my siblings..he will heal me. He will help with my pains and my sorrows if only there is faith. He will answer all prayers with love and his healing power, if we but ask in faith. 

Christ lives, and he loves us! He is always there for us and will  heal us from our pains and afflictions. If you are struggling, pray. And he will pour out his great love to you! You will feel the comfort you need and experience the feeling of his compassion for you. 

Goals

This week, (and part of last week) my goal was to stop wasting time and start using to productively. I feel like I accomplished it pretty well. I read three books, made a movie, spent time with family, made a new friend, studied for vanguard better then usual, participated more in class, and read my scriptures more effectively. I found that I had even more time on my hands then usual! For example, today I was done with my schoolwork by 3:45. I felt so good! I really enjoy goal making (especially SMART goals) and being able to accomplish something that I set for myself to accomplish. I love this quote be C. S. Lewis "You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream..."
-Dassia :D

Power of Prayer :)

This quote really matches me lately. On Friday I sprained my right ankle, I was extremely sad because there is so much I'm involved in. I realized I wouldn't be able to drive, ballroom dance, or practice my play much for awhile. These were things I didn't want to give up, but I was in so much pain it hurt to stand, it hurt to even move my foot just a bit. So I got down on my knees(the best I could) and I prayed. It took me awhile to get to sleep that night, but my prayer was answered and I got some good sleep. I woke up and it was well enough for me to walk barely. I wanted to go in and get my foot checked but my parents weren't sure that was the best idea at first, they said to just soak it in Redmond clay and Epsom salts. I felt they were right and I should, so I did. The next day, I felt I needed to wear my brace and just continue trying to walk on it. That day was Fast Sunday. So I bore my testimony on the power of prayer and my prayer was answered. I was given a blessing and was promised to be healed. Today, I can walk almost normal on it. Though the pain is still there, it's gotten a lot better. Because I had faith, my prayer was answered. And because my prayer was answered, my faith was strengthened(it's SO cool how that works!) I know that Gordon B. Hinckley was right when he said "If life gets too hard to stand, kneel." In this case I actually couldn't stand, and I kneeled. And because of that, I am walking with almost no pain, and my faith in the power of prayer is greatly built up. I know that if we pray in faith, we will be blessed. Our answer will come, and we will heal from whatever pain we are experiencing. If life gets too hard to stand, kneel! :)

Good advice

Faith

It's scary to take a step in the dark and move forward before you know what your stepping into; but when we have faith in Christ and when we are willing to take a chance, everything will work out in the end.

Smile!

    

For awhile I was really struggling, things were just not going well and I felt so alone. I got down on my knees and I prayed for help. The answer didn't come too quickly but it did come. After a week or two, breaking down and just feeling like there was no hope, I went into the bathroom for something. When I looked into the mirror, I was frowning. Then I heard a small whisper to smile, I thought "yeah sure, smile? Me.. like I deserve to or want to." But I kept hearing "Smile, you deserve to." So finally, when I looked into the mirror, tears flowing down my face, I smiled a true smile. I knew that was the first step in doing better, in learning to become who my Heavenly Father wants me to be. Each day as I work on smiling, I feel more peace, love and patience. I have a better attitude about things and am able to help others more willingly. So when you are struggling, pray, and smile. You will find comfort and peace. Don't let the world change your smile, use your smile to change the world! :) :) :)

Living Hope

 Each day we are faced with many trials and hardships. We stumble and fall. We feel alone, hurt, unloved, or betrayed. Sometimes we blame our close friends, family, or even ourselves. Sometimes we even blame God. But because of Christ's sacrifice for us, we can find joy and comfort. In the darkest of times, we can find light. Our Lord and Savior will shine a light through the path we should take. He has prepared the way, we just have to find it and be willing to follow it. We must place our hope and our faith in our Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ, and they will help us through. Darkness only succeeds when we let it. So today, shine a light in the path of darkness and make a difference by placing your hope and your faith in the Savior! :)