BE.

Life has a funny way of showing us what it thinks we need to be. All that surrounds us, the media, the people, the ever evolving change of each generation...constantly trying to create this idea of how we should act, think, look, dress, and express ourselves. If we don't fit into that mold created for us, we are no longer suited as acceptable. Though being "different" has always been desired, its never truly been appreciated to just BE. No pretense, no work at being SOMETHING. Just enjoying the ability to BE ourselves, whatever that looks like. We don't have to try to be something we are not meant to be. Nor should we just accept being nothing. But being our BEST selves, that very almost perfect version of who we want to be, and who we know we can be...that is ideal.

Droplets

Tonight I was sitting in a church meeting, gathering all the youth and talking to them about service and love. One of the speakers mentioned Mother Teresa, and her comment about if she were to do nothing, it would be as if one drop of the ocean was lost. Speaking how every single person, no matter who they are, can make a difference, even if it is small...it makes ALL the difference. I found this quote from her on many different websites and I just wanted to share my thoughts on it for a moment.

Life is not about riding through the storms...making due with what we have, and just enduring it. Its about finding joy along the journey, even if its not the easiest or happiest journey. This is something I struggle with, as I am sure many people do. We feel accomplished that we are enduring with what we are given. But its not about enduring. Its about enduring well. And as we endure, we must learn to be happy, and learn to love. That is the entire point of coming to this earth. So why not make someone else happy in the process of the journey you are on to accomplish the same thing? It will make all the difference, and allow you the opportunity to enjoy your life more. Wherever you go, share your love. NO matter how small, or simple. Show you care. Get out of yourself, get out of your comfort zone, and just be kind. Be selfless. Not all the time. But a lot of the time. In this, you find true happiness.

Life is Precious.

As you are faced with death, through family/friends/acquaintances...life seems to bring on a whole new meaning for a time. This meaning should be life altering, and often times it is. But when it comes down to the core...the truth is, that LIFE IS PRECIOUS. Beyond our understanding. Something that, if we truly had the knowledge behind this truth, I think we would all look at the world a little differently. I find it a beautiful thing when you come close to a special someone who has gone to the other side. The world will never be the same, there will always be that little spark, once inflamed by a special spirit, now gone. Granted, I believe in life here after, and I know they are doing a marvelous work on the other side. It makes it easier to die, knowing you will be reunited with those you love waiting for you. But that doesn't change the fact that mortal life, living breath is as precious as the sun and moon in the sky. Never truly comprehending the exact miraculous creation that we are as human beings. Each one of us, being children of a powerful God, have a divine purpose and reason for being here, where we are, at this time. That makes life, your specific life, precious. Knowing there is a reason for all things. Some people come into this life to change history (the lightbulb, electricity, technology, etc.), Some come to change others lives and how they live (Abraham Lincoln, Martin Luther King, etc). And some come just to create life and live under God (mothers, fathers, grandmothers...family). Just by knowing that every soul is precious in the sight of God, and that every one of us is important in some way, makes life a little bit more beautiful and magical, don't you think? Never underestimate how important you are as an individal. You never know the lives you can touch, or even change, just by being you. Love the life you have been given. Embrace the knowledge that you are incredible. To yourself, to others around you, and to a loving immaculate God. You ARE precious.

Beauty.

"Be soft. Do not let the world make you hard. Do not let the pain make you hate. Do not let the bitterness steal your sweetness."

This is such a powerful quote. To me, this is what defines pure REAL beauty. Softness, kindness, sweetness. Those are characteristics that make a person, any person--into something beautiful. Too often we find that in the world we are surrounded by ugly people--people filled with HATE, ENVY, JEALOUSLY, REVENGE, BITTERNESS, GREED, DISHONESTY, etc. What happened to decency? Honesty? Love? Charity? Consideration? Times are changing, and humanity is being thrown out the window. We live in a world full of selfishness. But that doesnt mean we cant be the ones setting the stage for a better tomorrow. Find your gift, share it with the world, and let people see YOUR true beauty. Let others come unto Christ, and desire to know him better, because they know you--seeing him in your countenance. That is what will make you a truly beautiful person.

"Be kinder than necessary because everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle."

I felt like this quote was the perfect opening to my come-back post. Its been almost a year since my last one, and a lot has changed being a mother (of the cutest boy ever). But one thing has not changed--my heart and desire to constantly overcome weaknesses. This is my newest one. Enjoy! :)

“Judge not, that ye be not judged. For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again." -Matt 7:1-2

I am sure, as women, we all struggle with this. It is one of the most natural things to do sometimes--judge others. Even when I dont mean to, I catch myself making a judgement on someone I DONT EVEN KNOW, simply from something that was said or seen. Not always negative, but definitely not always accurate. Why do we do this? I am not entirely sure--I just blame it on the imperfection of man. haha But in all seriousness, this is the furthest attribute to becoming more Christ like. 
I, for one, hate when people judge me, especially when they dont even know me. Too young, immaturity, too naive, not capable, or my favorite--ditzy. So I like to laugh, sue me! Life is hard enough as it is to be serious all the time. This one I have learned the hard way. But regardless, no one likes to be judged! Just like the saying, "dont judge a book by its cover", or the one I quoted earlier "be kinder than necessary because everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle". You have NO idea the struggles someone else is going through. Everyone acts the way they do for a reason (even if it is unknown to them). I cannot begin to imagine the battles that people I have judged, have or are going through--if I knew, I would be ashamed of myself. I am always trying to understand people and why they do the things they do, and yet I still catch myself creating judgements when I shouldnt, even when I understand WHY. What is the answer? How do we overcome this? Just like for everything else, the answer is LOVE. You cant judge someone when you learn to truly love them. Give people the benefit of the doubt. Think the best of them, until they give you a real reason to think the worst. Most often times they wont. People are just people, struggling the same way I am...and you are. When you find reasons to love, hate and judgement leave. Its that simple. Not always that easy...but I know, from personal experience, that when we choose to love people, in spite of all our weaknesses, we ultimately see the beauty and the blessing behind it. Lets LOVE. <3 font="">

“We must never lose sight of the strength of the women. … It is mothers who most directly affect the lives of their children. … It is mothers who nurture them and bring them up in the ways of the Lord. Their influence is paramount. …

“… They are the creators of life. They are the nurturers of children. They are the teachers of young women. They are our indispensable companions. They are our co-workers in building the kingdom of God. How great is their role, how marvelous their contribution.” -President Gordon B. Hinckley

This is a quote from our past beloved prophet...that really struck me. I don't know if its because Im about to become a mother myself, or if I feel strongly about this because of the influence of mothers I see around me, but it absolutely hit home for me. I feel, in society as it is today, we often forget or don't notice or devalue the influence of women-especially MOTHERS. I feel, it is because of that-our lack in valuing our mothers-that mothers aren't getting the proper notice, and therefore feel they aren't good enough in today's world. Not being able to juggle a hundred different things at once, and now try to do it ALL, resorting in more focus on worldly things, and less focus on the home and rearing children. Because of this...I feel that is why our continual generations of children...are becoming less and less respectful, strong, and ambitious. As mothers, its our duty to rear our children in the right things...and as President Hinckley stated, bring them up in the ways of the Lord. WE create life. WE nurture children. WE are the teachers. WE are the indispensable companions to our spouses. WE have a role in this life, and in the lives of those around us. If we realize how important our roles are as mothers, and the effect we CAN have, I think it will help us to want to encourage other mothers around us to feel the same way. And if all of us, as a group, as women of society, encourage each other into being the best mothers we can be, imagine how much stronger our children will turn out. We may not receive any validation or encouragement from the world. We may not be valued by being "just" a stay a home mom. We may even be looked down upon at not being a career women or having the best fit bodies or the cutest Pinterest house. But that is NOT our role, nor our calling. We were not given the power to procreate and bring life into this world just to focus on not being like the Jones's. We have a sacred obligation, and we need to stick together and lift each other up. Our influence is so powerful, it can make or break an entire generation-and the generations to come. IMAGINE how POWERFUL that IS. If only we truly understood the power within ourselves...like the Lord does. Love yourself, and your children enough to put the priorities of the Lord first. Thats what truly matters. That is what will bring more righteous children into the world, and that is what will make a difference.

Be Your BEST Self.

This blog has become my absolute favorite. I have read so many posts and I am truly obsessed. This one in particular is one I wanted to share on my own blog. Mara has a beautiful way of putting everything into perspective, and I love the step by step form of how to find the perfect you! Please check it out!!!

http://www.ablogaboutlove.com/2011/11/become-your-best-self_11.html

I have always wanted to focus on this topic. 

My favorite thing in the world is love, as anyone who knows me--its my theme of life. But love is such a general topic. I usually focus on love coming from our Savior Jesus Christ-how he is are all-and how he is what will get us to where we need to me. Without him...we are nothing. We need his love, as we need to love him. I also like to focus on loving others--this is where true growth comes from, when we can expand our love to the outside world. Especially with those that are hard to love. But today... and this year's theme, is going to be loving YOURSELF. I have found that all these focus's are correlated to each other. We obviously cant have one without the other. But from personal experience, we cant really fully learn to LOVE others and LOVE the Lord...until we first, love ourselves. 

The blog post link shares many different ways of being the best YOU. I agree wholeheartedly with everything that Mara shares. She took the words out of my mouth! But to get to the point of really focusing on wanting to grow is that desire within ourselves that she starts with. How do we gain a desire to want to love ourself better? If anyone is like me, this just sounds selfish off the bat! Love MYSELF better? haha But honestly...there is so much power behind that. If we cannot except ourselves the way we are, and want to strive to be better for US as individuals, why/how could we possibly deeply love other people, when we dont even want/or think we need to love ourselves? We cant. Finding a happy silent confidence within ourself is just the ticket. Knowing we have worth, we have something to offer to the world, and desiring to actually share that. Life is what YOU make of it. Not anyone else. Believe in yourself. Know you are capable of great, amazing things. Find that strength within you...and become the best version of YOU.

"Have a heart that never hardens, a temper that never tires, and a touch that never hurts." 

-Charles Dickens

Love

Love is but the discovery of ourselves in others, and the delight in the recognition.

-Alexander Smith

Food for thought.

“Sometimes good things fall apart so better things can fall together.” -Marilyn Monroe

“When in doubt, choose change.” -Lily Leung

and my personal favorite....

“Lay a firm foundation with the bricks that others throw at you.” -David Brinkle

These quotes all have to do with overcoming the obvious. Someone hurting you. Adversity. Obstacles. The things that are inevitable and yet we constantly face. Lets never forget who we are. What we stand for. And that we MATTER. No matter how hard it gets..no matter who lets us down...no matter what life throws us at. We are a person...a human being...a miracle from God. We have feelings...we have emotions. We are allowed to feel, and to be. BE YOU. <3

I stole this from another encouraging blog, and LOVE IT. Enjoy!! DON'T be AFRAID to DREAM BIG! Posted: 01 Dec 2011 01:34 PM PST (posted by Christina) Let nothing hold you back from exploring your wildest fantasies, wishes, and aspirations. Don't be afraid to dream big and to follow your dreams wherever they may lead you. Open your eyes to their beauty; open your mind to their magic; open your heart to their possibilities. Dare to dream. Whether they are in color or in black and white, whether they are big or small, easily attainable or almost impossible, look to your dreams, and make them become reality. Wishes and hopes are nothing until you take the first step towards making them something! Dare to dream. Because only by dreaming, will you ever discover who you are, what you want, and what you can do. Don't be afraid to take risks, to become involved, to make commitment. Do whatever it takes to make your dreams come true. Always believe in miracles, and always believe in you!

HOPE

I found this saying on another encouraging blog by Kristen, and I wanted to share it. I absolutely loved it!!! Enjoy :)

If you can look at the sunset and smile, Then you still have hope.

If you can find beauty in the colors of a small flower, Then you still have hope.

If you can find pleasure in the movement of a butterfly, Then you still have hope.

If the smile of a child can still warm your heart, Then you still have hope.

If you can see the good in other people, Then you still have hope.

If the rain breaking on a roof top can still lull you to Sleep, then you still have hope.

If the sight of a rainbow still makes you stop and stare in wonder, then you still have hope.

If the soft fur of a favored pet still feels pleasant under your fingertips, then you still have hope.

If you meet new people with a trace of excitement and Optimism, then you still have hope.

If you give people the benefit of a doubt, Then you still have hope.

If you still offer your hand in friendship to others that have touched your life, then you still have hope.

If receiving an unexpected card or letter still brings a pleasant surprise, then you still have hope.

If the suffering of others still fills you with pain and frustration, then you still have hope.

If you refuse to let a friendship die, or accept that it must end, then you still have hope.

If you look forward to a time or place of quiet and reflection, then you still have hope.

If you still watch love stories or want the endings to be happy, then you still have hope.

If you can look to the past and smile, then you still have hope.

If, when faced with the bad, when told everything is futile, you can still look up and end the conversation with the phrase... "yeah... BUT..." then you still have hope.

Hope is such a marvelous thing. It bends, it twists, it sometimes hides, but rarely does it break. It sustains us when nothing else can. It gives us reason to continue and courage to move ahead, when we tell ourselves we'd rather give in. Hope puts a smile on our face when the heart cannot manage. Hope puts our feet on the path when our eyes cannot see it. Hope moves us to act when our souls are confused of the Direction. Hope is a wonderful thing, something to be cherished and nurtured, and something that will refresh us in return. And it can be found in each of us, and it can bring light into the darkest of places.

Never lose hope.

Love, Chastened, Growth.

"For of him unto whom much is given much is required; and he who sins against the greater light shall receive the greater condemnation." D&C 82:3

"For whom the Lord loveth he ^achasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth." Hebrews 12:6

"And I did read many things unto them which were written in the books of Moses; but that I might more fully persuade them to believe in the Lord their Redeemer I did read unto them that which was written by the prophet Isaiah; for I did liken all scriptures unto us, that it might be for our profit and learning." 1 Ne 19:23

These three scriptures have always made an impact on me, ever since I was little. When I was thinking what to write about today, all three scriptures came to mind. So the highlighted words are what I am focusing on. :)

The Lord is a wonderful God. He is almighty, all knowing, all powerful, and he LOVES us. Why? Because we are his children. His creation. His divinity. And he SEES our potential...to be as he is. Through his love for us. BUT...that cannot happen without much trial and tribulation. Many people do not understand, and cannot fathom if the Lord loves us, why would he allow bad things to happen to us, especially if we are doing "whats right". Heres the written word--proof. First, where much is given, much is required. If he believes we are divine potential, and knows are capability to become something magnificent, he is going to give us more, to help us become that person. He has a great plan for each one of his children, there for, much is required on our end. We must acknowledge Gods trust in us to fulfill his plan for us--unique to each one of us. Second, he chastens those who he loves. If your life went perfectly, you always got everything you ever wanted, nothing went wrong...would you need God? No. Never. You would never need a reason to turn to him, rely on him, focus on HIM. The times we turn to him most, is when? When were suffering. We also would not acknowledge his goodness and blessings towards us because we wouldn't see them as that. We only learn to appreciate GOOD from experiencing BAD. Learning opposition in all things. Thats where the third scripture applies. It is ALL for OUR profit and learning. Just like all the prophets and apostles of old, who did nothing but preach Gods word...look at all they endured? Just like likening the scriptures to our lives--helps us grow. Using the every day experiences we have, good or bad, and using the scriptures to help us through that life experience. Everything we go through is for OUR learning, OUR growth. We become stronger, better, brighter, happier as we learn to allow Gods hand in our lives, and through his written words. He loves us. He wants us to be happy. He allows negative things to happen to help us GROW and become one step closer to being like him--the all knowing God and Savior of the world. He is our example. We cant become sanctified and Christlike without cleansing, without needing a reason to be renewed, forgiven and receive a helping hand. It just isn't done. Feel encouraged, that the Lord loves you. He is there for you to lift you up when you feel small, to carry your burdens when you cant handle them anymore, to lighten your load, and to make you feel exactly how you should. A son/daughter of God. Divine. Accepted. Loved. Appreciated. Adored. Can it get any more magnificent than that? I believe not.

Light

"He is the light and the life of the world; yea, a light that is endless, that can never be darkened; yea, and also a life which is endless, that there can be no more death." Mosiah 16:9
The Lord is our light...he leads the way. With him there is no darkness, no fear. Only HE is the life of the world. The joy. The happiness. The peace. He IS the way, the truth, and the life.

Adveristy.

After Abraham had patiently endured, he obtained the promise, Heb. 6:15

All thrones and dominions shall be set forth upon all who have endured valiantly for the gospel of Jesus Christ, D&C 121:29

Adversity is one of the hardest parts about this earth life. We strive as hard as we can to live a "normal easy life" like everyone else...but what does that even mean? Trials and adversity are here for our own good. They provide character. They establish patience and endurance. They mold us into becoming more Christlike, which is our ultimate goal. Its hard to see all this while going through them though.

It seems like every time there is something really good and really powerful about to occur in life, there is always a lot of opposition leading up to it. Just like when people decide to get baptized. Opposition comes, and adversity strikes, to try and steer those away from making the best decision to change their life forever; to create a whole new generation of members in the church. Some fail to recognize this and fall deep into despair. They cant pick themselves back up and they walk way, because its just too hard. Often times this also happens when those prepare to enter the temple. Same things happens. Why? Because the adversary doesnt want more righteous and valiant saints. He doesnt want us to be strong and everlasting. He doesnt want us to serve in the right church and come closer to God and eternal salvation. He doesnt want us to become so enrapt in helping others and leading others to do the same- to follow Christ. So he tries in every way possible to break that. To create reasonable and believable ideas in our minds that, it just cant be right, or making us feel inadequate, or make us doubt our decision after we already prayed and received an answer, create anger and frustration inside of us over any little thing to make us want to give up hope. Thats his plan. Thats his goal. He has been studying us for thousands of years and knows all of our weaknesses...and thats his target. Hit us where it hurts. Where we really can hardly hold on anymore.

The wonderful most beautiful blessing in all of this is, there is way out. The Savior. He suffered for us to help us get through this mortal existence. He can provide the strength that we need. He can help us get through those moments. He places people (or in my words-angels) in our lives to help us when we struggle or when we dont even recognize it in ourselves. We arent meant to walk alone. We arent meant to BE alone. Thats what we have the Savior for. Thats what we have people-friends family and wards-for. From the wonderful words of Elder Jeffery R. Holland, my favorite apostle, "Beware the Tempation to retreat from a good thing (or a bad thing). If it was right when you prayed about it (or wrong) and trusted in it, it is right now." Be strong. Know that the Lord is on your side and WANTS you to be happy. Satan wants you to be miserable and steer far away from GOOD. Remember who is on your side. Follow your gut...and your heart. It will always lead you back to where you belong. If we endure the temptation..if we stick the path we know we should be on...we will be able to have exaltation with God. What is better than that?

WOMEN.

"There is a great power that emanates from good women who, in the midst of the pressures of the day, arise above their challenges in a mighty force for righteousness." - Kapp

"A woman's heart should be so lost in God that a man must seek Him in order to find her." -Unknown

-These are two of my favorite quotes on the power that women have. We do not even begin to understand the power within ourselves...to change lives, through love, understanding, nuturing hearts that we, as women, have been blessed with. A thirst for righteousness...a thirst to do good and to be good. That alone will do great and marvelous things in the world. We ARE wonderful. We CAN do great things. We WILL change the world. Through the Lord anything is possible, and we can do all things. Allow people to know the Savior because they know YOU.

Something New.

So today I decided to try a little something different. I decided to post one of my poems on my blog. Never been public before. So tell me what you think :)

Along the Road

Taking it day by day...waiting for some clarity and direction along the way.

Take this heart of mine-shape it into your desire.

Love me, accept me, prove me.

Show me all the life lessons I need to acquire.

Along this road, that we call life.

One step in front of the other.

Struggling, learning, growing.

Allowing our bodies and minds to fully strive.

Access to another world. Another perspective. Another mind. Dont miss a beat, or you could fall desperately behind.

Focus. Stay on track. Dont loose hope.

Misinterpretation, misguided...always leads to growth.

Taking a breath. Breathing...in and out. Never understanding what this life is all about.

Don't loose faith...along this road. Words unspoken..life changing-untold.

All we have is the day up ahead.

New experience. Learning from past mistakes. Disappointments.

Yeseterday-rejection. Today-new direction. Tomorrow-can lead to perfection.

This is all we need. A new day ahead...along this road...accumulating perfection...quite magnificent indeed.

"Imagine yourself as a living house. God comes in to rebuild that house. At first, perhaps, you can understand what he is doing. He is getting the drains right and stopping the leaks in the roof and so on; you knew that those jobs needed doing and so you are not surprised. But presently he starts knocking the house about in a way that hurts abdominable and does not seem to make any sense. What on earth is he up to? The explanation is that he is building quite a different house from the one you thought of-throwing out a new wing here, putting on an extra floor there, running up towers, making courtyards. You thought you were being made into a decent little cottage: but he is building a palace. He intends to come and live in it himself." -C.S. Lewis

-SO POWERFUL. I love this. <3

Reflection...

I've been thinking back on many moments in my life recently...and it has allowed me to come to a realization and even MORE of a comfirmation that everything truly does happen for a reason, and its all apart of God's plan. It is often times hard to believe this. Many times...we have moments in our lives of doubt, confusion, misunderstanding, or even self pity and sadness-feeling as if God isnt listening to our prayers, things arent happening right or the way they should, or the famous lines that we confine ourselves to of "life isnt fair". This is completely and 100% false. Though it is ridiculously easy to give into and believe this idea. Every moment in our lives...whether good or bad...happy or sad...tough or easy...is literally ALL apart of God's plan.

Every step you take, every decision you make, every incident and experience thrusted upon you, is all apart of the bigger picture. Those moments get you to now. Here. And THAT is beautiful. THAT... is powerful. Life in this moment. The capacity to do miraclous things...to live outrageous and life changing experiences...the freedom and ability to choose, and make choices...the unlimited possibilities. Incredible moments. You cant change WHAT has happened to you. You cant change choices you make last week or a year ago. You cant determine or predict what will happen tomorrow. But you can live for today. You can make choices for yourself today. You can change whatever you want today. Today....you can make every moment matter...every moment cherished. People, come and go in our lives. They can hurt you and they can move you. Situations always change. Friendships can be made and taken away. Jobs can be given and lost. Health can be good and bad. There can be trials and there can be blessings. But every moment spent in whatever way, leads you to now. Grows you. Moves you. Changes you. Strengthens you. And allows you the opportunity to be exactly what you want to be, and exactly what God wants you to be. Think back on your life...what would you change? I wouldnt change a thing. Its brought me to this moment. And this moment is exactly where I should be. Unlimited possibilities.

“Only as high as I reach can I grow, only as far as I seek can I go, only as deep as I look can I see, only as much as I dream can I be.” -Karen Ravn

WE are in control of our lives, of our happiness, and of our destiny. Only through ourselves, with God's infinite power, can we achieve greatness. No one else can grant us with that.