why are we here?

Today I went on a field trip for a math competition and was surrounded by kids that applied themselves and were more focused than most people I know and it really got me thinking, why are we here? I know the basic answer of getting a body and growing to be able to live with our heavely father, but how does that affect my life? When I see these kids and all that they've done, it makes me feel like I've done nothing :) but then I realize what I've done. I try every day to have a soft heart and be nice to everyone. I do my best to listen to the spirit to try to make my life better. Even though I'm not as good at applying myself as many people and I need to work on it, I can do some things. Last week I met a girl who is new to this school. She was insecure, friendless, lost, and scared, and she reminded me a lot of me a year and a half ago. I invited her to sit with me in the cafeteria and a few days later we sat with some really nice girls who don't judge. They started talking and for the first time I had known her she smiled and really wasn't scared or nervous anymore. On the way to our next class she told me thank you. I think that is the meaning of life. Looking and listening enough to see when someone really needs help and to care enough about them to love them for who they are and help them. I can tell you that I don't think I've had a better feeling than when she smiled at me and said thank you.

President Uchtdorf said, "Love is the healing balm that repairs rifts in personal and family relationships. It is the bond that unites families, communities, and nations. Love is the power that initiates friendship, tolerance, civility, and respect. It is the source that overcomes divisiveness and hate. Love is the fire that warms our lives with unparalleled joy and divine hope. Love should be our walk and our talk.

When we truly understand what it means to love as Jesus Christ loves us, the confusion clears and our priorities align. Our walk as disciples of Christ becomes more joyful. Our lives take on new meaning. Our relationship with our Heavenly Father becomes more profound. Obedience becomes a joy rather than a burden."
I hope that someday,my life can take on new meaning and I can "Love my neighbor as myself" (Mat. 5:43-44)

school starting

Tomorrow school begins and i get to see everyone again! it's funny how much you miss all the people you are friends with both you don't really know outside of school. well along with friends at school comes learning and homework again, but that shouldn't be all that bad anyways because it's senior year and everything is so easy! I'm actually kind of excited to start leaning again after being so vegetated for so long :) these past two weeks have been very fun and relaxing. A lot of my family has been over and so everything has been very busy, but in an unstressful, and fun sort of way. I have also realized how much I am blessed by Heavenly Father down here. He makes me a better leader than i would ever be without him, he blesses me with his spirit constantly, he forgives me constantly, and in as many ways as I look, he shows me his deep, endless, and timeless love for me that keeps me going throughout the day. I am so thankful for him.

changing

last night I went to an old friends party from college. It surprised me how much everyone had changed and how much everyone hadn't. Sarah and Tori are still really close. Lindsey was still friends with everyone. Miranda is still as happy as ever. Alec still made me nervous :) But then I saw how Sarah was so happy, if not a little scared, Tori was more open to everyone. Alec had found himself and was definitely ready to go on a mission. Lindsey had grown and realized that she was her own, and Miranda now knew that this would never last. I wonder how I've changed?

The leaving of a best friend

Well, Jake Nelson is leaving on a mission for two years in which time i will not be able to talk to him again, and i will leave also before he gets back. I'm going to miss him very much and know that he's doing the best possible thing he could ever do in his life right now. He is going to serve the Lord for two straight years and will be blessed for it more than he even understands right now. I am so thankful for his friendship in my life and wish him the best of luck!

A challenge of happiness

A few days ago Mikayla Heywood challenged me to say three things i'm thankful for every day since thanksgiving and it has made life so much better! When life has been getting rough around the edges, i think of some of the things i said, and it really doesn't seem all that bad anymore. So here goes...
1. A Heavenly Father who loves me more than i will ever understand
2. A Savior who, with this same love, denied himself all security and took on every single pain i have ever had.
3. A supporting, close, and stable family that is always there for me.
4. Such great friends!