Day 73

Sorry I didn't post the past couple days!  On Friday friend Casey came from Oregon so we hung out the whole day and some of Saturday.  It's so fun to see people who you haven't seen in such a long time.  I never realized it at the time (well I did, but not in the same way) that I had such amazing high school friends.  I was blessed to be around people who made me want to be a better person, and who were always loving and encouraging.

Anyway, in the morning (after class) I went to go pick up Casey in Salt Lake and then we came back down to Provo.  That afternoon we got lunch at the Cannon Center, took Meihua to get a passport, hung out at Meihua's apartment, dropped off Kanai at the airport, ate at Olive Garden (we ate way too much food haha, but the breadsticks were amazing), and got a cazookie at the Chocolate.  Overall, we didn't do anything too eventful, but the important part was that I was hanging out with one of my best friends. :)

How grateful I am to have such wonderful friends and family!

Day 72

Last night I was watching an episode of a television show called "The West Wing."  I must've talked about this show before because I absolutely love it!  It is a fictional tv show about the daily happenings in the West Wing of the White House.  Anyway, in this particular episode the President's youngest daughter is kidnapped, which causes him to invoke the 25th Amendment.  The third section of the Twenty-Fifth Amendment says that whenever the President sends a written declaration to Congress declaring that he is unable to perform the duties of his office, the Vice President will take over until the President sends a second letter saying that he is ready to resume.  Well, unfortunately they didn't have a vice president because he had resigned just before due to a scandal he was involved in.  Therefore, the Speaker of the House took over the office of the President of the United States.  When the Speaker was being sworn in, one of the phrases that stuck with me was, "That I shall thankfully execute the office of President of the United States."  I have no idea exactly what that means, but the word thankfully caught me by surprise.  Why would the Founding Fathers have wanted to use thankfully instead of faithfully or diligently?  What is so special about the word "thankfully?"

According to the 1828 dictionary, thankfully is an adverb defined as, "with a grateful sense of favor or kindness received."  Now, I may be completely wrong, but I think that thankfully could be replaced with humbly and gratefully.  The President is our (the citizens of the United States) servant.  We put him into office so that he could serve our interests to the best of his ability.  When he accepts the call to become the President of the United States he should do it with gratitude and humility for the great honor which has been bestowed upon him.  He is told to be a little like Christ when Christ said that whoever is greatest among you, let him be your servant, and also like Christ when he washed the feet of his disciples.  The President of the United States is one of the most powerful men in the world, yet he should fulfill his duty thankfully.

There is a lot that I got out of this one phrase.  I may not be right at all, but learning all of this makes me want to become more humble.  If the President of the United States has sworn to execute his office (one of the most powerful and difficult jobs in the world) "with a grateful sense of favor or kindness received," then I can execute my roles with humility and gratitude as well.

Day 71

Recently, I've been doing well in every class in school except for economics.  For some reason I just wasn't understanding.  I'd study hard, go to class, and do my best on the test, but I just couldn't perform.  So just before this last test I was seriously considering withdrawing from the class.  It was a big decision for me because I need to take econ for my major, but I want to get a good grade in the class.  I called my parents and my friends for advice on what to do and then I prayed to Heavenly Father.  At the time I got no clear answer, but I decided that I would take the test and if I got an A on it, I would not withdraw.  Well it turns out that I got a B+, which was quite shocking.  I couldn't believe I had done so well, while at the same time I couldn't decide whether or not to continue in the course.  However, after a bit of pondering I had an overwhelming confirmation that staying in the class would be the best thing for me.  The confirmation came in a calm feeling that came over me despite all the anxiety I'd had over the decision.  It was nice to know that I was doing the right thing.

I'm so grateful to have a Heavenly Father who loves me.  A Heavenly Father who would never lead me astray and who is always there to guide, counsel, and protect me.  I don't know what I'd do without his help.

Day 70

I want to make a difference in the world.  I want to be an influence for good in the world.  I want to be successful in my career and just do the very best that I can.  I want to be one of the most hardworking, influential people of my generation. That seems like a lot to want (and there's even more to it), but it's what has always been my dream.  Recently though, I've been feeling really discouraged and those dreams seem to be moving farther out of my grasp.  I don't know exactly what I want to do anymore, and I have no sense of what career path I want to take and how I plan to go about it.  So today I kind of broke down...ok I really broke down and called my parents.  I was in tears and just couldn't understand why things seemed so crazy.  I was talking to my dad about how I want so badly to be successful and have an influence in the world.  What he said next humbled me.

He asked, "who has had the most influence on your life?  Papa (my grandpa) right?"  I couldn't deny it because Papa has probably has been one of the most influential people in my life; not the president or the secretary general of the UN, my grandfather.  He left everything just to take care of me and my brother.  He even lived away from my grandma for several years to take care of my brother while my dad was in residency in Utah.  My papa is the most selfless man I know and he has been an incredible example for me.  What my dad said helped me to recognize that it's not so much about the scope of your influence but rather the intensity (is that the right word?).  I should focus on what I can control and love the people around me the best that I can.  I'm so grateful for the wise counsel I often get from my parents.

Day 69

The weirdest thing happened in Relief Society today!  We were singing the closing hymn, "As Sisters In Zion," and while we were on the second verse I suddenly started tearing up to the point where I couldn't hold it in anymore.  I honestly have no clue what occurred inside of me, but the music touched me.  We as sisters bear such special gifts.  We are literally daughters of a loving Heavenly Father who is always watching over us and wants so badly for us to realize our full potential.

I'm not quite sure what the errand of angels means, but this is what I've come up with.  One of the definitions of errand according to dictionary.com is, "a special mission or function entrusted to a messenger; commission."  As women we have the unique gift/mission of the errand of angels.  We have been entrusted to do the work of angels.  That seems like a daunting task, but it really isn't.  As women, we naturally have qualities that make us much like angels.  The last verse really makes everything clear to me.  "As sisters in zion" there is so much work for us to do, and the way that we will accomplish everything that we need to is by the Spirit.  "Oh, naught but the Spirit's divinest tuition/Can give us the wisdom to truly succeed."  By following the example of Christ and the whisperings of the Spirit, we will succeed.

This is the perfect song for sister missionaries especially.  This is our purpose, our mission, the reason why we're doing what we do!  I'm not sure how this relates exactly, but speaking of missions, preparing for a mission hasn't been the easiest thing.  Satan is working so hard to get me to give up because things seem a little too hard or too complicated.  I've been getting anxious over the tiniest things, and I often feel as though I'm inadequate.  I get scared of being separated from my family for 18 months, and the thought of possibly having to communicate the gospel to people in a language I don't know is quite intimidating.  I'm not going to let that stop me from serving a mission though, and I've found strength as I've turned to Heavenly Father for help.  However, Satan will be working full time against me and for others preparing for missions so it's not going to be easy.  I'm just so grateful that I have a Heavenly Father and a Savior who know what I am going through and who will always be there to help me.

1. 1. As sisters in Zion, we'll all work together;
   The blessings of God on our labors we'll seek.
   We'll build up his kingdom with earnest endeavor;
   We'll comfort the weary and strengthen the weak.
2. 2. The errand of angels is given to women;
   And this is a gift that, as sisters, we claim:
   To do whatsoever is gentle and human,
   To cheer and to bless in humanity's name.
3. 3. How vast is our purpose, how broad is our mission,
   If we but fulfill it in spirit and deed.
   Oh, naught but the Spirit's divinest tuition
   Can give us the wisdom to truly succeed.
4. Text: Emily H. Woodmansee, 1836-1906
   Music: Janice Kapp Perry, b. 1938. (c) 1985 IRI
   
   

Day 68

This weekend was amazing!  I did so many fun things with my friends :)  I've realized that happiness doesn't just come, you make it happen; you can choose to be happy and do exciting things or you can choose not to.  Today, Brittany and I even hiked the Y!  It was tough, but so worth it.  The view at the top and the good work out that we got made up for everything else.  The hike was a little more difficult than I expected it to be and I found myself getting tired pretty easily.  The whole while, I was thinking about how I just wanted to get to the top so that we could see what was up there and come back down and go to Jamba Juice (Jamba is really what kept me motivated lol).  Anyway, whenever I started to complain in my mind, a story that was told at General Conference kept coming into my mind (I forgot who it was by).  Anyway, the gist of it is that they were on a hike and one person kept asking how far do we have to go, and the other answered by saying that instead of asking how much they had left, they should look how far we've come.  Life isn't so much about reaching the end.  The experiences that we have aren't just there to finish and get over with, they're there to help us grow so that whenever we look back on our lives we'll be able to see how much we've grown and how far we've come.

I hope that made sense, because it made sense in my mind!  Anyway, have a wonderful day :)

Day 67

Today I just want to express my gratitude for the wonderful weather that has come to Utah Valley!!  Yesterday the temperature was up in the 70s and today it was in the 60s.  I can't even explain how amazing it feels to walk outside and not have to wear ten billion layers and still freeze :)  When the weather gets nice it seems like everyone is a lot more lively and happy.  That is definitely the best part about the warm, sunny weather.  It brings people together.  People aren't confining themselves to the indoors but rather they're playing or hanging out outside.

This can be used as an analogy for a gospel topic!  Whooo!  When we go through trials it's like winter weather that can sometimes even go below zero; you're stuck in snow storms and the sun never seems to show itself.  However, once the weather turns up even a little bit you are so much more grateful for the sunshine and warmth than if you hadn't gone through the winter.  It's the same way with trials.  Trials seem really difficult while we're going through them, but after we've gotten through them we become so much more appreciative of the things around us.

Day 66

In political science class on Tuesday we watched a documentary called "Seoul Train."  It is about an organization called the "Underground Railroad" that works to get North Korean refugees out of North Korea and to South Korea.  The conditions in North Korea are terrible and people risk their lives when they attempt to escape.  It's not over once they cross the border into China though.  If China found out that these people were North Korean, they'd send them straight back to their country where they would be tortured even more because they betrayed the government.  The path to South Korea is dangerous for both the refugees and their aids.  This documentary nearly broke my heart as I watched innocent people, even a 2 year old child and a 17 year old girl, get caught and sent to prison.  All these people want is freedom and refuge from the awful conditions in North Korea, but the Chinese government doesn't seem to understand that.

I can't even begin to describe how grateful I am to live in the United States of America.  We are a country built on the foundation of freedom and liberty for all.  From the very beginning America has been a place of refuge for those who were persecuted in their former homes.  America is in no way perfect, but it sure is close.  I know that our founding fathers were truly inspired by God to create the country the way that they did.  I have been blessed to live in a spectacular country in a wonderful home with loving parents.  I am forever grateful.

Here's the entire documentary (I think).  It is so worth your time!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7AZ4XvCXb20

Day 65

"Nevertheless, ye shall not cast him out of your synagogues, or your places of worship, for unto such shall ye continue to minister; for ye know not but what they will return and repent, and come unto me with full purpose of heart, and I shall heal them; and ye shall be the means of bringing salvation unto them" (3 Nephi 18:32).

My grandpa comes from a pioneer family.  He was born and raised in Heber, Utah as a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.  At age 17 he left home and joined the army.  After leaving, he never went back to church.  Somehow, my dad and twin brother made it back into the church even though their parents never went to church (which was a blessing for my family).  Fast forward to my lifetime--the only time my grandpa would ever come to church is if one of us asked him to because we were performing or giving a talk.  Every night my dad would go over and read the scriptures with Grandpa (he never ever gave up on grandpa).  Still, we couldn't get him to come back to church.

Recently, my Grandpa had a heart attack in which he very well could've died.  It was scary and he was in the ICU for a long time (or what seemed like a long time).  Miraculously, he made it out and is now back at home.  Anyway, while he was in the hospital my dad told me that Grandpa wanted to start coming back to church.  He has had a complete change of heart.  I'm not quite sure when the "a-ha" moment was for him, but all I know is that it is truly a miracle that he has come around again.  I don't like to admit it, but I almost thought that my grandpa would move to the next life without having come back to church.  It made me sad, but I wasn't sure that there was much I could do about it because it was ultimately his decision.  However, the Lord knows and loves all his children and it is never ever too late to turn around.  It took Grandpa until he was 85 to come back to church; proving that it is never too late to begin again and to turn to the Lord.  He is patiently waiting with open arms.

So back to the scripture at the top.  Today in Book of Mormon class we were learning about Christ's appearance to the Nephites.  One of the scriptures that we studied was this one.  The principle in it is that even if someone falls away or sins we should never give up on them.  We need to help them and love them and welcome them because you never know when they might turn around.

Grandpa doesn't really like to take pictures,
but I caught him when we were in Hokkaido!

Day 64

Yesterday I had the opportunity to donate blood.  I was scared out of my mind, but I ended up doing it anyway (kind of on a whim haha).  It turned out that it wasn't as terrifying as I had expected and I felt perfectly normal afterwards.  I even touched the bag filled with my blood! lol. It was warm.

What a blessing it is to be healthy enough to give blood.  I never really thought about it before, but there are many people in the world who may be willing to give blood but can't donate because they have some kind of illness or don't meet some of the other requirements.  I have been blessed with a healthy body and placed under the right circumstances to be able to donate.  I almost feel as though it's an obligation for me to donate because there are so many people who need blood and not enough to provide.  I hope that whatever I donated yesterday will truly help someone who needs it.

I'm not sure why but as I was thinking about all this an analogy (maybe it's not an analogy haha but call it what you want) popped into my head.  Jesus bled from every pore for each and every one of us, so I should be able to give a mere pint of blood to someone who needs it.

Day 63

In mission prep class today we got into pairs and taught each other Lesson 2 in Preach My Gospel, which is the Plan of Salvation.  The centerpiece of the plan is the atonement of Jesus Christ.  That is what I want to write about today.

I am so grateful for the atonement of Jesus Christ.  Without it there is no way that I would be able to return to my Heavenly Father.  I am in no way perfect, but through the atonement I have the ability and opportunity to repent and be clean again.  There are certain things that I have done in my life that I am ashamed of, but through the cleansing power atonement I can feel peace once again.  Jesus Christ paid for my sins in the garden of Gethsemane.  He knows what I am going through and he wants to help me and guide me on the right path.  Because Jesus Christ suffered and atoned for all my sins, pains, and sicknesses, He understands what I am going through and has mercy on me.  It is the same for all people.

When I go on a mission, I hope that I can bear testimony in a way that will touch the hearts of those I serve, and will cause them to truly understand the incredible power of the atonement.

Day 62

Right now I'm listening to a song by Jenny Phillips called "Remember the Journey."  I've been playing music in the background for a while now, but when this song popped up I really started listening.  The words carry a lot of meaning and wise counsel that I feel I need right now in my life.  Here are the lyrics:

The clouds roll above us
The mighty stars shine down
The rainstorms give life to the ground
Everywhere we look we see His hands
The almighty Father
Has blessed us with His plan

Remember the journey
Remember this time
You are being tested
You are being tried
Remember your promise
Remember your design
With every breath
With every step
Walk faithfully
Remember the Journey

You loved the Father
You chose the light
Your faithfulness led to this life
But so much seems to try to pull you down
To make you loose the light that you once found

Throughout our lives we are constantly being tested and tried.  No one is exempt from any hardship or affliction.  All of it is part of Heavenly Father's eternal plan of happiness.  As we go through difficult times it is most important to "remember [our] promise, remember [our] design."  We need to remember that we are children of a loving Heavenly Father who has promised us that as we turn to him and keep his commandments we will have eternal life in His presence.  That itself gives me so much hope for what is to come.  It makes me want to endure trials well and live in a way that my father in heaven would be happy with. 

This song also made me think of another song (haha) called "Joy is in the Journey" which is also by Jenny Phillips:

How quickly we forget

Where happiness is

It can be found

In every place we're in

All the moments in our hearts

Are turned to him

Joy is in the journey

Joy is when I'm learning 

To become like him

So even when I'm hurting

When the clouds are grey and swirling

I can feel the beauty in their hue

Happiness is a choice within me

Joy is in the journey

When I look at the world

With a thankful mind

I see so much more of his light

In my bliss and in my deepest pain

I can feel His sunlight on my face

Joy is in the journey

Joy is when I'm learning to become like him

So even when I'm hurting

When the clouds are grey and swirling 

I can feel the beauty in their hue

Happiness is a choice within me

Joy is in the journey.

Joy truly is found in the journey!  It's not so much about the destination as it is about the journey.  We learn the most as we experience difficult things.  We came down to this earth to gain a body and learn and grow.  We won't learn much unless we go through things that we don't think we can handle.  God knows what we are capable of, and we need to trust in Him especially in our times of deepest despair.  I am so grateful for all the life experiences that I have had that have shaped me into becoming the person I am right now.  Another point that I loved about this song was about looking at the world with a thankful mind.  As we are more appreciative of our surroundings, everything seems much brighter and happier.

Day 61

I'm surprised I haven't mentioned it yet, but since the beginning of the semester I've been waking up at 6 am every Saturday morning for luau practice.  This year I decided to be in the Hawaii section which just happens to meet at the earliest time...go figure! Haha.  Anyway, today we had dress rehearsal and it was the very last day that I had to wake up this early on a Saturday!  So I guess there are two things that I am grateful for.  One, I can sleep in till whenever I want next weekend.  Two, because I decided to do BYU Luau, and specifically Hawaii section, I've been able to make new friends, learn new hula, and have the wonderful opportunity to share the Hawaiian culture.  I wouldn't have had it any other way.

I never really thought about it while it was happening, but our Hawaii section instructors have put in so much time and effort into this production.  I thought it was hard for me to wake up at 5:30 every Saturday, but they have to do that on top of choreographing the dances, teaching us the hula, and organizing our costumes and other things.  They do at least two times as much as the rest of us.  These instructors are a great example of selfless service.  They aren't getting paid or compensated for what they are doing, nor do they seek for praise.  What they do comes from the goodness of their hearts.  I am so grateful for their selfless service, because without them we wouldn't be performing next week.  I hope that as I continue on with my life I will continue to seek out opportunities for service just as my instructors have.

Day 60

On Wednesday night I had the opportunity to go to the BYU Synthesis (jazz band) concert.  Jazz is my absolute favorite form of music.  During the concert I almost cried maybe four times (haha).  There's something about jazz music that really touches me to the core.  It sounds cliche, but it speaks to me.

If there's one regret I have, it's that I neglected to practice jazz piano in high school.  Sure, I love jazz and playing the piano, but things got in the way and I was really busy.  Looking back, I realize that I should've practiced more and focused on piano because it's something I could've continued to do long into the future.  What is awesome though, is that it's not too late to start playing jazz again.  :) and that is exactly what I plan to do.

Anywhoo, back to the concert.  I heard one of the most killin' sax solos ever that night!  The tenor sax player walked on stage by himself and just started jamming.  I'm pretty sure the solo lasted for nearly 10 minutes.  He didn't have any rhythm section playing behind him, it was just him and his sax.  It was truly incredible!

After the concert, I read an article about Ray Smith, the director of Synthesis.  The article talks about Smith, but it also talks about jazz music and how it used to be considered "evil."  Smith goes on to talk about how jazz music is actually cheerful and upbeat.  I couldn't agree more.  It is true that many jazz musicians have chosen lifestyles that aren't compliant with the standards of the church, but the music itself is something more.  Jazz music is very special and nothing can compare to it.

I'm so grateful for all the opportunities in my life that have led me to love jazz.  :)

Playing with the Iolani Stage Bands in Japan

Day 59

This morning I came across this video (it made me cry!):

I can't even begin to describe how appreciative I am of Jesus Christ's atonement.  I know he atoned for my sins, pains (physical and emotional), sorrow, sickness, and all other infirmities.  Without him I wouldn't be able to return to my Heavenly Father again.  I am imperfect, but through Christ and the process of repentance I can become clean again.  All my sins and trials, no matter how difficult or shameful, will be "swallowed up" in Christ.  I know that I am never alone, even in the hardest times, because I have a loving Heavenly Father and my Savior Jesus Christ to walk beside me.  Trials are an inevitable part of life's journey; but as I remember our Savior and pray to Heavenly Father for strength, I will be able to make it through.  I know that this is true, not only for me, but for everyone.  Heavenly Father loves all his children and wants everyone to have faith, repent, be baptized, receive the Holy Ghost, endure to the end, and have eternal life.

Just for funzies-For mission prep I made a mormon.org profile a few weeks ago.  Here's the link:

http://mormon.org/me/B3VM/Sarah

Day 58

I am so grateful to have the scriptures in my life.

A few weeks ago I was studying Alma 61.  In this chapter, the chief judge Pahoran is responding to a letter that Helaman had sent him (censuring Pahoran for not sending troops to his aid).  What Helaman hadn't realized was that the reason Pahoran didn't send him any aid was because they were facing their own challenges (with rebellion) at home.  Pahoran could've taken huge offense to the letter that was sent to him.  However, Pahoran responds with love and kindness.  He doesn't get angry, but recognizes the "greatness of [Helaman's] heart."

That scripture touched me to the core.  I am the type of person who tends to get angry when I am accused of something I didn't do.  After reading this scripture, I've recognized that I shouldn't get angry nor do I need to get angry.  The way I react to an offense is a choice.  I can choose to be angry or I can choose to forgive and move on.  I've realized that becoming angry won't help me at all.  In fact, it might hurt me.

My dad has always told me that I can control the way I react to certain situations.  For the longest time, I didn't believe him, or maybe I just didn't want to believe him, because I thought that if someone made me mad it was their fault and their fault only.  I couldn't help it if I reacted angrily.  Reading about Pahoran and Helaman helped drive the concept home for me.  I finally understand what my dad was talking about.  I hope that as I continue on in my life I will choose righteous and loving ways to react to adversity.

For both Book of Mormon and Missionary Preparation class I've read this quote:

"True doctrine, understood, changes attitudes and behavior.  The study of the doctrines of the gospel will improve behavior quicker than a study of behavior will improve behavior." 

-President Boyd K. Packer

This concept has become real to me as I've learned, grown, and changed from the doctrine I learned in Alma 61.

Me and Dad

Day 57

Wow.  It's been a very long time since I've posted on this blog!  To be honest, I felt like something was missing during the period when I didn't write on here.  Last semester things seemed to be going so well, and I realized that it was because I was actively looking for all the blessings around me.  When you do that, your attitude, behavior, and spirituality changes, and you become happier.  The world seems a little brighter and trials don't seem as difficult.

So, you must be wondering...what caused me to begin posting again?  Well, this past Sunday Becca taught a lesson about how we ourselves control our lives; we can choose to be happy, choose to be grumpy, or choose to feel angry or sad.  One way that we can improve our outlook on life is by being more grateful.  In her lesson Becca talked about someone who gave her a click counter and told her that if she was ever feeling discouraged or unhappy she should use the counter and click it for each good thing that happened that day.  After actively looking for blessings, she ended up feeling much better.  Later that night I was texting one of my friends who goes to school in Washington.  When I asked her how she was doing she said that she's been feeling lonely lately and things haven't been going real well.  Right after she said that, I thought about the lesson we had in Relief Society and immediately I felt that I should send her a click counter.  I know that as she looks for and notices all the good things in her life, the bad things won't seem so bad anymore.  The counter hasn't come in the mail yet, but I am so grateful that Becca taught that lesson and that through it I will be able to help a friend.  I even bought one for myself because I myself have recently been struggling to be as happy as I was before.  Hopefully writing on this blog every day and using the click counter will help me.  I am so grateful for my Heavenly Father and for teachers who are in tune with the spirit, who give me much needed counsel and critical times in my life.

There is so much to be grateful for!  Today the sun is even shining :) AND OH MY GOODNESS IT'S 50 DEGREES.  This is a true miracle!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Day 56

Each week for mission prep class we are given a Christlike attribute to learn about and focus on developing.  This past week the attribute was faith in Jesus Christ.  Faith, is the first and one of the most important steps in becoming converted to the gospel and receiving blessings from the Lord.  Once you have faith in Jesus Christ and his atonement everything makes sense.  Having a knowledge that you have a Savior who loves you (and only wants the best for you) helps you to make decisions that will lead you in the right direction.  If you know that the Savior lives, then you know that his church is the only true church on the earth.  You know that all the commandments he gives have a purpose, and that he will bless and protect you as you are obedient to them. 

I've been reading the war chapters in Alma for the past week or so, and I've specifically recognized how much faith the Nephites had in their God.  They may not have known why they had to remain righteous and keep the commandments at the time; and they may not have known if they would eventually be subjected to bondage by the Lamanites, but what they did know was that if they had faith that God would deliver them as long as they kept his commandments they would be blessed, protected, and comforted.  (That was a long sentence! haha)

As a missionary, there will be times when I need to have faith that God will help me through my trials.  I may be prompted to do something that seems strange or difficult, but I need to remember to have faith in the Lord, and remember that he has a purpose and will bless me and those that I serve.  Having faith in Jesus Christ will also help me in my daily living.  I trust that because He atoned for my sins, I can be forgiven.  I know that my prayers will be answered and that no matter how difficult things may get, I will still have a Savior who loves me and who understands what I'm going through.

Day 55

I've been taking piano lessons ever since I was 4 1/2 years old up until I left for college.  You could say that piano has been one of the most constant aspects of my life.  Once a week for 13 1/2 years (usually on Saturday afternoons) I would get dropped off at the piano studio for my 30 or 45 minute lesson.  For the longest time I would complain about having to go every week, however, my parents kept forcing me to go (even when I would through major tantrums or pretend I was sick...haha).  Eventually I began to love playing the piano.  My parents didn't have to force me to practice or go to lessons...I did it all on my own.  There is nothing that compares to the feeling you get when you finish performing a piece you've been working on for months, or playing in an ensemble and connecting with other people on such an emotional and creative level.  I am so grateful for the opportunity to have been able to take piano lessons for so long.  I really miss formally studying piano, but I am so appreciative of all the years that I was able to study.  The talent that I developed over the years has allowed me to serve others and share what I know with other people.

Playing piano while my friends sang (at my grad party)

Day 54

Let's just say....it's been a while since I've posted.  Christmas break was really busy and I was trying to spend as much time as I could with family and friends.  Now, however, I'm at school again and back in the swing of things.  I thought this would be the perfect time to start posting again.

This semester I am taking a mission prep class.  Our teacher has challenged us to get an inexpensive copy of the Book of Mormon and as we read each day to write down ALL the thoughts that come to our head, no matter how crazy they may seem.  As we read the scriptures the spirit speaks to us, and we should record all that comes to our mind.  I've been doing this as I do my scripture study and I've found that the manner in which I study scriptures has changed immensely.  I find more meaning in each phrase as I relate it to my own life.  Recording my thoughts allows me to remember the simple promptings that are given to me during scripture study.  It has been such a blessing to take this challenge to heart.

Today, I was reading in Alma 39.  In this chapter, Alma is chastising and teaching his son, Corianton, because Corianton had committed sexual sin while he was on a mission teaching the Zoramites.  The verses that really touched me were at the end:

"[...]Behold, you marvel why these things should be known so long beforehand.  Behold, I say unto you, is not a soul at this time as precious unto God as a soul will be at the time of his coming?  Is it not necessary that the plan of redemption should be made known unto this people as well as unto their children?"(Alma 39:17-18)

These verses show that time, place, race, culture, are not factors in determining the worth of souls.  God loves all of his children.  He wants everyone to have the same blessings because we are each equally precious to him.  He created us, therefore he truly wants the best for us.