Night Light

Sometimes the darkness is overwhelming. Sometimes it envelops us and it seems there is no glimmer of light.
It may feel as if the world is closing in on us, shouting in our ears so incredibly loud. Other times the darkness seems to whisper- softly, deceit heavy in its tone.

Sometimes we may see everything going on around us, absurd views, twisted morals, the belief that what's wrong is right, and we have to ask ourselves, should we let it crush us? Is it possible to stand tall in a world so riddled with sin?

Because we have a wonderful tool, a beautiful gift, a Savior, Jesus Christ, it is possible to stand firm.

Imagine little me- tears ready to burst out of my eyes, an honest plea escaping my lips, "Mommy please please please leave the door open. So I can see the light?"
It's a common fear- the fear of darkness. And a fear that makes total complete sense. Darkness is often associated with Satan, while light is associated with God and his Beloved Son Jesus Christ.
As I have grown older that fear hasn't completely left me- the fear of darkness, but I think that fear has developed into something deeper. I'm not just simply afraid of physical darkness, but spiritual darkness.

One talk I heard mentioned that instead of being fearful of the monsters under our bed we should fear the darkness that comes from sin, from addictions, and things that drive away the spirit of Christ.
I wholeheartedly agree with such words- and I now recognize a greater the best source of light.
A light that will never dim. A light that if you allow, will never leave your side. A light that is brighter than the noon-day sun. A light that combats the darkness of the adversary. A light that pushes back all darkness. A light for the night, as well as the day. When the night seems as though it will never end and the darkness surrounds us- we can still find light in our Savior, Jesus Christ. 
He is my night light.

His Light- His Atonement is incredible. Unfathomable. Comforting. Enabling. Beautiful. And I am ever grateful for Him.
I know without a doubt that Jesus Christ suffered for me, for everyone, and that He LIVES.
Oh it is wonderful that He is my Night Light.

truth & love

"Do you think that people will obey the truth because it is true, unless they love it? No, they will not. Truth is obeyed when it is loved." -Brigham Young
And a with a few added words from my father.
Truth is obeyed when it is loved, but sometimes truth has to be lived before it is loved.
There are so many truths that I love, but honestly that love did not come with the snap of my fingers. Many truths that I love I had to first, and must continue to live.

So... how might these truths be found, because without found truths one has nothing to live, nothing to love, and nothing to be obeyed.
As President Dieter F. Uchtdorf proclaimed in a conference for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints on October 4, 2014, "You must search the Word of God with sincere desire to discover truth,  a desire to believe. " #ldsconf
Search the Word of God. Sounds a little complicated, but oh how wonderful the reward is.
Answers to questions that press on your mind. Peace that abides in your soul. That is a wonderful reward.
The Holy Bible is the Word of God. The Book of Mormon is the Word of God. The words spoken by modern day prophets and apostles are the Word of God.
They are truth. Simply and wonderfully. This past weekend I had the opportunity to hear these words spoken, and they spoke truth to my soul.
Now I realize it's time apply and reapply these words, these truths to my life.

I must:
Continue to strengthen my testimony.
Realize and help others realize that spiritual light is within reach of everyone of God's children.
Seek to avoid contention.
Remember kindness is powerful.
Acknowledge and face my weaknesses but do not become immobilized by them.
Pray for those in need. Poor as to things to the world. Poor in heart. Help those in need.
Be a Christian. Dedicate my whole life to my Savior.
Go and DO
Choose to heed the voice Prophet's and apostles voice.
"I must be about my Father's business."
Personally evaluate my testimony.
Focus on my Savior's Atonement, and the Sacrament.
Remember decisions determine destiny.
Walk as the Savior walked.
Stay in the boat.
Press forward.
Stay focused. 
Remember that my purpose in coming here is to be tested, tried and stretched.
Choose to converse with my Father in Heaven, tell Him everything.
Remember prayer is protection. Spiritually and physically.
Look to the blessings of the future and evaluate how I am living in the present.
Don't give up on family history, you are linking together your eternal family.
Remember there must be opposition in a things.
Go ye therefore and teach all people, all nations.

"I learned so many incredible things this General Conference. Now I'm learning to love these truths, and commandments spoken by Prophet's and Apostles of God so that I can obey them to the best of my ability.
For truth is obeyed when it is loved."

not my photo, but my edit. ♡

Stones and Temples.

"I like people who smile when it rains."

Yesterday I saw this quote and it caused me to stop and ponder for a moment. Of course I immediately thought of literal rain, but then I began to think of spiritual rain? Do I smile when I'm going through the hard stuff? The really hard stuff, the thunder storms of life, the times when it's pouring and it seems like the sun will never show again?

I would like to say yes, I would like to say I'm the peppiest most positive person, who knows that things will always work out, but I know I'd only be lying to myself. Of course I'm not constantly smiling through the storms of life.

In the Book of Mormon, there is a story in Ether Chapter 6, where there is a group of people known as the Jaredites who are preparing to travel to the promised land in sealed barges which would normally be void of light.

The Lord causes stones to shine in darkness, so that the people will not suffer in darkness during their travels. Though these weren't just any old rocks. These stones were white, pure, and clear. 

"And thus the Lord caused stones to shine in darkness, to give light unto men women, and children that they might not cross the waters in darkness."

Have you ever thought of yourself as a stone? (maybe not literally) But even the thought "I don't have true significance in this world." or "I'm just one out of billions of people what difference could I make in a world so big." 

Why can't you be a stone, that is pure, that is virtuous, that is kind, and honest? The stone that the Savior, Jesus Christ, can cause to shine in darkness?

You can be a light to others. Others look to your example, and even if you don't realize it, people are always watching. You have power. And even though it may seem a little far fetched you can, and will affect generations.  

Be a friend. Love. Serve. 

I want to be the girl, who doesn't falter in her faith. Who "doubts her doubts before she doubts her faith." The girl, who knows who she is, who knows that she is a Daughter of an Almighty God. I want to always remember that I have a Savior, and a Brother, who sacrificed His life for me. I want to always remember that I can have a righteous influence, whether it be in a large or small way.

I want to be the girl who smiles when it's raining, but for now I'm going to enjoy the sunshine, and prepare for the storms of life that are sure to come.

When I think of stones, I begin to think of all the great things that have come out of such a small and simple thing. Many temples around the world are made of stone. We are those stones that are building the kingdom of heaven. 

I think it's safe to say that the temple is my happy place. The temple is a place where I can truly feel heaven near. One day I want to be married in the temple, so that I might be with my family for time and all eternity. But I know that in order to do this, I will need to stand strong in my beliefs, and never compromise my standards. I will need to be that stone, everyday striving to become, more pure, more holy, more like my dear Savior.

Oh how I love to see the temple.

My temple painting, and I.

His Hands

His Hands
His hands
Clasped in agony
As He lay pleading, bleeding in the garden
While just moments away
Other hands betray him
Out of greed, shameful greed
And then his hands are trembling
Straining to carry the beam that they'll be nailed to
As He stumbles through the streets
Heading for the hill on which He'd die
He would die
They take His hands, His mighty hands, those gentle hands
And then they pierce them, they pierce them
He lets them, because of love
From birth to death was selflessness
And clearly now I see Him with His hands
Calling to me
And though I'm not yet as I would be
He has shown me how I could be
I will make my hands like those from Galilee

I can not fully express in my own humble words how grateful I am for a Savior.A Savior who suffered for, who died for me. I think just how terribly difficult that must have been, to suffer all of the pains, all of the trials, and all of the afflictions of everyone who would ever be, in what must have been one excruciatingly long night. But he did it out of love, he suffered for me because he loves me. My Savior, Jesus Christ knew that he would Atone for all, but He lived His life as our exemplar. He taught us Charity, he taught us Service, He taught us to love. Simply thinking on that, simply thinking that my Savior lived His life in perfection, and then Atoned for me, I wonder how we could ever not love everyone we meet, if Christ could do it, couldn't we?

Christ did Atone for me. But He also Atoned for You. For your neighbor. For the person living on the streets. For the criminals in jail. Christ Atoned for us all. Young or old, male or female, one who makes good choices, or does not. Christ's Divine Love is for everyone. 

I am so incredibly grateful for a Savior. Because Jesus Christ suffered for me, because He died for me, I can turn to Him in my trials, He will always be there to comfort me, He will always be there to guide me along.The Atonement is real. I know without a doubt that Christ Atoned for me, and I know that my Savior, Jesus Christ will love me always. Forever. Eternally, regardless of the choices I make, He will always always love me.

Prince of Peace- Liz Lemon Swindle

{who I am. who YOU are. who WE are.}

Have you ever heard of the children's book You are Very Special by Su Box? We have had it in our home since I can remember. And as a child I loved it! 

It lists a number of reasons why the reader is special, and at the back of the book is a "surprise." That "surprise" is a mirror pasted onto the back cover. The last page reads "So many things make you special. Can you think what a really special person might look like? Close your eyes for a moment and imagine..." When the reader turns the page there is the mirror. And although it may seem cheesy and silly now, this book teaches an incredible lesson.

I want you to look in the mirror. Truly look in the mirror! Look past the makeup. Or the lack of makeup. Look past the tiny flaws and imperfections and see you. You!

Beautiful wonderful powerful capable you.

You were sent to this earth to perform a specific purpose a purpose that only you can carry out. You are capable of changing lives! You are beautiful and capable of so much more than you may have ever imagined. You can do whatever you set your mind to. You will do great things.
Christ was perfect, is perfect. He knows your pains, your heartaches, your afflictions, and your sins, because He experienced all of them all in what must have been an excruciatingly long night. He is always there. And He will never leave you comfortless.

You are a beautiful wonderful capable child of God, don't you dare doubt that, ever!

Because Christ atoned for you, for me, for us all. We can rely on Him. We can turn to Him when we may forget our purpose. When we feel insignificant, or full of doubt we can turn to Him.

Now look in the mirror. What do you see? You know what I see? I see a beautiful wonderful capable child of God.

You are truly a child of a King. A heavenly King. Who is incredibly busy, but a King who will always have time for you. You are royalty. A daughter of the Divine. A son of the Divine. 

Believe it. Hold your head high. Live your life as though you could never doubt who you are. 

I am grateful that I can know. That I can know who I am. That I can know that I have a purpose here on this earth. That I know that my Savior and dear Brother suffered for me, died for me, so that I might perform the purpose for which I was sent to this earth. 

You are a Child of God. I am a Child of God. We are all Children of God, of an Almighty King.

//The Atonement in ALL Things//

The Atonement is in ALL Things

Excerpt from April 12, 2014 journal entry:

"I had 4 days. 4 incredibly insane days to prepare and memorize a speech. It was terrifying and terrific all at once. It taught me I can do hard things! Although I did no win the competition, I gained something. I gained more confidence in my abilities, I gained experience, and best of all... I gained a strengthened testimony. To say I was more nervous to speak than I had ever been in my life, would be an understatement. Last night simply thinking about speaking made me want to curl up in a ball and cry for help.

This morning my father gave me a priesthood blessing. (https://www.lds.org/youth/learn/ap/priesthood-keys/what?lang=eng) His words were calming and ever so humbling. I was told that through my faith in the Atonement of Jesus Christ, I would give my speech without fear. Those words brought such comfort to me because I realized Christ did much harder things. Christ felt my anxiety. He felt my racing heart. He felt the pit in my stomach. He felt all my pains and afflictions all in what must have been one excruciatingly long night. Christ did so much for me. So many difficult things, so I could do this for Him. 

My Savior lives. He loves me.  And although I know I can never repay Him for His sacrifice, I can always strive to be better. To become more like my wonderful, beautiful, magnificent, Brother and Savior. I am eternally grateful for My Father in Heaven, and His son, Jesus Christ."

The atonement is in all things. Small things. Big things. ALL THINGS. 

-my little blue book-

Who could have known that such a little book could hold so many great things?

Tales of adventure, battle, peace, and comfort. Stories of my dear Savior and His precious teachings.

That little blue book that I can turn to when I'm struggling or when I'm not. I can look to a book for answers to my heavenward pleas.
I pray to seek help and when I open my little blue book I receive comfort in the words, I receive answers.
The little blue book, is my Book of Mormon. Another testament of my Savior and Brother, Jesus Christ.

A book that testifies that He lives. A book that testifies that I have a heavenly home. A book that testifies that I have a Heavenly Father, who loves me unconditionally. And I love Him because I know He will not leave me comfort less, He will not leave my side, for He is always there.

Words can not adequately describe my dear Father in Heaven, and His Only Begotten Son. The same Son who suffered for me on the cross. The same Son who knows my heart, and knows each of my pains, because He has experienced them Himself.

My little blue book, my Book of Mormon, testifies of these things. And I know without a doubt that it's teachings are true. I know that I am a Daughter of God. And I know that Joseph Smith restored the gospel upon this earth. And for that I am eternally grateful.
I love my little blue book.

June 30th, 2013 I set out to read the Book of Mormon by myself for the second time. Today March 13th, 2014 I finished the last chapter of Moroni. I finished the Book of Mormon. Most nights I would read a chapter sometimes two, each night I would mark my favorite verses and write them down in a scripture journal. Each night I would learn things I didn't know. Each night I would find comfort, even when I was sure comfort was no where to be found.

If you haven't read the Book of Mormon, I personally invite you to do so.
Moroni 10:4-5 reads, 
"And when ye shall receive these things, I would exhort you that ye would ask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ if these things are not true; and if ye shall ask with a sincere heart, with real intent. having faith in Christ, he will manifest the truth of it unto you by the power of the Holy Ghost. 
And by the power of the Holy Ghost ye may know the truth of all things."

March 2014

July 2013

[thoughts]

Oh look at me. Just full of thoughts. 

For those of you who didn't notice [though you would have to be crazy to not to] yesterday was Valentine's Day.

Or as I have heard it put by many {SINGLE AWARENESS DAY} 

I heard many people in the halls of my HIGHSCHOOL complaining that "this shouldn't even be a holiday. & this is stupid."

Can I just say, honey it's because valentines day is intended for those who are married. [for the most part]

But let's be honest I personally had a pretty fantastic v-day. 

Can I just say my daddy is forever my valentine? He is such an amazing man. He does so much for our family. He has an incredible amount of patience. He lives in a house with [5] girls and he puts up with it!

Valentines Day is also the perfect kinda day to have a photo shoot with your partner in crime. [you know who you are] even if were only able to spend an hour shooting it definitely contributed to my good mood Friday.

Enjoy the photos. 

I like laughing.

So sometimes I strike a pose and look interesting... doing it. ;)

#dramatic [i so did not just hashtag that.. what has the world done to me? ha.] 

The end.

[-my castle-]

Yesterday I had the most magnificent chance to visit a castle. A castle right here in Gilbert. I also like to call it the Gilbert Arizona Temple. My temple. My castle.

Goodness gracious can I just say it's single-handedly one of the most beautiful places that I have ever seen.

I'm going to get married in that gorgeous temple because,
1. I watched this temple be built [from the start] I remember the day it was announced and though I wasn't even old enough to go to the temple yet I was SO EXCITED because I knew that when it was finished I would be able to go inside!
2. Holy cow, how could I not?

I was able to go through the entire temple yesterday [even in the parts I wouldn't be able to go into normally until I'm older and married] Since the temple was just recently completed it is currently in the Open House stage. Until February 15, 2014 the temple is open to the public. If you haven't already go. Like seriously go right now.

I have a testimony of temples, the importance of the work that is performed there, and the beauty held within. I know when I am in the temple I feel closer to my Father in Heaven, and His son, and my brother Jesus Christ.

Picture Overload you ask? Why of course!! These pictures were all taken and [edited] by yours truly!
Love my temple. Love my castle.

some of my forever family and I 

{friends or sisters?}

Goodness Gracious am I so grateful for these four lovely girls!
I know that they will always have my back.
They are the cutest funniest things ever.
& HA HA HA they are MY BEST FRIENDS!
I mean not to rub it in or anything but I'm kinda lucky to have them.
We have the best inside jokes, code names ;) and memories. And yes can I please mention that we were all going to go to different highschools. BUT through my cunning persuasion I got us all to go to the same one. (okay so maybe the credits aren't all mine but? shhh!)
yes I love these girls and I'm glad that I can call them my best friends. Heck they are practically my sisters! <3

new years dance 2013-2014 say what?!