Things Always Work Out

Life is hard, but it's what we make of it.

I am slowly learning this concept. This past month, I have felt sorry for myself because all I do is work and eat. I don't have friends that are always around me. I became very jealous of other people out in the world having "fun". I have only been on 2 dates since I have graduated from high school. I had forgot why I am here, where I am going, and what my next goal is in life. 

I was talking to my cousin the other day and what she asked me really hit me. We were talking about dating and how when people are looking for love, it never happens. The first thing she asked me was, "What are you passionate about?"

What am I passionate about?? I have never thought of that before. I used to be kinda passionate in sports, now I have no idea! How do you know what you are passionate about? I enjoy a lot of things and I want to learn new things. 

She goes on to say when you find what you really like and you forget about the world and focus on you, things come more easily to you. 

Forget about the world. That I needed to change. Then it got me thinking. Why surround myself with things I don't like? I don't have to be sad. Yes, things aren't going the way I plan or hoped it would be this point in my life, but that is okay. I am focusing on my short-term goals at this moment. 

I have decided to go on a LDS mission. It may sound really silly, but I think Heavenly Father is testing me with a struggle to find friends. This will prepare me in the mission field. While serving a mission, sisters/elders have struggles finding people who are willing to listen. This teaches us patients and through these tough times it gives us a testimony on how He is always going to be there for us, through the thick and the thin. And at this time I think I am getting a small portion of what I am going to face when I am on my mission.

Also this morning, I was going through my twitter and I came across this quote from @ldsquotable: "Do you want to be happy? Forget yourself and get lost in this great cause." -Gordon B. Hinckley.

I felt like this applied to myself perfectly. I have been so worried about myself that I have forgotten what my real goal is, which is to proclaim the gospel. I need to be positive. I need trust in the Lord, that he knows what he is doing. I need to not always worried about how much fun people are having now, because I need to prepare myself now for the hardest 18 months of my life. I will have my opportunity to meet people and to have a great time. I just don't think that time is now. I can make the most of it now, but I truly think that I need to know that I have more important things to focus on.

This wasn't the video I was looking for, but I really like this

"Don't you quit, you keep walking, you keep trying"

Happy Sunday

Giving Thanks

THANKSGIVING

Yesterday, as I was sitting in my Singles Ward, someone mentions,"What if you woke up one morning and only had the things you thanked Heavenly Father for yesterday." This really hit me hard. I realized I don't thank my father in heaven enough. This season of thanks shouldn't be one day of the year but everyday, three hundred and sixty-five days. If I was only blessed with the things I thanked him for last night I would have only receive: a nice day, my family, missionaries, and the gospel. All those things sounds good.. but what about my friends, my dogs, all my relatives, a roof over my head, roommates, light, food, water, warm clothes, a comfy bed, having an education, and even my affliction. We need to be thankful for the trials that Heavenly Father puts us through.

During Ward Prayer we listened to a talk by Dallin H. Oaks in the May 2003 and he says:

The revelations, for which we are grateful, show that we should even give thanks for our afflictions because they turn our hearts to God and give us opportunities to prepare for what God would have us become. The Lord taught the prophet Moroni, “I give unto men weakness that they may be humble,” and then promised that “if they humble themselves … and have faith in me, then will I make weak things become strong unto them” (Ether 12:27). In the midst of the persecutions the Latter-day Saints were suffering in Missouri, the Lord gave a similar teaching and promise: “Verily I say unto you my friends, fear not, let your hearts be comforted; yea, rejoice evermore, and in everything give thanks; … and all things wherewith you have been afflicted shall work together for your good” (D&C 98:1, 3). And to Joseph Smith in the afflictions of Liberty Jail, the Lord said, “Know thou, my son, that all these things shall give thee experience, and shall be for thy good” (D&C 122:7). Brigham Young understood. Said he, “There is not a single condition of life [or] one hour’s experience but what is beneficial to all those who make it their study, and aim to improve upon the experience they gain” (Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Brigham Young [1997], 179).

And he continues to say...

When we give thanks in all things, we see hardships and adversities in the context of the purpose of life. We are sent here to be tested. There must be opposition in all things. We are meant to learn and grow through that opposition, through meeting our challenges, and through teaching others to do the same. Our beloved colleague Elder Neal A. Maxwell has given us a noble example of this. His courage, his submissive attitude in accepting his affliction with cancer, and his stalwart continued service have ministered comfort to thousands and taught eternal principles to millions. His example shows that the Lord will not only consecrate our afflictions for our gain, but He will use them to bless the lives of countless others.

I am so grateful for all the blessing that God has given me. Like Dallin H. Oaks said, God gives us these trials so that we can learn and grow from them. I think going through these hard times brings us closer to our Savior and really makes us look at the big picture. Sometimes I think I have it hard, but I come to realize that my life is pretty great. Without my Father in Heaven I don't know where I would be in my life.l don't know if I would be making the correct decision. I take things for granted. I need to look at the things around me that He has given me and to truly thank him. I challenge myself daily to really think about everything and everyone around me. Try to put myself in their shoes.No more judging no more stereotyping someone. My goal is to be more Christ like and to treat others like I would want to be treated. I know that they are a child of God just as I am. I thankful for knowledge of that and that one day I will soon be with him.

There are so many things to be thankful for and we need to always remember to show our gratitude to him.

50 Things I am Thankful for

1. My Parents- and their great example and love towards me
2. My siblings- and all their support and love me through thick and thin
3. Grandparents- they will always love me and have experienced everything. So they know best.
4. Heavenly Father- Sent his only begotten so that we can return to him. He knows us and loves us.
5. Jesus Christ- Savior and Redeemer. We are able to become clean and want loves us no matter what.
6. Holy Ghost- Comforter and Prompter. If we listen he will help us along our way.
7. Missionaries- They sacrifice 2 years away from their families so that they can unite families for eternity
8. Prophets- They speak by the power of God and pray for each one of us.
9. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints- without it, I would be nothing.
10. Book of Mormon- each story has a message and can help you with any problem.
11. Plan of Salvation (happiness)- there wouldn't be be a point living this earthly life without it.
12. Joesph Smith- His bravery to bring forth God's true church.
13. Church buidings- the way I can learn and become closer to God
14. Family History- they are why am where I am. I can help them return home.
15. Temples- so many special and sacred ordinances can be administered there.
16. Family Sealing- I love that I can be with my family for ETERNITY.
17. Prayer- the only way we can communicate and get our answers from God.
18. Baptism- Seeing people become members and having their sins washed away.
19. Service- Mosiah 2:17 "And behold, I tell you these things that ye may learn^awisdom; that ye may learn that when ye are in the ^bservice of your ^cfellow beings ye are only in the service of your God."
20. Young Women's Leaders- they are great listeners and supporters.
21. Bishops- they are always there to listen and help. They keep secrets very well.
22. Home- the one place where I will always be welcomed with open arms.
23. Friends- they are family and that you were able to choose.
24. Roommates- they are great helpers and are always there.
25. Food- I am blessed to have $$$ to have good food and plenty of it. I just love food.
26. Being a U.S citizen- I am free to believe and live my ways.
27. My bed- when nights gets long, its always there for me. And I am not sleeping on some dirty floor.
28. Airplanes- so that I can travel home faster to visit my family.
29. Movies- for those sad days when fiction characters and can make you feel better.
30. My Dogs- no matter, they know how to cheer me up.
31. My Cats- they are soft.
32. Moapa Valley- have made such great memories there.
33. Jobs- I am lucky to find a job in this economy and to be able to pay for supplies.
34. Photographs- Picture is worth a thousand words
35. Church History Trip- my testimony grew so much while I was there.
36. All my hard time- without them I wouldn't be who I am today.
37. School- I can learn and be able to get a higher education to get a better supporting job.
38. Home-videos- show how much I have spiritually/mentally/physically have grown.
39. Sports- taught me teamwork and responsibilities. And I love the game.
40. Camping- gets me away from the world and gives me a better perspective of His creation.
41. Hand Warmers- in Utah, they are required in the winter.
42. Cars- the best way for transportation. Always wear your seat belt. No texting and driving.
43. Music- can sometimes be the best escape.
44. Technology- can be very helpful if used correctly.
45. Holidays- everyone seems their very best. The only time you get to see all the family.
46. Pinterest- shows me the cheapest ways to plan things.
47. Hugs/Kisses- are the most comforting things. Shows love.
48. Rain/Snow- washes the earth clean. I love its beauty. Best times happen when it rains.
49. Sun- warms the soul on snowy days.
50. Christmas- the season of giving and remembering of Christ.

My list could continue further, but I thought I would share the first 50 things that I am most thankful for. Remember not to just say what you are thankful for, but to express it to love ones and to show it year round.

Happy Thanksgiving