Seeing the Lord's Hand in my Life

On Wednesday night, I was in the Taylor Building doing homework. It had been a long day and I had more homework to do than hours to do it in. While trying to focus, I heard a girl sniffling. My first thought was to go see if she was okay but I dismissed it, thinking she probably just had a runny nose or something. The thought kept coming back to go talk to her but I just told myself, I don't have time.

My backpack was out of arms reach so I stood up to get a piece of gum. Somehow, before I knew it, my body was kneeling next to the girl's chair and I was explaining that I had the feeling to come make sure she was okay. The sweet girl started crying harder. I didn't know what to do! I had never done anything like this before.

I asked her if she wanted to talk about it. She told me it was complicated and a long story...and that she needed a hug. (Little did she know she was talking to the world's best hugger!) So I gave her a hug and she started talking. She explained that she felt like there was no hope and how she feels like she doesn't have a handle on anything in her life. As she was talking, I looked up and saw a picture of Joseph Smith's first vision.

Once she had finished talking, I got up to get her more tissues. I felt impressed to share with her my testimony...but I was scared. I didn't know how to begin so I tried to push the thought out. I said goodbye to her but as I was standing up, my knees bent again and I started to tell her I needed to share something with her.

I went on to explain that as she was talking to me, I had looked up and seen the picture of Joseph Smith's first vision. I told her one of my favorite things about that story is that when Joseph is praying, Satan is near, and Joseph feels like he is ready to sink into despair and abandon himself to destruction but, he keeps praying and Christ and the Father appear. I then bore testimony to her that right now, she may feel like there is no hope, and she might be filled with despair. But, if she continues to pray with faith, her prayers will be answered and she will be able to see the hand of God in her life.

I know this to be true. I'm grateful for the opportunity I had to share my testimony of the prophet Joseph Smith, the power of prayer, and the love the Savior has for his each one of His children. The gospel is true. I know this with all my heart. I am so grateful for a loving Heavenly Father, that occasionally takes me from my homework, to remind of the real work I have to do.

Meet Sadie

Meet Sadie!

Like all good friends, Sadie is usually pretty reliable, helps me when I'm in a hurry, and keeps me laughing.

Yesterday was the first day I've been able to get into my car for nearly a week. It's been pretty cold in Rexburg. Anyhow, so I was driving to Broulim's with my roommates and when I turned a corner found out my car door had frozen open! My roomie, Stephanie, nearly fell out! It was kind of scary but we were all able to laugh about it later. She was sure to buckle up for the ride home.

Grandpa would be proud this old car is still kickin' around after buying it new over 50 years ago. Hurray for Sadie!

Learning to Learn for the Right Reasons

Today I took my first test of the semester. Although I studied hard, I didn't do as well as I was wanting...or hoping. As I walked back to my apartment I was really discouraged. I kept thinking about school and why I am here.

I love school, but I would not say studying or memorizing is a talent that I naturally have. Although I try to stay positive, I often get discouraged that I have to put in more time than my peers in order to understand the same material. And more often than not, my extra time and study efforts don't show up when the test score appears on the screen. It can be easy to question why I keep trying and studying so hard when the result I think I want aren't coming.

It occurred to me tonight that somewhere along the way I decided work hard in school to learn, not to get good grades.(Although that is really hard for me to remember.) But deep down I believe that knowledge is a gift. A gift I can obtain with hard work, faith, and prayer. I also know that Christ is the master teacher. If I trust Him and work hard, He will teach me what I need to know in a way I can understand it. I just can't give up.

So to all my fellow friends who are reading this, keep learning and don't give up! And remember, oh, thank Heaven! For the blessing it is to learn.

Celebrate Martin Luther King Day

Tonight my buddy David Hall came over and taught me how to blog! I am so excited about it!

In light of Martin Luther King Day today, I'd like to share a few feelings about integration.

I am so grateful for the huge strides we have made to integrate our Country. I believe all men (and women) are created equal and that we are all great in the sight of God. However, despite all efforts to be equal, I know discrimination is alive and prevalent in our society.

As individuals, we must decide to love everyone, despite race, religion, or any other barriers that may seem to stand in our way. Integrating a Nation happens on a personal one-on-one level. It's a choice. And it sometimes requires us to get out of our comfort zone. It can be hard but I know that when we do make an effort to love everyone, we can have the power to see everyone as the lovely people they really are. As our brothers and sisters. As children of God.

My dream is the same as Martin Luther King's. I dream of equality.