Gratitude

June 27th, 1844

D&C 135:3

"Joseph Smith, the Prophet and Seer of the Lord, has done more, save Jesus only, for the salvation of men in this world, than any other man that ever lived in it. In the short space of twenty years, he has brought forth the Book of Mormon, which he translated by the gift and power of God, and has been the means of publishing it on two continents; has sent the fulness of the everlasting gospel, which it contained, to the four quarters of the earth; has brought forth the revelations and commandments which compose this book of Doctrine and Covenants, and many other wise documents and instructions for the benefit of the children of men; gathered many thousands of the Latter-day Saints, founded a great city, and left a fame and name that cannot be slain. He lived great, and he died great in the eyes of God and his people; and like most of the Lord's anointed in ancient times, has sealed his mission and his works with his own blood; and so has his brother Hyrum. In life they were not divided, and in death they were not separated!"

I believe this to be true with all of my heart. One hundred and sixty-eight years later, and the Gospel that Joseph Smith restored to the earth is still changing lives. His martyrdom couldn't stop the truthfulness of the Gospel to continue forward.

I know these things are true, not because I was told so, but because I challenged the teachings of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and I sought to know for myself whether it was true.

There isn't a doubt in my mind that it's not.

 Giving this Gospel and the Book of Mormon a chance was the greatest choice I ever made. Joseph Smith dedicated his life to this work, and just as Elder Holland knows it, I know that no man would forsake his life to the extent that he did unless it was true.

I can't express how much gratitude I have for that man who dedicated his life so you, me, and millions of other people could have the Gospel in our lives.

What a beautiful thing.

M.I.A.?

Well, I'm back.

I had decided to be done blogging, because my life was so boring that even my mother would have stopped reading my posts :)

Actually, I got super busy with the new semester, and Instagram kinda took over on keeping my mother updated with my whereabouts (I'm still convinced her and my sisters are the only people who read my pointless rants about life).

But, I'm back.

I caught myself reading through old posts, and I realized that this really is a great way to keep track of random things that A. aren't important enough to write in my journal, or B. are completely pointless, but funny to remember down the road.

I'm pretty sure my sister, Jen, will think I'm trying to copy her in everything she does, because we both stopped blogging around the same time, and she started again a couple weeks ago, but actually, I just have worthwhile things to blog about now :)

And she's the one that keeps buying all the same clothes as me! (Just kidding, Jen!)

 All in all, the past few weeks have been full of 5K races, time spent with the parents, the best shopping trip EVER with Jen, a wedding, movie nights, avoiding homework, soaking up the sun, and way too many episodes of Prison Break.

I'm so ready for summer.

Less than a month and I'm free for seven weeks! 

Easter - The Greatest Sacrifice

Tomorrow is Easter, and this quote has been on my mind since General Conference this last weekend.

It really stuck with me.

Enjoy, and Happy Easter!

Watch from 16:43, or read the text below

(He delivers the message much more powerfully, though!)

"After the Savior was crucified, his body lain in the tomb for three days, the Spirit again entered, the stone was rolled away, and the resurrected redeemer walked forth clothed with an immortal body of flesh and bones. The answer to Job's question, 'If a man die shall he live again,' came when Mary and the others approached the tomb and saw two men in shining garments who spoke to them, 'Why seek ye the living among the dead? He is not here but is risen!' As a result of Christ's victory over the grave, we shall all be resurrected. This is the redemption of the soul. Paul wrote, 'There are celestial bodies, and bodies terrestrial, but the glory of the celestial is one, and the glory of the terrestrial is another.' It is the celestial glory which we seek. It is in the presence of God we desire to dwell. It is a forever family in which we want membership. Such blessings are earned through a lifetime of striving, seeking, repenting and finally succeeding. 'Where do we come from, why are we here, where do we go after this life,' no longer need these universal questions remain unanswered. From the very depths of my soul, and in all humility, I testify that those things of which I've spoken are true. Our Heavenly Father rejoices for those who keep his commandments. He is concerned also for the lost child, the tardy teenager, the wayward youth, the delinquent parent. Tenderly the master speaks to these, and indeed to all, 'Come back, come up, come in, come home, come unto me.'"

Dear Miss Haley,

You get married in exactly seven days from now.

I absolutely cannot wait to see your pretty face freshly sealed for time and all eternity outside of the Bountiful Temple :)

I love you and Scott lots.

This next weekend will be the best!

With love,

Your BEFF that you'll rock out to Lady Gaga with when we're 80 years old.

Leap Year

Yesterday was a leap day.

I decided that since it's not actually a real day, and is just there to keep our 365 1/4 calendar caught up to the right amount every four years, it should be a catch up day for every person as well.

Day off for everyone!

How does that sound?

Sure does sound fabulous to me.