Embarking My Life

What comes first in our lives? That is for each of us to determine. For some it's work, for others it's school, family, friends, games, sports and the list can go on forever. I spent some time with some high school friends the other night, and it made me realize that in high school I only had a glimpse of what real life is like and what my priorities should have been.  I was so worried about having dates for the dances, that boys weren't asking me to the dances and spending time with my friends. It's not that my friends weren't important, it's just that I've now realized what is more  important. Family. Faith. Working hard. Living within your means. Serving others. Getting a good education. Building relationships and networks. These are some of the things that are important to me now. I sometimes wish that I could go back and relive high school with some of the knowledge that I have now. Then I remember about living through some of my experiences again a...

I know I'm not the only one who has felt broken at times in my life. I have felt like I could never be put back together or that no one would ever like me, let alone fall in love with me, because I felt like I had too much baggage. The great thing about being a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is knowing that no matter what, we will always have a Savior who loves us. He and Heavenly Father have a plan for us. And they have provided a way for us to be healed. Sometimes we really can't find ways to be fixed on our own. I have found this to be true. I thought I could fix my problems or emotional hurt by myself. I discovered that I can't. I've had help from incredible sources - LDS Family Services, my bishops, my family, my roommates, my friends and most importantly my Savior. I truly discovered what it means when you can't do something alone. You think you're tough enough to handle everything by yourself, but then you realize that you...

This semester I've been attending a Repentance & Forgiveness class at the Orem Institute of Religion. The main reason has been because I had a few friends do something to hurt me. I honestly had never felt as hurt by others as I did by these friends. I feel like I've been able to forgive them, but I've struggled moving on and accepting myself in the situation. This class has opened my eyes to know how I can better forgive and accept forgiveness. During Monday's class, we watched this video about Chris Williams and his story of forgiveness. If you haven't heard his incredible story, you'll want to watch it. One thought that hit me during class was when he said to the kid who hit them was that he needed to pick a day that he would move on - forget and let it go. This made me realize that is something I can do in my life right now. I am having a hard time moving on. I feel like I've forgiven everyone for what has happened, but I haven't allowe...