Peace

So I definitely am in love with Kate Middleton's wedding dress. I might have to find one like that when I get married in a million years. I loved how the whole wedding was just like a fairytale. Absolutely gorgeous.
I probably won't blog again before I leave for the mission, so I guess this is goodbye for now. See ya in 18 months!

I know.....

I know I am a daughter of God and that He loves me. He loves His children. I know that He has a plan for my life. This plan will help me realize and achieve my full potential. I know that I can live with God again someday. I know that Jesus loves me so much. I know that He died so that everyone can have the chance to repent of sins and to change their lives. I know that by following His example, I can be happy and fulfill the requirements to return to Father. I know the Atonement is real; it has changed my life and made me want to be a better person. I know the Holy Ghost brings comfort, warnings, and revelation. Through the Holy Ghost, I receive very REAL communication from my Heavenly Father. I know that the scriptures show the way to go and are a guidebook for all of life's problems. I know that the prophets speak the word of God; they let people know God's will for His children. I know that all the prophets have been called of God to be His witnesses. I know that the gospel was restored through Joseph Smith, and that He was truly called of God. I know that priesthood power is real; I have experienced the blessings of having it in my life. I know the temple is the house of God, and that the ordinances therein prepare us for the challenges we may face and they also prepare us to meet God. I know everyone is accountable for their own choices, not the choices of others. I know that repentance gives people a chance to change. I know that obedience to the commandments brings blessings. I know that paying an honest tithe brings blessings, as well as fasting properly. I know that families can be together forever. I know this life is not the end. I know that someday, Christ will return to the Earth. I know that all prophecies will be fulfilled. I know that faith in Christ brings strength in times of struggles.
And these are just a few of the things that I know....

He Loves Me!!!!

So last night, Denali and I did a lot of girl talk. I love that girl to death. She gets me; she gets my concerns. She is always able to help me see better ways of looking at situations, and I always run my crazy ideas by her (and of course, she usually talks me out of it.) I am going to miss her so stinkin much while I am on my mission! She always keeps me grounded when I am going crazy.
There is another person who is always there for me, and that is the Savior. He has faith in me, even when I give up on myself. He knows my potential, and He feels my pain. He knows me so well. He cheers me on, especially on my worst days. I'm going to have to rely on Jesus ALOT on my mission. It's definitely going to be tough, and there are probably going to be some days that I'll want to throw in the towel and just come home. But I know that with His help, anything is possible. I just have to remember that when the going gets tough.
Last night, after girl talk, I kept thinking about ways to be a better person. I kept thinking about people I've been mean to, brushed off, or not been as good of a friend to as I could have been. I thought of my friends who are going through trials and just feel crappy. I want to be a better friend, and I'm sure my mission will give me tons of practice with that. I need to be kinder and more charitable. I need to be less judgemental and more compassionate. I need to follow the Savior's example better. I know the Savior can help me as I make these changes; as I try to be more like Him. I know He can help me through the hard times. I know that He lives and loves us. I know that it is all made possible through the Atonement and I am indeed grateful for that.

Packing

I am almost fully packed up! All I have left to pack up is some "regular" clothes and my electronics. All I have left to put in my suitcases is my scriptures and Preach My Gospel. We moved a bunch of stuff into my room that brother had had in storage. That picture illustrates how much of his stuff has invaded my room. He still has about the same amount of boxes stored in his car that he can bring in when he gets back. He will be coming home from his mission at the end of the summer, so I'm getting the room ready for him before I leave. It's hard to believe that I leave in less than a week!

The Last Day

Friday was my last day of work. It was bittersweet. On one hand, I am very excited to be going on a mission and all of the adventures that will come with that endeavor. On the other hand, I am going to miss my "babies" so much! These kids have taught me so much about love and patience in the year and a half I worked at Open Arms. When I first started, I was just shuffled from room to room. I thought I knew a lot because I had taken ECE (Early Childhood Education) Classes.
Boy, I still have lots to learn about kids. Working with youngsters, I learned a lot of things that they I couldn't just absorb from the textbook. Like how to be patient with a child who bites almost every day or pushes the other kids. How to love the hard to love. How to relax even when parents are freaking out. How to entertain kids all day long. How to figure a child's needs based on his/her behavior. How to chill even when I felt like jumping off a cliff.
I'm going to miss these crazy kids....


These are from one of my little boys ;)