20. Blog Conclusion

When we first received the assignment in Writing 150 to start a blog, I was a little nervous about it. I am not one who normally posts anything personal or super meaningful on the internet or social media. I tend to keep to myself!

So as I started to blog, I was pretty formal from the start because I had no idea what to write about aside from the things we were assigned to write. I have never been sure of my own writing voice, since most assignments we receive are not to be written from our own perspective. As my blogging went on, I tried hard to ease up and bring out my own voice and style of writing. I found that as I loosened up, the things I wrote about were more meaningful to be. I also found many things to write about! I wrote in greater depth and detail about things, and more importantly why they matter so much to me. I also tried to focus on being uplifting by sharing my hopes for the future, lessons I have learned, and how the gospel as helped me in my life. I have learned so much even from this first semester of writing college; things I hope to take with my for the rest of my life.

Some of the things I posted were very important to me, and I loved to think back on so many memories as I wrote them down. As I wrote some of these memories, I realized I don't have some of these experiences written down anywhere! This blogging experience has definitely effected my personal journal writing. I have started writing things that I have not yet recorded- the things matter most and I want to always remember.

19. My Testimony

I could think of no better way to use my last official blog post than with my testimony. I am proud to say that I am a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I know without a doubt that this is the true church--it is the restored gospel of Christ on our earth today. I know that we have a loving God, who loves us more than we will ever be able to comprehend in this life. I have definitely had my moments where I was stubborn and it was hard for me to feel His love. I often have felt like I don't deserve it. But it is incredibly always there for us. I have felt that love throughout the best and worst times of my life. God is the one constant I have learned to rely upon. We cannot be successful or truly happy in this life without His gospel. The evidence of His love is clear as He gave us His Son and our Brother, Jesus Christ to come to this Earth to suffer and die for us. Without our Savior, we would not have the amazing gift of the Atonement. The Atonement has helped me in every aspect of my life. It has cleansed me, provided me with peace, comfort and hope. I am so grateful for this knowledge that I have that I can improve each day, and that I can be forgiven of all I have done and continue to do. That feeling of hope is what carries me through day to day.

I have a testimony of prophets. I know that the prophets in the scriptures are true men called of God. I know that we have prophets that lead and guide our church on this Earth today. President Thomas S. Monson is a man of God who gives us the guidance and council our God would have us know. He has not left us alone without help. I also know that the Book of Mormon is a true book. I know that it was translated correctly by the hand of God through the prophet Joseph Smith. I am grateful for my family. I am grateful for temples and for sealings. I am grateful for the knowledge I have that I get to be with my family forever as I live righteously. I know that with God all things are possible, and as we rely on Him and our Savior we will be able to return and live with Them again.

I say these things in the name of our Savior, Jesus Christ, Amen.

18. Like Mother, Like Daughter

Ever since I can remember, books have always been a big part of my life. I have countless memories of my mom reading to me in bed as I grew up. I loved spending time with my mother, and I loved the stories just as much. Whether it was a picture book, or out of a simple chapter book, bedtime was something I looked forward to always. My mother is a huge reader, and she loves to spend any extra time sitting down with a good book. Although all of my siblings were read to as kids, reading has stuck with me the most.

As I grew older, I started to read on my own every night. I would beg my mom to take me to the library to get some new picture books that I could read. I even checked out a few books every week at my school library all throughout elementary school. I would even wake up early for school some days so that I could have time to get some reading done before school. In junior high, I brought books with me to read in classes that were boring to me, or just for when I would finish my work early. I remember some days I would even convince my best friend to read with me; we spent some of our Friday nights reading two copies of the same book. We would read to a previously decided stopping point, then discuss like our own little book club. I loved those nights! In high school, I became much more busy with school; but I always made time to read at least one chapter before bed.

Now that I have started college, I have not had the chance to read a book of my choosing for quite awhile with all the other required readings for my classes. As I thought about this, and I wondered why is it that I love reading so much? I found this quote by Mason Cooley that says, "Reading gives us someplace to go when we have to stay where we are." I think this describes my love of reading perfectly! I love feeling like I am experiencing a different life with compelling experiences from unique viewpoints. Reading is a great way to escape, and definitely is my most commonly used coping method. I have read many books that have changed my life and made me a better person. I am so grateful for my mother for introducing me to my life-long love of reading books. I hope to incorporate the same traditions with my own children one day!

17. HE is the Gift

It's finally the Christmas season! Christmastime is my favorite time of the year. Not because of Santa or presents, but because of the good feeling that is associated with the entire month! People seem happier and kinder as the holiday approaches.

I just watched the new Christmas video on lds.org that is titled He is the Gift. I suggest everyone take just 3 minutes to watch it; it has an amazing and powerful message. The video starts out and shows all the rush, stress, and hype over the holiday season. It shows people standing in line, spending money, and focusing on the materialistic aspect of Christmas. The mood of the video quickly shifts as it shows the simple words, "the first gift". It says how the first gift was not wrapped, tied with a bow, bought online or in a store. It lists many other adjectives to describe what this "first gift" is. As the video goes on, it becomes clear that the gift that is being referred to is the Savior. I thought this was a very moving and important reminder about Christmas, and what we have already been given. God gave us His son. He sent His son to die for us. To atone for us. To teach us. To live among us. To be our example and show us the way. To feel what we felt. To endure what we endure. To show us love. To bring hope to all. To be our light when we are encircled in darkness. To give us second, third, fourth, and fifth chances. To be the Savior of the world.

As we approach the holiday season, we need to remember what the true gift is: it is our Savior. Our focus needs to be on Christ and the indescribable gift that was given to us by Him and our Father. I challenge myself as well as all who read this to not get swept away in the material things of Christmas, but to adjust our focus to what is truly important this season. I know that as we keep the Savior the center of Christmas, we will have the best holiday imaginable.

16. Come Unto Christ

Near the end of my Junior year in high school, I got a call from a member of my Stake Presidency to come meet with them. I did not have the slightest idea of what they wanted to talk to me about. To my surprise they called me to serve as a member of Seminary Council at my high school. Two members per stake are chosen to serve, and I was ecstatic. I got set apart as the first councilor in the Seminary Council presidency, and it changed my entire Senior year. I felt quite overwhelmed and very incompetent, but I went forward in my calling with faith. As a Council we spent the summer getting ready for the new school year. We spent hours every week meeting and planning. We also had a lot of time for fun! As first councilor, I was in charge of all publicity for the Seminary. I had my own committee to work with and although it got stressful at times, it was a great experience. 

The theme for the youth of the year 2014 is Come Unto Christ, which comes from the scripture Moroni 10:32 from the Book of Mormon. We met as a council over Christmas break and hung up the theme in big letters high on the wall, so it could easily be seen by all who walked in to the Seminary building. We loved the new theme, and tried to incorporate it as much as we could. I remember I felt so strongly that this was the theme we needed, and it was what we needed to focus on as a Seminary, and even for myself personally. I started to think about the image I was giving off and the choices I was making. Was I being a proper example? The Seminary teachers told us many times that we need to be aware that people were watching us and we needed to be active and involved in Seminary, as well as be examples back at the school. I wasn't necessarily doing anything bad, but I knew that there were things I could give up so that I would personally be able to come unto Christ and in doing so, hopefully bring others to Christ as well. As I worked on this, I  noticed a major change in my happiness and behavior. I never have felt to close to the Savior and God than when I used the Atonement and worked on progressing. 

I share this because Seminary Council, and Seminary in general changed my life. It helped me gain a testimony and allowed me to make the adjustments that I needed. Because of this, I feel so blessed to be able to continue in taking religious classes here at BYU. I know that when we follow the teachings of the prophets and guidance of the scriptures we will be blessed immensely. When we fulfill our callings and do our best to come unto Christ, we will be strengthened and find true happiness. 

15. Thankful

Thanksgiving has to be my favorite day of the year. Besides the great food, I get to see all of my
extended family on both sides! We spend lunchtime at my mother's parents, and dinnertime at my father's parents. To me, there is no greater feeling than coming together as a family. Thanksgiving is such a wonderful holiday to reflect and ponder all the things we have been blessed with. This past year has easily been filled with the most changes and adjustments that I have ever dealt with. I have faced many challenges, but many good times as well. I thought I would like to reflect on all the things I have gained an appreciation for, or a deeper appreciation for, over this past year.

I am thankful for loving and supporting parents.
I am thankful for being admitted into BYU.
I am thankful for missionaries.
I am thankful for friends filled with patience.
I am thankful for the Atonement and my Savior.
I am thankful for siblings I can laugh with.
I am thankful for singing and music.
I am thankful for my job.
I am thankful for the safety of my home.
I am thankful for prayer.
I am thankful for fresh starts.
I am thankful for change and trials.
I am thankful for my health and body.
I am thankful  for laughter.
I am thankful for freedom and protection.
I am thankful for my two best friends who are serving the Lord.
I am thankful to be a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
I am thankful for prophets and church leaders.
I am thankful for the ability to further my education.
I am thankful for temples.
I am thankful for the gospel.

I am thankful for my knowledge that families are forever.

14. Planning for the Future Ahead

When you are in college, you are asked the question "What are you studying?" more times than once. I have asked it myself, and I notice that many freshmen aren't sure what they would like to do quite yet. I have been lucky--I have known for years that psychology is the road I want to take. It probably sounds super cliche when I say I want to help people, but it is the truth.

Back in my freshman year of High School, I went through many trials and challenges. I remember asking myself why I went through so many hard times. I was struggling to see how they were going to help me, or how I changed from the experiences. As time went on, I witnessed many of my close friends going through almost exactly the same things I had. They quickly turned to me for advice and support. In those moments I gained not only an idea of what I wanted to do, but I also gained a realization of the purpose of trials. Lending support and feeling like I had made a difference in someone's life was an amazing feeling.

 I got into high school and took a psychology class, and I was hooked. I took AP Psychology my senior year, and put most of my efforts towards succeeding in that class. After much studying, I was able to score high enough on the AP test that I got credit that went towards my planned psychology major here at BYU. I was so excited and ready to jump right in! Intro to the Psych Major is a required course for all psych majors, and it started out really well. But as the class went on, I began to feel discouraged when I thought about how competitive everything seemed, and all the schooling I would need to go through after graduation. I started to question if this path really was for me; I wasn't sure I could handle it. I talked with  my mom about everything I had been feeling, and she advised me to pray and fast about it. After many days, I felt reassured that I should stay in the program. I had initially planned on going into clinical psychology, but I felt impressed that I should shift my attention to something more along the lines of social psychology. Planning for that transition has felt completely right, and I am still planning on pursuing a career in that field.

Something that has recently caught my attention is working in a center for girls and women who have eating disorders. I have seen too many girls and friends go through feelings of insecurity and turn to an eating disorder. I think it would be so rewarding to help women become both mentally and physically healthy, and help them gain a positive self image. I also think this career choice would be a better lifestyle for me as I start my own family. This career wouldn't require as much schooling or time, so I would be able to still have a strong focus on my own family.

Although my plans may change, I feel I am off to a good start!