8 Years

8 years ago today was the best day EVER!

Doing Hard Things

This year in Young Women's, the girls have been challenged to do hard things. It isn't like they haven't been doing hard things. We know they have always been doing hard things. Well, I took this challenge on myself this year as well. Consciously or unconsciously, I am not sure. I just think we are put in the right places at the right times. This was a challenge I have needed. I am stronger than I think I am. I have come to know this during the past 6 months or so. But life is hard. Really hard. I always wonder when it is going to be easy. Now I know, it is NEVER going to be easy. And when you start to think that it is easy, it gets hard!

Yesterday we walked 22.1 miles. We walked from the Draper Temple to the Salt Lake Temple. Anyone I told asked me why we were doing that. I told them we are crazy! But now that it is all said and done, I am so grateful for the experience. We worked and prepared for a long time doing hard things. Hoping in the process that the girls (and leaders) would be ready physically. We repelled, had a challenging youth conference, trained, etc. We also trained spiritually by reading the Book of Mormon from cover to cover. We had talks and firesides and testimony meetings. I consider it a great success-even if it only made a difference for one girl. I know it made a difference in my own life. When things get hard and I want to give up, I am going to think of the 20+ girls, who woke up at 3 am. They came with smiles on their faces. They were energized. These girls didn't complain. They talked and we bonded. I love those girls! I am going to think of them and their great accomplishment. I will think of their strength, the Lord's strength, and my own strength. It was a great accomplishment for me as well. I can do hard things. I can get up and go to work each morning, even though it is hard. I can sacrifice my time and put some effort in to grow spiritually, even though it is hard. I can be social, even though I hate it. I can work out and push myself physically because I know it helps me. I can do all these things, because each of these things is worth it. I am worth it!

Another Year

Dear Kevin,

Here I am. Another year has passed. It is crazy how I can feel so many emotions in one day. Mostly I just miss you. I went to the temple today and happened to read this scripture:

Ether 12:4&6
4. "Wherefore, whoso believeth in God might with surety hope for a better world, yea even a place at the right hand of God, which hope cometh of faith, maketh an anchor to the souls of men, which would make them sure and steadfast, always abounding in good works, being led to glorify God.
6. "And now, I, Moroni, would speak somewhat concerning these things; I would show unto the world that faith is things which are hoped for and not seen; wherefore, dispute not because ye see not, for ye receive no witness until after the trial of your faith.

It is hard for me (as you already know) to put my feelings into words. Having faith is something that I am trying hard to work on. Faith that this crazy life will all work out. Faith that I am on the right track, doing the right things. Faith that what has happened was what was supposed to happen. It's funny. I always wonder if what I am doing is what you would approve of. I still worry about what you might think. I am trying my best. Because I know that if I have faith, I am happier. It makes me want to be good. It's true. After this trial of my faith, everything will be okay. I am working hard to be on the right hand of God. Life is hard. But I am doing some really hard things right now. And I will carry on because I know that is what you would want me to do. I will make it. I love you and miss you!

Love,
Me