The Business of Life

It's summer time. A time for relaxation, vacations and friends. A time for beaches and ice cream and parties. A time for fun, hot days and long, cool nights. A time to sleep in and really enjoy yourself... Or not. Of your have ever had a summer like that then you should definitely let us all in on the secret because I have had a hectic summer. Between work and summer school and being in Shrek the musical I only have about 2 hours a day to do chores, read extra books, catch up on emails and texts, and sit down and think. I also have other things I have to do, like maintain a social life and prepare for next semester. It's not easy stuff! And it's not all horrible.  I love my job and school isn't all bad. Of course I'm not going to complain about being in a musical and I'm happy to have so much to do and so many people to communicate with. So if you feel like I'm complaining, please forgive me. The truth is, summer is not to be expected. There are things that are going to happen that you never dreamed about, but in the end, summer is still amazing and that is why I think we look forward to it.

Kindness

I can't stand when people are rude to other people. I believe that everyone has rights and everyone should have freedom to say what they think but when someone puts someone else down, it hurts me inside. I hate seeing the way people look when they are shot down and ignored. I always feel so bad when multiple people are talking to me and I have to shut out the others and focus on one. Everyone is a person with feelings and most people want to feel cared about.

Why do we put other people down? It's so discouraging to know you don't have a voice or to feel like you don't matter. As a daughter of God I can see that the people around me have a need to be loved and cared for. I can see that they have feelings, desires and dreams. I can see that they want to be included and that they are children of God.

We're all royalty. Why don't we treat each other the way we should be treating them? If we could see their full potential would we see them different? Would they see themselves differently? Would words and actions be changed. I like to think that the more we learn and understand the more our opinions of each other will change and the more open minded we will be.

Kind Words

By Megan Johnson

Let us speak kind words to each other,

If we do, no contention we'll cause,

Kind words, each sister and brother,

Then the spirit will return as it was,

All of us can do better you see,

Kind words make others feel better,

So let us not speak sarcastically,

And be kind every single letter!

Sometimes we tease just a little,

But sometimes it might not feel nice,

If we stop teasing so much it'll,

Help when breaking the ice!!!

So when a moment comes up,

Don't say something that may be rude,

Instead of push-down, push-up!!

Even if you don't think they find it crude.

So to be builders, we'll all try harder,

And then happiness can be found,

Yes happiness together!

And say kind words all around.

Everyone needs love and happiness. Everyone needs and longs to be understood. 

Don't deny them of that.

Talking vs Technology

Last year I wrote a post on giving compliments. Today's post is like a sequel to that one.

Technology is an amazing thing. Just today I have used my iPhone to wake me up, text information to a friend, check my email, share a post with millions across the world, read my scriptures, schedule my events, take a picture, and write this blog post. The power and possibilities are endless. We are so blessed to have all of this at our finger tips.

Yet as I watch the people around me, or sit in a social setting, I notice that people are having difficulties talking to each other. The communication in this world has gone down and people don't have the simple skill of talking to one another. We find it so easy to like and comment on posts and tweets but when it comes to liking and commenting in person we feel awkward and embarrassed. How sad it is that two people could pass by each other with even noticing the others exsistance.

Now I am equally as guilty as any of you. It's not easy to start conversations or compliment people on their hair or shoes. It is much easier to double tap their Instagram photo. It's hard to think of questions to get to know your family better but it is easy to ask youtubers you've never met, to give you dating advice. It is difficult to share emotions and open up to your friends but it is easy to send an emoji, with the tap of a finger.

And I'm not saying technology is making us dumb! ...well maybe I am, but I still think it's a good thing. In my opinion we need to learn how to balance the technology in our life's and at the same time, look up. Smile at someone. Compliment them. Visit a family member or friend. Because memories count and time is short, so don't live life on a phone.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=Z7dLU6fk9QY

The Things I never Said

To my directors,

Thank you. As I look back at the old pictures of musicals, I look at them and think “Wow I was so young” and “Was that really one of my costumes?” I think of all the times that we sat on the stage after rehearsal being drilled into by harsh, but constructive notes. I think of how much time each mom put in, and how much money they spent on our shows. But most importantly, I think about how much it changed me.

Those long rehearsals were killer, and after we would be shaken, hungry, and stressing about the homework that needed to be done. But you pushed us to be better and better. Having you there, pushing me, made me do better in my classes. You gave me my first real part in a musical I ever had. This, gave me the self-confidence I needed. Thank you for being the one that I could rely on for anything, and between scenes goof around and have fun with each other. For laying the groundwork for us, we were able to climb up the rope ladder. As we got older, each one of us excelled because of the stage. We learned to respect the props, the tech, and who else was helping (even if we didn't respect them enough). We tirelessly went over lines, and stayed up late to perfect accents and impressions of those that inspired our characters. No matter how many times you got mad at us for talking over you, or getting the scene wrong for the ‘enth time in a row, we still thought you were the best director ever. When you uttered, “it looks great, this is it” we all let out a sigh of relief, we knew that all our hard work paid off. When the lights came on opening night, we were all shaking as the curtain rose, letting out that last sigh of relief before we saw the shadowed-out audience. The whole time wondering if we were making you proud.

So, I thank you. I thank you for never giving up on us, no matter how rough we could be and for helping us develop our personalities and our interests. Without you I may not have the confidence on stage I have now. I thank you for being one of the most influential people in my teenage life by giving me that chance, over and over again. I thank you.

The Things We Never Say...

To the Techs,

On behalf of all the performers, thank you. Your job is weird in that, the better you are at it, the less anyone notices you're there. Sometimes we link attention with importance, yet, without your silent presence, we'd all be screwed.

You're often at shows before we arrive and you stay back long after we're gone. Sometimes you're teching several shows in a row. You sit through the same scripts, the same songs, the same jokes again and again. Your patience knows no bounds, as soon as we notice a mistake, we are on you like pouncing tigers. But still, you show up. You create your magic through sound, set, or lights and you make the show complete.

We may forget to thank you as often as we should. We may be short with you, ungrateful, or downright rude. And on behalf of all performers, I apologize for this. You are every bit as important for this show as us. You are our co-stars. You are our heroes, and you are our guardian angels - sometimes literally shining light down on is in times of darkness.

So thanks, keep us the great work.

-The performers.  

Happy!

Guys I'm just really happy right now. All day I've just been happy and having a great day. There are so many things to be grateful for and so many amazing people in my life. Thank you to everyone for everything you do for me.

I watched Anne of Green Gables the sequel last night with two of my siblings. During the movie Anne kept wishing that people would stop changing. I have felt like this for the past year. I've been wondering why things have to change and why we all have to grow up. As I watched the movie and saw Anne change I noticed that her changes helped her to meet new people and find new joy. I really think that change is for the best and this gives me hope and makes me feel happy.

Guys, life is so amazing. I have the best friends and I'm just super content. This is the best feeling in the world. Hooray for life!

Perfection vs Wholeness

Being perfect and being whole can be very similar, the are both about being complete; however, perfection is the state where nothing is wanting and being whole is the state of being entire and non-defective. The question is, can we be perfect or whole?

Perfection is described well in the 1828 Webster's Dictionary when it claims " Perfection [is] the state of being perfect or complete, so that nothing requisite is wanting." When comparing perfection and wholeness it is easy to see that both words mean "complete" however the term "perfection" is different because it is describing something without want. If something or someone is without want that means they're feeling content, complete and consummated. It means they are being pure and perfect.


Being whole is also about being complete, but it includes being entire and not defective. It is not very different from perfection, they do have similarities. Being whole is being together, unified and total. Being whole means finding peace and we can only be made whole through the Savior. Elder Timothy J. Dyches said, "As we repent and become converted to the Lord, we become whole, and our guilt is swept away. We may wonder, as did Enos, “How is it done?” The Lord answers: 'Because of thy faith in Christ. … Wherefore, go to, thy faith hath made thee whole'"
However there is a connection between these two terms. They both mean "complete." Perfection means pure and without fault ever. While we are on earth we are striving to become like our Brother and Savior, Jesus Christ. He is perfect and even though we try to be like him we are not perfect beings, however, we can be whole. In Elder Timothy J. Dyches on becoming whole, he says that through repentance Christ can make us whole.
In future days we will be able to be perfect. For now we will do our best to be perfect and in the mean time we can be whole. Christ is our example and through Him we can be made complete and eventually fulfill our true and overall purpose.
(https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2013/10/wilt-thou-be-made-whole?lang=eng)

The Touch of the Masters Hand

Guys, I love this poem! Let's all let God touch our lives and help us to mean something more!

'Twas battered and scarred,

And the auctioneer thought it

hardly worth his while

To waste his time on the old violin,

but he held it up with a smile.

"What am I bid, good people", he cried,

"Who starts the bidding for me?"

"One dollar, one dollar, Do I hear two?"

"Two dollars, who makes it three?"

"Three dollars once, three dollars twice, going for three,"

But, No,

From the room far back a gray bearded man

Came forward and picked up the bow,

Then wiping the dust from the old violin

And tightening up the strings,

He played a melody, pure and sweet

As sweet as the angel sings.

The music ceased and the auctioneer

With a voice that was quiet and low,

Said "What now am I bid for this old violin?"

As he held it aloft with its' bow.

"One thousand, one thousand, Do I hear two?"

"Two thousand, Who makes it three?"

"Three thousand once, three thousand twice,

Going and gone", said he.

The audience cheered,

But some of them cried,

"We just don't understand."

"What changed its' worth?"

Swift came the reply.

"The Touch of the Masters Hand."

"And many a man with life out of tune

All battered and bruised with hardship

Is auctioned cheap to a thoughtless crowd

Much like that old violin

A mess of pottage, a glass of wine,

A game and he travels on.

He is going once, he is going twice,

He is going and almost gone.

But the Master comes,

And the foolish crowd never can quite understand,

The worth of a soul and the change that is wrought

By the Touch of the Masters' Hand.

Just some random thoughts...

Isn't it cool how we are all on the earth together right now? I don't think its a coincidence that we were placed on the earth at the same time, and that our lives connected. Or that we got to know each other and we've changed each others lives a little bit. There is some reason that you know everyone you know. There is another reason you're related to your family members. Everything happens for  reason and it isn't a coincidence. What I don't understand is why the world is in so much pain. Why do we try to fight with each other? We are all on the same planet with worries. We all know that being a human isn't easy, but it sure is amazing. We aren't against each other, life isn't a game. If it is a game, aren't we all on the same team? One big group of people trying our best to make our lives and our worlds better. I think that is  good example of a peer inspiring environment. If you want to have that inspiring environment you have to realize how special it is to be with the people you're with. It takes self control to realize that. You have to put away distractions of technology, and you have to step out of your comfort zone. There is a big world all around us and its beginning to fall apart. You probably can't change every single person but you can change yourself, and that's where it starts. After you've changed you can change your family and then your community. You can't force people to change, they have to choose, but you can give them some options and examples.

I went to a camp last summer where I didn't know very many people and the people I did know were not exactly people I wanted to spend time with. I really didn't want to go to this camp and I wasn't looking forward to it. We were broken up into groups, and I met my group leaders. One of my leaders was a young girl named Maddie. She is the happiest person I know. She immediately helped everyone feel welcome and inspired. My whole time at camp was great because of her and her happy attitude. It was incredible to see how many lives she changed in three short days just by being her happy self. She shared that she had decided to e this way because she was living a life centered around God and the gospel. She wasn't always like this but she helped everyone around her by just being happy.

In my opinion, a big changing point in peer environments is God. If He isn't a part of your peer environment how is it supposed to be inspiring? The problem is, it is so easy to put things in front of your relationship with God... or with people! We miss so many opportunities because we don't look up from our phones or our stress or our jobs and school. There is so much in this world that we miss. A problem that human beings share is the problem of trying to look good and normal and like there is nothing bad in our lives. Sometimes we miss things in our life because we are working too hard to look a certain way or act like someone who we aren't. What is the point of life if we have to pretend we are someone we are not. Being you is the best thing you can be, God created you the way you are for a reason, don't hide it, embrace it!

In order to embrace who we are we need to embrace the fact that we are weak. We are given weakness to build strengths. If we turn to God, He will strengthen us through our weakness'. God has placed people and trials in our way so that we will become who we need to be. He has prepared a way for us to obey Him and make it back to live with Him again. That is why its cool that God placed us here, together. We are here to help each other through this part of our lives. God has a lot in store for us, to live is an awfully big adventure.

Sweet Sixteen

I always imagined my 16th birthday to be big and exciting. 16 is a pretty important age after all. But now that it has finally come, I'm not as excited as I thought I would be, I'm not as smart as I thought I would be, I don't have as many friends or pink jackets as I thought I would have and overall it seems to be a pretty disappointing birthday. But my life is definitely in the middle of some big changes.

Last week my mom got a phone call from a friend in the ward asking if I was looking for a job. My mom told her that I was and she gave us the information that Wood Connections in Layton was looking for a 16 year old girl to hire. So the next day I went down to Wood Connections with Sister Haruch and met Dawn, the franchise owner. This is pretty big stuff! I'm also going to be nanning for another family in the ward, Brother and Sister Charles.

I finished my drivers ed. course and now am finishing up the drivers portion with an instructor. My final test is on Friday and I am pretty nervous. Driving is not really my thing, I see the need for it but I don't see why I need it. However I should have my license a few days after my birthday.

Last month my mom and I put on a performing arts camp, it was a huge success and I got to work with a lot of awesome youth. One of the young men I was privileged to work with was Joseph Hampton. His mother, Cindy, contacted my mom this week and asked if I had turned 16 yet, my mom said no but my birthday was on Wednesday. She responded with regret that Joseph had wanted to take me on a fun group date that was planed for Tuesday. I'm nut sure whether to be relived or regretful but either way it surprised and flattered me, that was not something I was expecting to happen.

The Biesinger's and Moore's are moving this week, to New York. I really can't bring myself to believe that they will be gone and I won't see them again. Having them back in Utah after they went to Hungary was really amazing, we had a lot of good times.

That's it for now, one week at a time.
-Color Girl

Why aren't compliments a thing?

I don't know very many people who...actually I don't know anyone who doesn't like to receive a complement. Do you know someone who just overflows with compliments wherever they go? I love those people :) they always inspire me to give compliments (which is something I struggle with...) I always think the compliments but I never say them-I think that happens a lot. But why?

What makes us 'shy' to tell someone they look nice? Why do we hesitate to tell someone we liked their paper or hair or singing or dancing? 

I know that not everyone struggles with this and if you don't then you deserve a prize because sincerely complimenting people, is really a gift! And I have a lot of awesome friends who are really good at it.

Another important thing! Please, please, please:

It ruins the compliment and makes the person not want to give compliments. They said somthing nice about you-if you don't know what to say then just give a compliment back!

There are lots of problems in the world. No one is perfect and we all have a lot of different opinions and ideas-it makes it really hard to connect to each other! But when you give/receive a complement from someone, don't you feel connected to them? So what if we all tried this and told the people around us that they looked nice, or that they do a good job? Isn't that one way we can relate? AND when we compliment others aren't we praising God in His creations? So what's the downside to this? I think it sounds great! Let's make compliments a thing-if you don't give compliments often look for opportunities to compliment people and if you already do that then look for ways to make them super sincere

Remember how good it makes you feel, how awesome to have the power to make someone smile, to make their day, to compliment them and to connect to them even for just a second. :)

-Color Girl

What's around you?

Close your eyes and listen. 

What did you hear? Cars, children, music? A page of a book turning? Your own breathing? Someone cooking in the kitchen or playing with blocks? Are you thankful to hear?

Open your eyes, look around you.

What did you see? A bookshelf, shoes, a computer screen? A window? Did you look out a window, and see trees and cars and pets and growing plants? Are you thankful to see?

Feel the things around you, what do you feel? Take a deep breath, do you smell anything? There is so much going on around you, what are you missing? 

Lately I have noticed that everyone is looking down...usually at their phones. :) We might be walking around, in the store, at the park, in cars or at play performances and yet what are we doing? Talking or texting or playing on our phones. For example, as I write this blog post I am sitting in a room with two other people who are, like myself, on their phones. (I would gladly talk to them if I wasn't finishing an assignment that needs to be finished.)

So my question is, what are we missing? What conversations or learning experiences are we not having? There is so much that we aren't appreciating because we are not recognizing it.

So how do we change it?

I think something really important is being aware of what's going on around you which means we have to put down the phone. The phone will always be there and wouldn't it be cooler to talk to the people around you or at least smile to them? 

In my previous post I talked about connecting by compliments but I think this is another way to connect to the people around you.

And last of all be thankful! There is so much we have been blessed with so get out in nature, look up from the phone and look out to the world. This is for us to enjoy!

-Color Girl

P.S. Here is a link to an awesome video about this!! https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=Z7dLU6fk9QY

The gift

Imagine you are in a group of people and you are each given a gift. Each gift is the same type but is incredibly personal and special. You all are told that in order to keep the gifts, one person in the room must give theirs up.

What would you do?

In life, few of us realize that every breath is a gift, that every time we pull into the drive way its a gift; or that each family member or friend is a gift. There is so much around us to be thankful for, so much to enjoy, why waste life on worrying? Why waste it doing something you hate to do? Why be full of discontentment or sorrow? Live life to the fullest!

In Heaven we all received a gift, the gift of life, each life was personalized to fit each person. But in order for us all to keep the gifts and one day return to Heavenly Father someone had to save us, someone had to completely give up their life-their gift- so that we could have ours.

So who did?

Christ did. He volunteered because he loved us. He didn't want any of the glory, He gave up his gift so that we could all live and live again. What a miracle.

But some threw away their gifts. Satan and his followers threw them away in pride and foolishness. And even though we all chose to come to earth we still must make the choice to 'live' everyday. In order to live we must repent, try harder, listen and obey. Just because we are on earth doesn't mean we are done. And though our job is not easy, do you think His job was easy?

He was born in a stable
He learned to work hard
He fasted for 40 days
He was hated
He was ignored
He saw much pain
He paid the price for everyone's sins
He felt the pain, sorrow, sickness, quilt, and so much more for the entire world
He has nails pierced into  Him
He was cut
He was spit upon
He wore a crown of thorns
He was mocked
He was put on a cross
He forgave them
He forgave everyone
He died for everyone

And that's not all. So tell me now, how hard is it to go to church? How hard is it to pay tithing? How hard is it to simply do what you know is right? Keep the commandments and covenants and standards? How hard is to to say kind things? How hard is it to live?

Is it not wonderful to know that He conquered death? That He lives now? That He is the one we can trust in, the truth and the light the one we must believe in? The Savior, the Redeemer?  And all because He loves us.

Because He gave up His gift we can have ours. Because He died we can live again.
-Color Girl

People are awesome!

When you were a kid, did you have a hero? Someone you looked up to, who you wanted to be like, who had adventures and trials but always ended up standing on their own two feet. You know, the hero type.

Do you have a hero now? Real or fictional, present day or past, who do you look up to?

Heroes are people who change the world, they stand-up for themselves! Sometimes they are alone, and we forget that. Being a hero isn't easy, and even after you have accomplished something no one else could do, you are often still alone. Think about it.

But heroes are awesome! They make life better for people, they make life possible, who are our heroes? Who are they now? Where are they now?

Who are you? A human, a teenager, an adult, a child? A teacher, friend, sibling, parent, person.... Who are you?

When you wake up in the morning, what do you think of? Food, activities, people? When you look in the mirror who do you see? I mean really?

That person in the mirror, is that you? Is that what you look like? Is that who your friends see? Do you see a reflection of someone you know, or who you don't know? Have you figured out who you are? Probably not completely... Not very many people do at first.

What if no one knows who they are? What if we are all going through our individual life's, driving our individual cars, listening to different songs, learning different things, seeing different reflections in the mirror.

Who will change it? We need heroes, and fast! We need to change the world, so who is going to do it? When they wake up, who do they see in the mirror. Cause the only person you can change is you. So the only person who can change the world is you.

When you look in the mirror, do you see a hero? That's who you are, or rather, who you can be, could be, should be. I should be too, but how?

Being a hero isn't easy, remember? Being alone, standing up, pressing on, are you up for it?

 When heroes get up in the morning who do they see in the mirror? Someone who is awesome? Someone who wants to change the world? Someone who will? 

Will you?

Old-Fashioned Girl

What is it that makes ideas and traditions change? What makes us, as human beings, change our ideas and standards? What makes us forget "Old Fashioned things" and create new "modern things"? Is it a desire for change? Is it pride? Is it right?

In a part of "An old-Fashioned Girl" the girls are gathered around eating lunch and talking about "the perfect woman" they want her to be strong yet gentle and kind. This is what I saw Polly doing throughout the book.

The first time I saw her strength was when she went to visit Fanny and she chose to stay with her 'old fashioned ways' even though the girls around her were trying to grow up. It takes lots of courage to have high standards but it takes even more courage to stick with them.

The next time was when she decided to teach music. She started out on her own and went at it with a will and a way. Even though it got pretty hard she didn't give up, she didn't stop, she kept at it.

The next time I saw her strength was after she went to the party and she had to see through the fun and know that she should not do it again. I think this took strength because it is hard to see the fault in things that make you so happy, but you have to realize that it can't make you happy forever.

Then there were her lovers and she had to have strength in staying away, giving up Sydney, holding out on Tom and all the time staying at her work

Over all she had to endure to the end, through everything. Being old-fashioned isn't easy, and even though being poor was hard I think that was the only way for Polly to be old-fashioned.

Was she more beautiful because of it? Was she blessed for it?

Sometimes I feel like I'm being forced into being old-fashioned like Fanny was, how did she still have a good attitude about it, even when she didn't necessarily want to become old-fashioned? I think that she started focusing on other rather then herself. And that is what it means to be truly beautiful.

"Yes, give me a young woman who loves home and family, who reads and ponders the scriptures daily, who has a burning testimony of the Book of Mormon. Give me a young woman who faithfully attends her church meetings, who is a seminary graduate, who has earned her Young Womanhood Recognition Award and wears it with pride! Give me a young woman who is virtuous and who has maintained her personal purity, who will not settle for less than a temple marriage, and I will give you a young woman who will perform miracles for the Lord now and throughout eternity." -Ezra Taft Benson

Dear Friend,

Do you know Him? Do you know what it feels like to follow Him, to trust Him, to seek Him? Do you know what its like to find Him? He is always there, He is steadfast and immovable. It is us who drifts away from Him, so how do we stay with him? How do we know Him?

What does it take to know Him? "Let no man be afraid to lay down his life for my sake; for whoso layeth down his life for my sake shall find it again." Is that what I must do? Give up my life for Him? Then that is what I will do. My life is His, whatever He would have me do, according to God's will shall be done. 

Do you know Him? If you do where have you found Him? Have you found Him in your church meetings, in your service projects in your home? Have you found Him in holy places and in the secret places where you pray? And did not He welcome you with open arms, and a loving voice?  " Hath he commanded any that they should not partake of his salvation? Behold I say unto you, Nay; but he hath given it free for all men; and he hath commanded his people that they should persuade all men to repentance." (2 Nephi 26:27)

So tell me, do you know Him? For I am longing to find Him, this is why I keep my standards high, this is why I honor my father and mother, this is why I try with all my heart to listen and obey His word. I have been told that if I ask I will receive, seek and I shall find, knock and it shall be opened and if I search will not I know? For I long to know Him.

He is my Savior, my Brother, my hope, my Friend. And I feel Him near me I feel Him apart of me, He loves me-He loves you.
-Dassia

Dear Friend,

I don't like how this is drawing us a part. I remember when we didn't have worries or struggles like this and I wonder where it all went wrong. I hope that my thoughts are as pure as my feelings are true because I truly care about you. I hope I am not blinded by other things in my life. I have been trying to live righteously this month so that I can better help you to see the light-but I am not perfect. Please try to understand.

I know your life didn't come easy, no life ever has. Yet I know that the struggles you have been through and will go through were made for you at that time. Heavenly Father doesn't enjoy making us suffer; rather, He loves watching us grow. I have seen you grow and change, you are not the person you were five years ago but you are still a child of God, He and I both want what's best for you.

You have always had high hopes and dreams, some I never though possible but you are working to them with such excitement and passion it makes me smile. It's not easy to balance everything in life but I know if we put The Lord first, every other good thing will fall into place and the bad will fall out entirely.

It makes me so sad when I see you make choices that cannot help you with your mission. We are not perfect or complete on earth, yet we are still able to know right from wrong. No matter how right the wrong may feel it will always be wrong. How easy it is to be deceived how easy to give up! But together we can have the strength of millions. Two people can do anything as long as one of them is God.

And now I quote from President Gordan B. Hinckley: "Thou shalt not be stupid." And I fear I have not done this myself. I can't ever start to mention the stupid things I have done, but God has forgiven me and He can, will, and wants to forgive you. Repentance is the most wonderful gift, I hope you know that you can use it anytime.

Where are the youth of yesterday? We have all changed by our hardships and trials. There have been times when you have not been what you were before, our friendship at times seemed troubled and doomed and I was not sure what I would do.

That we have had our struggles, is the least of my worries, that I have awakened out of the most glorious childhood and found life here to greet me, that is something I can master. But that our friendship might be over, intirely, decidedly, and instantly, that is something I cannot do-I cannot do it!

And I hope I never will have to. :) I am here when you need to talk and I am here to listen. I will love you for your weaknesses and hardships, you know I always have. I love you for a person and I don't want to leave that unless it is my last choice. Please don't let pride cover your eyes until you are blind, for the light is to wonderful to leave. And yet, if pride and other things pull us apart, know I will be here with open arms, never to be closed off to those who wish to come back.

And above all know that He is there, waiting, watching, wishing for both of us, along with everyone here in earth to come back to Him, to once again be loved and to be rewarded with the highest of blessings.

-Dassia

100 words

Here are 100ish words to describe this picture:

 

Awesome. Around. Amazed. Angelic. Above. Appreciate. Believe. Big. Beautiful. Bold. Care. Color. Crest. Center. Calm. Clean. Clouds. Connect.  Defined. Direct. Decision. Deep. Everything. Empty. Elegant. Enchanting. Fast. Forever. Fresh. Fly. Giant. Guest. Heights. Incriedible. Inside. Insight. Inspire. Indescribable. Jump. Just. Knock. Laugh. Large. Longing. Listen. Let. Longer. Magestic. Magic. Mellow. Mentor. Meant. Much. Meaning. Neat. Nice. New. Open. Ocean. Oh. Perfect. Precise. Performance. Peace. Quiet. Quest. Rest. Rise. Reach. Round. Redo. Reassure. Right. Sight. Soft. Sing. Star. Sharp. Speak. Sleep. Shine. Silent. Sparkle. Secret. Test. True. Try. Tell. Universe. Understand. Unblock. Unsure. Under. Venture. Wonder. Well. Wish. Wise. X-celent. Yesterday. Young. Zest.

-Dassia :D

The Temple

I love to see the temple

I'm going there someday

To feel the holy spirit

To listen and obey.

For the temple is a house of God

A place of love and beauty

I'll prepare myself while I am young

This is my sacred duty.

I love going to the temple. The peaceful feeling I get there, the happy temple workers. The service that is done there and the closeness you can feel to your ancestors. I wish that I was able to go more often. Sometimes I get so caught up in my own life and my own busyness I forget to set aside time to go and serve and listen. But when I do find the time I love begin able to sit and feel comforted.

As I was singing the hymn "High on the Mountain Top" I was thinking of how, when there weren't temples, they used mountains to feel close/speak to God. Spending time on the mountain, in nature really helps me to feel peaceful. Even just taking a walk to process everything really helps to calm me down.

We are told that our homes should be like temples. I know that that isn't the easiest thing in the world. Sometimes, (especially since my home is also my school) I feel the most chaotic at home. But there are just as many times, when everyone is calm and the spirit it there that I can see the similarities of my home and the temple.

Our bodies are also temples. A place where God's spirit can be and a place where God's spirit can guide. One of my favorite things to do is to listen to a spiritual song in a quiet place, and then when the song is over to just stop and listen. I close my eyes or write or draw as I'm filled with clean, silent wonder.

Each of these places are gifts from God. Each of them are holy. Each of them are pure. Each of them can bring God's love and light. I love feeling the comfort, assurance, and peace each one can bring.

I love to see the temple

I'll go inside someday

I'll covenant with my Father

I'll promise to obey.

For the temple is a house of God,

Where we are sealed together,

As a child of God I've learned this truth,

A family is forever! 

-Color Girl :D

Which way do you face?

    

I feel like I'm facing lots of different ways. I'm trying to go different directions. Some of them connect, but not all of them do, and so I'm being pulled in different directions. It's like a stretching machine (which isn't helpful because I'm tall enough already.) So how do I choose one direction?
    I know that there is A TON of stuff I need to study and learn for my education. I have talents that I want to build upon. I have friends and family, choir and acting, and I can't continue to do everything. So what should I choose?
    This is a difficult decision for me, but I realize it is one of the best parts of homeschooling. I can have so many interests and I can choose what direction I want to go. So which direction will I face?
    Prayer is definitely a big part of this decision. I also want to get my patriarchal blessing. Studying conference talks and books that the apostles and prophets have written. I know that so many youth my age struggle with this too: unsure of what to do with your life, unsure which direction to face. The only part I'm sure of is that I want to face towards my Heavenly Father. So for those of you reading this, what has helped you decide? Any suggestions for me?
-Color Girl

P.S. Here is the talk by Lynn G Robbins, which way do you face?