Grace

I am a firm believer in grace. I don't think we talk about grace enough in the Church. It has filled me, lifted me, and most importantly, it has changed me.

What exactly is grace? It is "the divine means of help or strength, given through the bounteous mercy and love of Jesus Christ." It is by and through his grace that we are able to repent and utilize the Atonement. I'm not going to get into a faith vs. works discussion. Let me just state that I believe that "faith without works is dead," and I am not trying to "earn heaven, but learn heaven." What I want to talk about is how Christ's "grace is sufficient for all men" and all situations. We should open our hearts and lives so that his grace can enter.

I don't think that the Atonement of Jesus Christ only forgives sins. Why would we try to limit the Savior?! It says that his grace is sufficient. His help or strength is enough! It's more than enough. It not only can redeem us from the fall, but Christ overcame the world -- he can help you do the same! He not only can, but he wants to. God gives you righteous desires -- He has also provided a means of assistance. Are you struggling in school? Grace is there. Trying to be healthier? Grace is there. Want to conquer negative self-talk? The answer lies with grace. Don't EVER think that Christ can't or doesn't want to help you. He can, and he will. Always. I testify of this truth.

Note to the World: On Body Image

Hey girl. I hope you're doing well. Life may be pretty dang good right now. It may not be, but it will get better soon. I just wanted to send you a note to remind of you something important.

YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL.

Maybe not in the way that other girls are. Maybe you aren't blonde with blue eyes. Maybe you aren't a size 4. Maybe you don't wear chevron with every outfit, or you don't own chunky jewelry. I know how some of you hate to wear lots of make-up, and other girls put on full foundation everyday. Maybe you are all of those things. Either way, I want you to know something.

YOU DON'T HAVE TO BE LIKE ANYONE.

You are beautiful. Your eyes may be deep and dark or light and sparkling, but they all know how to see when someone is suffering and how to help. Your hands may be little, but they can play the piano, hold a child's hand, write killer essays, paint a picture, and reach out to dear friends and family. Your skin tells a story of people who came before, and their struggles and successes are what made you. Wear their story proudly. Your body is healthy. You are able to hike, swim, dance, and do anything else you put your mind to. (Plus, you look adorable in that sweater. You know which one I'm talking about.) Or maybe you're struggling with an illness. If so, you shine through your struggles. You are who you are. I want you to know:

IT IS OKAY.

It is perfectly okay to be who you are. You should celebrate and utilize your strengths. Rejoice in your triumphs. Be aware of your weaknesses only so you can improve. Do not live in them. They do not define you. You are person with the pencil. You define yourself. Sometimes you'll make mistakes or not live up to who you want to be. Know this:

SOMEONE ELSE IS HOLDING THE ERASER.

You know exactly Who that Someone is. If you are unsatisfied with something about yourself, look to Him. He can help you change it. He gave you your body. He made you the way you are. He expects you to take care of that gift. He does not want you to misuse that gift in anyway. He wants you to love it as He loves it. Another thing:

YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL BECAUSE YOU ARE YOU.

As you develop your gifts and talents, that light inside of you will shine through your eyes. Treasure that. Other people do. They love your light, and they look forward to seeing it. I love you and your light. Don't ever think your light isn't enough. A spark is all it takes to break through the darkness. One day, maybe today, someone will realize that they can't live apart from your light. Don't do anything to dim your light. It's yours and you should wear it proudly, because:

YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL.

Credit to B. Simmons

Day One: Fresh Start All Around

Today was the first day of the new semester. I made myself start doing all the things I want to do. The first day can be the most difficult. It's so easy to put it off until tomorrow. Just got to get up and do it. In other news, I did have an excellent first day. I'm taking a Poly dance class. I just love the music and my professor calling out "KAHOLO!" and "HELA!" I'm also excited for my two religion classes -- the first half of the Book of Mormon and the Writings of Isaiah. I'm looking forward to feeling the Spirit often in those classes.

Yesterday, I taught a lesson in Relief Society called "Our Father in Heaven." I learned so much preparing and teaching that lesson. I'm so humbled by my calling. You may think you know something, and then you prepare a lesson, and you have a "Holy cow! I never thought of it that way before" moment. Then you're standing before your class and someone makes a comment that completely changes the direction you go (in a positive way). I still feel uplifted from that lesson.

Thought of the day:
"The Holy Ghost awakens ancient memories." I loved this idea! You have so much already inside of you. Let the Spirit touch your heart and mind to unlock who you really are.

One day down, a bunch to go. Never stop being better!

New Girl

My mom and I have a 2014 challenge: we meet our weight loss goals by the end of the semester, and we get a girls' trip to Disney. This is happening. Not only am I going to be healthier, but I want to be a better person. I am super motivated to be a little stronger, a little wiser, a little kinder, and a little better of a student. Here's too more scripture study, more exercise, more prayer, more studying, more reading, less junk food, less Netflix, and more friendships. Looking forward to a great semester, and a fantastic 2014!