Saturday, May 25, 2013

Change.

Heavenly Father puts so many people in our path to help us along this mortal journey. He knew it wouldn't be easy... but with the help of others... it sure is a lot easier! I'm grateful for my best friend, Brittany. We've known each other for about a year, but it seems like we've been sisters for a lifetime. 

The reason our friendship means so much is because she taught me about CHANGE. The definition of this word is to make, or become different. Serving as missionary companions for 8 months taught us a lot about each other. She saw my good, my bad, and my ugly! And she never focused on my weaknesses. I know that I'm not perfect. I fall, stumble, cry, hurt, mess up.... but having a friend who doesn't focus on that means the world to me. She lifts, inspires, motivates, and encourages me to get up... and try again. Why can't we all be a friend like that?

It's so easy for us to look at people and say, "well that girl is just mean".... or "oh he's just like that." Why can't we focus on the great things they do and realize that they have the ability to change, along with us? President Dieter F. Uchtdorf once said, "Haven't we wished all the energy of our souls for mercy-- to be forgiven for the mistakes we have made and the sins we have committed? Because we all depend on the mercy of God, how can we deny to others any measure of the grace we so desperately desire for ourselves?"

This life is a time for change. Because Jesus Christ came into the world, we have the chance to start over. Not only do we have the great blessing of changing.... but so do those around us. What a great truth that so many of us miss. 

So my invitation for you is to focus on the good of those around you. They will mess up... maybe they'll say a hurtful thing to you... maybe they won't be doing what you think they should be.... but know they aren't perfect... and neither are you. But because Jesus Christ lives, change is possible. We can become different, better, and ultimately more like our Savior. What a blessing that is, and something we must remember. Allow ourselves to change... but to also allow others to change also. 


- Shelbie :)




Thursday, May 23, 2013

Why a blog?

I've never been one to enjoy writing... but I feel like starting a blog will help me keep up with my so called "journal" and I'll have the ability to reflect on what I am being taught from a loving Father in Heaven. I think often about this life, mortality of course, and what I am meant to do and become through my daily experiences. I know that Heavenly Father is involved in our lives more than we understand. I feel His love every single day and hope to share that love with others. My purpose of this blog is to share my personal experiences and how God micromanages our lives. I'm just a 23 year old girl from Utah, away at college, working and preparing to marry my best friend. I'm not someone special. But I know that I've been blessed and hope to help someone else by my experiences. 







-Shelbie :)