Everything Has Changed

I should be in bed.

Ya know when you plan something and you think it'll go one way but ends up being flipped around and turned inside out? Yeah. I got here at like 9:30 and I'm still on here two hours later. Expectation: go research your talk and possibly start writing your lesson plan. Reality: researched lesson plan, did not write any of it, but I did finish my missionary letter to Harmony.

I was looking through last years' posts around this time. Everything has changed! This time last year, my best mates were just moving in. I was going to school as a sophomore, and I have changed quite a bit. I look through the photos and see how far I've come yet again. I am thankful for the progress I've made.

Speaking of progress, I feel as though I've improved in the sense of my spirituality. I have been more mindful of my scripture study and attending all the church meetings. I watch the missionary life videos on lds.org and from reading all my friends letters, I want to serve a full time mission someday. As far as reaching out to those around me, I feel like I've improved. Anyone who semi knows me usually notices my level of shyness. Maybe it's just what the situation is, but sometimes I'm very outgoing. I think I usually keep to myself but I have opened up a bit. It's like when you're happy with yourself, you get this desire to make others feel that way too.

School officially starts again next week! So here's to another two semesters! 0.o I'm returning this time as a JUNIOR. Freak. It just blows my mind. I'm excited to see where I'll be by the time these next two are all said and done. I really should just enjoy the beauty of the present time though. I feel like I look way too far ahead because right now I want more than anything than to have my friends come home...a bit selfish, really. But all at the same time I want to grow and take what I've learned from them and have their influences in my life. I guess I miss them way more than I should.

I'll just say that I'm pretty sure I have a talent for finding good friends. Coping with the whole separation thing for 18 months has been one of the hardest things for me. There isn't a day that goes by that I don't miss them. Back to the friends thing...I never thought I'd have the friends that I do in my everyday life as I do now. Before I talk about that, I am positive that who I have now isn't merely by a coincidence. I honestly believe that our Heavenly Father watches out not only for me but for each of us. People are there for a reason. Some stay for a time, and others for a lifetime. "In my life, I've loved them all." :) Anyway Jaye and Kenzie, I feel honestly lucky and blessed to have them. We even work well together in our little trio. It brings me back to the good days with me and my girls. The last few times we all hung out together, I felt whole. And there's nothing that I'm more grateful for.

Honestly, without the gospel of Jesus Christ, I know I wouldn't be half the person I am today. There's nothing that brings greater happiness. I know that by living by its principals, we will gain the promised blessings. We have to do our part before the Lord will do his. I also know that we are loved by a loving Father in Heaven who is ever mindful of our needs. All we have to do is be obedient in doing as He asks of us. The book of Mormon is real. I have a testimony of its teachings. Prayer is the way in which we pour our whole soul to God and earnestly seek Him. There's no greater comfort and peace than that.