#ldsface2face with the Piano guys

background of edit from @tamiamusic

For those of you who didn't know, there was a broadcast on this past Tuesday with the Piano Guys. And if you've never heard of the Piano Guys, I'm sorry, but we can't be friends. JUST KIDDING! But honestly, you have to go look their music up. Or even better, watch the broadcast here. They are so talented, and they don't just play the piano, they also play the cello amongst other intruments. I love their albums.

For mutual (a church youth activity held every week) this past Tuesday, all the Young Women met together to watch the broadcast. It was so fun, and there were so many yummy treats! One of the leaders made this delicious popcorn that had melted vanilla almond bark on it with Halloween-colored sprinkles. I seriously had AT LEAST 15 cups full of it. Along with a lot of M&Ms. No shame.

Anyways, the broadcast was great! Even though a lot of the girls were loud and I couldn't hear very well. In fact I had to sit basically on top of the TV to hear. I can't express how much happier I've been this past week. It's crazy! That broadcast had some things I really needed to hear, too. I just find it truly amazing how these talented guys have totally given up their wills to God. It's so inspiring! And the love they expressed for their wives, dang. Goals.

They also played a new arrangement towards the end of the interviews, which was absolutely gorgeous. The Spirit was so strong and watching them play is wonderful. I swear I can see the happiness and light emanating from them. It is incredible. I really want to see them live one day.

A few specific points that stuck out to be were:

• Our differences are supposed to be celebrated, not calculated. We should try and not be jealous of others' talents, but embrace them. Congratulate them. We can all contribute to this world in one way or the other, and we were all blessed with gifts.
• We should pray for opportunities to use these said gifts that God has given us in order to make a difference in someone's life.
• ANY negative thoughts are not virtuous thoughts. This surprised me, I hadn't even thought about it. But yeah, thinking badly about yourself is no bueno.
• God is ALWAYS there for you. No matter what. And if we give our will and life to Him, we will get so much more out of our lives and we could ever do alone.

They also promised that reading the scriptures in the morning makes such a difference and will start your day off "wonderfully." And this may sound weird, but during the broadcast I got the prompting to clean my room. Something about "cleanliness is next to Godliness." Also, I suddenly have the strange urge to become an amazing piano player, preferably overnight. Crazy!

But I guess I know what I will be working on this weekend...

fuel the find!

Image Source

Since this past Friday, thousands of volunteers from around the world have contributed to the "Fuel the Find", a week-long, Worldwide Indexing event that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints started. What are we striving for? Reaching a new record of 100,000 volunteers indexing in just ONE week. This is such an amazing opportunity, because the more records that are indexed, the easier it is for more people around the world to do family history for their ancestors!

The challenge doesn't end until this Friday, the 14th. Indexing would be an awesome Family Home Evening idea for tonight, too! And it only takes ONE batch indexed to help fuel the find. 

The Young Men and Young Women in my ward actually took this challenge above and beyond. The YW challenged the YM to see who could index the most overall by the end of the challenge. Also, the young woman who indexes the most in YW gets a prize (can anyone say CHOCOLATE?!) 

I had a late start and only started yesterday after church, but I set a goal for myself to index 2,000 records by the 14th. Right now I'm at 667 records. Not bad! But I'm basically competing with my brother who started earlier and is currently at 850.

This means war. 

The YM knew about the challenge BEFORE the YW, even though (apparently) we challenged them. 

Anyways, if you haven't taken the time to index a batch of records yet, I highly suggest it! It's sooooo easy (especially obituaries) and it will help towards the goal! I haven't even been doing it that long but I already feel better knowing that I'm helping someone find their ancestors. Indexing is considered doing family history work, too, so yay for blessings!

Now let's go out there and beat that record!!!

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** UPDATE ** I totally won first place out of all the YW!!!

mutual activity: fear factor!

After weeks and weeks of planning, the night of the mutual activity planned by the Mia Maids came and went. And I must say, it was more successful than I had thought it was going to be. It was nice to see all of our hard work pay off, and to see a lot of laughing faces.

Originally, the activity was going to be Fear Factor with a lot of scary things, but it eventually evolved into Fear Factor with gross things as well. Nonetheless, it was insanely fun. I'm going to share how we did it, what some of the stations were, and more (including some pictures). Maybe it will inspire your own Fear Factor mutual activity!

This specific activity was combined with both the YM and YW. When everyone got there, we had already divided everyone into groups and written it down on a list. We had seven stations, so there were seven groups with about five people on each group (not everyone in our ward showed up, usually there are around 60 youth). It still ended up being a good turn-out. Then, each group went to a station. At the station was a poster-board with the name of the Fear Factor activity, plus a scorecard that stayed at that station, where the station leader (a YM or YW leader) kept score of everyone's time.

At the end, when everyone had gone to each station, someone would take the top times or scores from each station, tally up the points, and find the winning team. Tonight, it was actually my team! Yay! As a prize, we just gave out big candy bars (but don't forget the bragging rights ;).

I'll write about each station, how we played that specific activity, and things needed for it.

(poster, large bowl, kitty litter, tootsie rolls, keys, lock, blindfold)

This station was not only super fun to prepare, but also fun to watch. To prepare, take the large bowl and put the key-chain filled with multiple keys (only one of them should work on the specific lock) at the bottom. Fill the bowl with kitty litter and then unwrap the tootsie rolls and place them in the bowl. Here comes the fun part. When the group comes to the table, select only two people. One of them will have their arms tied up with a lock. The other person will be blindfolded and have to stick their hands into the kitty litter to not only find the key-chain, but then (while blindfolded) figure out which key fits into the lock. No one else can help them. The team wants to have the fastest time, so make sure you have something to time them with. On the note card, keep track of each group's time and at the end, figure out who was fastest. They will be awarded the points. 

(poster, small Dixie cups, smoothie concoction)

This one was downright awful to partake of. For the smoothie, you can put in anything you want. Frozen vegetables, kale, fruit, etc. However, the person we put in charge of creating the concoction was a complete psychopath (love ya, Jenna) and put in the following: cream of mushroom, lemon juice, peanut butter, blueberries, cheese, maple syrup, tomato, lettuce, salsa, mayo, olives, mustard, salt, honey, and Cheetos. I swear it's like she opened her fridge and spilled all the contents into a blender. Something is telling me it was a health code violation. For this one, we had three cups placed on the table. They were all the same size, but each had different amounts of the smoothie. The smallest amount was worth two points if you drank it, the second size was worth four points, and the third size was worth six. So, in total, the team could earn twelve points altogether if all the cups were emptied. I definitely suggest reading off the list of ingredients in case anyone has any allergies, and also have a trash can close by. I swear I almost puked. Having it was fine, but trying to swallow...I almost hurled. Mine tasted like cold peanut butter with a hint of salsa. My stomach felt sick for the next three stations. Luckily, my friend had very strong mint gum for me afterwards. As you can see below, however, the smoothie actually looked like a blueberry/raspberry smoothie. So deceitful. For points, just list all the teams on the note card and tally their points. 

Go Sierra! Take that shot!

(poster, set of scriptures)

This one was very easy to prepare. All we had to do was pick a scripture mastery (we chose Matthew 5:16). Then, we wrote the scripture out on a big piece of poster board and cut it out into words or small phrases and placed them in a plastic bag. We gave the group their bag, and once we started the timer, they had to place it in the correct order and read it out loud to make sure it was right. Also, they had to have turned to the right page. We wrote down their times on the note card, and again gave the points to whichever team ended up being the fastest. 

(poster, can of whipped cream, paper plates, bubble gum, plastic toy bug)

This one was fun to watch, too. One person was selected from the group and put in front of the paper plate. Then, while their eyes were closed, the station leader put the plastic toy bug on the paper plate and also the piece of unwrapped bubble gum. They then covered both objects in whipped cream. When the contestant opened their eyes, they had to shove their faces into the whipped cream and retrieve the gum and blow a bubble with it. Obviously, if you picked the wrong pile of whipped cream and got the bug, you would most likely get a slower time. Points were awarded based on the fastest time it took to blow a bubble. Bringing napkins would be a good idea, too. 

(poster, dried carrots, bandana)

This station incorporated the three-legged race idea. Two people from the team each put a dried carrot in their mouth. Then, they were tied at the ankles by a bandana. They could not use their hands AT ALL throughout the race. They had to hop together from one line to another line without dropping the carrots from their mouths. They earned a point for each time they got down to the line and back. If they dropped the carrots at any time, they had to restart the entire thing from zero. 

(a gross/unusual food item, trash can, paper plate, bandanas)

This one was awful. A lady in our ward went to an Asian market and bought some dried squid (pictured below) and cut it up into tiny pieces and put it on a plate. She covered the large squid that hadn't been cut up with a bandana, and left the tiny cut-up squares uncovered on a plate. Each member of the team got five points each for the team if they ate a piece and swallowed it. Each person could only have three pieces, however, which could add up to each member earning their team fifteen points. The squid tasted like crab, but left such an awful, gross aftertaste I couldn't get rid of. It was so dry and chewy. After they ate it, she showed them what was underneath the bandana. 

(poster, bowl, gross water, fake/plastic bugs, snakes, army men, dinosaurs, etc.)

For this one's preparation, we took the large bowl and filled it with water. Then, we put in some extra kitty litter from the other station mixed in with some cold noodles and Spaghetti-Os. It ended up really gross and murky-looking. Then, we filled it with plastic bugs, snakes, army men, and dinosaurs. After that, one person from the team was blindfolded and they had to use their hands to retrieve as many plastic bugs as they could within the time limit. After the time was up, they counted how many bugs they had gotten. HOWEVER, if they had taken out any plastic snakes, army men, or dinosaurs, they was a negative point for each one that wasn't a bug. In my team, my friend Jimmy got 23 bugs, but he had 2 dinosaurs. So we ended up earning 21 points. 

There was a good amount of time left over, so we used the extra time to play a game called Ant Hill that we had learned how to play at EFY. It was a great time-killer, and everyone had fun. For refreshments, everyone got a clear, plastic cup filled with chocolate pudding topped with crushed Oreos and a gummy worm to resemble dirt. It was very delicious dirt! 

Everyone had an awesome time based on the responses I received. All-in-all, I think it was very successful! I definitely would recommend this activity for a fun, yet incredibly gross and interesting night. 

the secret to flawless beauty

I have recently discovered the secret to flawless beauty. This secret is worth more than the long-coveted Krabby Patty formula. It is worth more Van Gogh paintings, because it brings true, inner happiness. In fact, it is worth so much that I'm surprised I beat Indiana Jones to it. I just have to watch my back for any large boulders hurtling towards me.

As I touched on in any earlier post, perfectionism is a big goal in today's society. Commercials and billboards everywhere advertise laser-hair removal, makeup, plastic surgery, etc. All things that can get you one step closer to that Hollywood perfection. We have celebrity role-models who seem so flawless on the outside, but in reality, the pictures have been touched up with Photoshop among other things.

However, I realized that even in the church, perfectionism is a big thing to strive for. This perfectionism is a little different though, but often times it has the same effect. We are all living on this earth, trying to become more like Christ, who is perfect. Often times, we think we have to have this perfect family and perfect relationship with others, or else we will be judged or frowned upon by other members.

Did you know that in Utah, the percentage of women getting plastic surgery is the highest than in any other state? I read that recently, and if you'd like to read more about it, click here. Girls have so much pressure to just look the best, because they feel like if they don't, it can have a huge effect on finding a spouse and what not. It is what leads to things like bulimia and anorexia.

Now, I love Pinterest. In fact, I find it incredibly addicting. It's like a girl's Kryptonite.  We just have to pin everything. We want everything. And all the pictures on there ... the models look perfect! The makeup tips, how to expertly draw on eyeliner, the lush, golden, highlighted curls. Oh, but wait! We can't forget the amazing clothes that cost a ton of money but look absolutely fabulous on those models.

Link to source

Last year I was sucked into the Pinterest world, and it is hard for me to admit that. All I wanted was to change it up a bit. It was right before freshman year, so I thought ... might as well. It got so bad that it snowballed into the YouTube beauty guru world. I watched lots and lots of videos, whether it was makeup, hair, fashion, etc. And so did a lot of my friends, in fact, they still do. And the videos are fun to watch. It's like it attacks the part in a girl's mind that just loves crafty things, but never actually gets around to doing the craft itself.

Well, you probably get the point by now.

I, however, did not look like those models on the pictures. And the mirror liked to rub that fact in my face. As did all the girls on Instagram who seemed to look flawless, yet put on pounds of makeup everyday. And it bugged me. I kinda felt like a failure, which I know sounds dumb, but I did. Studies in fact, show that throughout the teenage years, a girl's self-confidence plummets. Thanks, media, I appreciate it.

What I didn't realize, however, was that true self-confidence didn't come from perfect hair or long, curled eyelashes. It came from understanding your divine nature and what exactly having the Light of Christ meant. It came from the gospel.

This article found here nails it. I especially love this quote.

I'm not saying wearing makeup is bad. In fact, I like it. I think it's the artist in me, but I really enjoy eye shadow. It kinda makes me feel like I'm painting [weird, I know, but hey, that's how I roll]. I'm just saying that it isn't the only important thing. Sure, makeup can be a confidence-booster. It makes me feel pretty, and if it makes you feel pretty, then go for it. But it shouldn't be the main focus, like last year when all I could do was watch YouTube videos on it. It's unhealthy and can be really degrading on the way you feel about yourself. Flawless beauty comes from accepting your flaws. No one is perfect. I mean, Beyonce is referred to as a queen by millions of people. And you know what? The acceptance of her flaws made her flawless.

I'm so thankful for the lessons I've had recently that have allowed me to understand more fully not only my worth, but who I am. 

President Ezra Taft Benson once said, "If we love God, do His will, and fear His judgement more than men's, we will have self-esteem." It is like a recipe for unlimited self-confidence. All we have to do is give God the ingredients, and He will make it happen. Fearing God doesn't mean being scared, it means RESPECTING Him. He loves us.

Work off of your strengths, not your weaknesses. Acknowledge your talents! We are all blessed with so many. Some we have discovered, and some we have yet to discover. 

We are all of great worth. President Gordon B. Hinckley once said, "You are creatures of divinity, limitless is your potential, magnificent is your future, IF you take control of it. You are daughters of God." Our happiness is our choice. We can change our inner mindset, and it will change outer things. I truly believe this. 

I'd just like to end with a few quotes at the bottom that I find extremely powerful. 

And that, my dear friends, is the secret to flawless beauty. But don't lock it away and hide it from others. Everyone deserves to be happy. And that Light of Christ that shines from our eyes ... THAT is inner beauty radiating from inside. 

Share it. 

"Happy girls are the prettiest." - Audrey Hepburn

Handout from Sugar Doodle

"You can't live your life worrying that the world is staring at you. When you let people's opinions make you self-conscious, you give away your power. The key to feeling [confident] is to always listen to your inner self ... [the real you]." - Elder Jeffrey R. Holland

"Young women, choose your clothing the way you would choose your friends ... in both cases choose that which improves you and would give you confidence standing in the presence of God." - Elder Jeffrey R. Holland

"Every young woman is a child of destiny and every adult woman a powerful force for good." - Elder Jeffrey R. Holland

"She said the loveliest women she had known had a glow of health, a warm personality, a love of learning, stability of character, and integrity. If we may add the sweet and gentle Spirit of the Lord carried by such a woman, then this describes the loveliness of women in any age or time, every element of which is emphasized in and attainable through the blessings of the gospel of Jesus Christ." - Elder Jeffrey R. Holland

"Young women, look into the mirror of eternity. Remember who you are! See yourself as our Heavenly Father sees you. You are elect. You are of noble birth. Don't compromise your divine inheritance. You were born to be a queen. Live so you are worth to enter the temple and their receive "all that [the] Father hath." Develop deep beauty. There is no more beautiful sight than a young woman who glows with the light of the Spirit, who is confident and courageous because she is virtuous." - Sister Elaine S. Dalton

I don't know about you, but I want to be like the young women they are describing.

here am I: EFY 2015 + photo dump

EFY this year was absolutely amazing. This being my second year, I wasn't as nervous going into it. Mostly just full of excitement.

I went to the 2nd session of San Antonio this year, just like last year. Because of this, I saw a lot of familiar faces, including some people from my company last year. I even saw my old counselor, Tabetha! I went with my brother, and also my friend Sierra who was my roommate. It was her first year of EFY, even though she's older than me. Oh, AND I ACHIEVED ALL MY GOALS! I branched out, participated in the musical program, AND I bore my testimony.

There were some awesome highlights of EFY. This is going to be a really long post, so I apologize. I wish I could write about all of them:

1. The classes taught by amazing teachers. I prayed before EFY and during EFY that I would know which classes I needed to go to in order to hear the message God wanted me to hear. It was easy at first, going to whichever class I felt strongly about. I didn't know any of the teachers, so it wasn't like I felt any biased judgement. However, there were these two teachers who ended up being my favorite; Brother Young and Brother Butler. Brother Butler ended up being such a hilarious teacher, that his classes actually filled up to the point where people weren't allowed to go in anymore. This happened to me once, where I got turned away and had to go somewhere else. It got to the point where it was Wednesday, during the panel discussion. After this, it was going to be the last class of the week. Brother Butler had just spoken, and as always, he had captivated the crowd with his bubbly personality. I kept trying to rationalize in my head, "You can go to his class, I mean it will be your last chance. You already went to like three of Brother Young's classes." However, I kept getting this feeling that I had to go to Brother Young's class on "Never a Bad Day to Share Your Testimony." Finally, I went to Brother Young's class, and oh my gosh, I don't regret it. That class spoke to me. He also promised that if we shared our testimony, it would grow. For most of the lesson, I took fervent notes and just laughed along with his jokes. But then it got towards the end, when he shared a story on his best friend Tod who was not a member but spent his whole life basically indirectly asking Brother Young to share it with him. He always went over to his house, changed the radio station to more appropriate music when Brother Young got in the car, etc. They were such good friends that Tod even asked Brother Young to speak at his wedding. It was all wonderful, and the entire class was waiting for the moment when he would tell us how Tod was baptized. But then, it all changed. "One day I got a call from Tod's mom. She told me Tod had just died in a car crash, and asked if I could speak at his funeral." A hush fell over the class. And then, he told us his third reason why we should bear our testimonies; "So you can have their gratitude here and their everlasting and eternal appreciation in the world to come." His friend Tod had been waiting for him, and now it was too late. Brother Young then said something that broke my heart, "I know what Tod will tell me when I see him on the other side. 'You knew the whole time. Why didn't you tell me?'" It hit me then, that because Brother Young hadn't given his friend Tod a Book of Mormon in the 20+ years they knew each other, Tod couldn't be sealed to his family. He couldn't have the highest celestial glory. I didn't want that to be the case with ANY of my friends. I couldn't look at Brother Young's face after that until the class was over. I was afraid I would just start crying. I got up, my heart numb and a tear on my face, and got in line to take a picture with him. Sierra and I ended up being the last in the line. After the picture, he looked us in the eyes and said, "I don't tell this to a lot of people. You girls are sweethearts. Don't settle. Do you know what that means? Don't settle for anyone less than you deserve. There is a worthy Priesthood holder out there for you. You girls are worth it." I started crying and said, "Something told me to come to this class." He smiled and said, "I'm glad." We thanked him for the great class and left for Musical Program rehearsal, as tears stained my cheeks.

Sierra and I with Brother Young after his class

2. Musical program. I participated again this year, and I even tried out for a speaking part and got it. It was great singing with everyone, and it really brought the spirit. I got to cut in lunch, too! We spent every ounce of free time before Thursday to prepare for the program, and when it came around, I was so nervous. I am so bad in front of a crowd. My stomach was so upset that I couldn't eat, and most of my friends kept telling me I was going to puke when I got up, except for my friend Richard. He was very reassuring. I can always count on him to make me feel better! Ugh I was so nervous, though. And I didn't even have a solo! All I was doing was reading a script! I felt so weak sitting in my seat. I prayed over and over that my stomach would calm down, but it wasn't. Finally, when we got up to get on stage, my butterflies went away and I felt better. The songs were so powerful, especially when we sang "I Know That My Redeemer Lives." It was great. Then, on Friday, when I actually had a FREE free time because no musical program, I wandered around lonely the entire time because I couldn't find anyone. Until I ran into (figuratively AND literally) a guy I had met earlier in the week who I hung out with and talked to for a while. Good times...

(if you are wondering why I am so upset about the mayonnaise, it's because I was super nervous about my speaking part in the musical program, which was right after dinner. And I was upset that not only had they run out of mayonnaise for my fries, but also SOFT, CHEWY CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES!!! To say the least, I had a massive case of butterflies in my stomach.)

3. Meeting the people there. I realized there that we aren't that different than others. We are all sons and daughters of our Heavenly Father. I got so close to some of the people there, which is crazy considering I was only with them for less than a week. And I decided that when I'm older, I'm not going to settle for anything less than a worthy Priesthood holder. I learned that not all boys are like the ones at school. They can be nice and respectful, and show emotion. The guys at EFY compliment the girls all the time, and it is SINCERE. I don't think I've ever danced every slow song at a dance before, either. Actually, usually I'm only asked a couple times. I truly felt beautiful at EFY, even though I wore t-shirts and it was blazing hot. I also developed a super strong love for and a sense of honoring those with the priesthood. When the guys sang their part in the EFY medley...it was so powerful. I got a glimpse of the eternal perspective of things.

My company before the dance on Friday! Last day :(

4. Thursday. Holy smokes. I think it was my favorite day. We had a Young Women group activity in the morning where we studied The Family: A Proclamation to the World. I gained a bigger understanding of my role here on earth, and that as daughters of God, we are naturally meant to be beautiful and magnificent. I am unique, and an individual with a destiny beyond my comprehension. I have a divine role. I have unlimited ability. I can shape lives and make a difference. I am confident. Unstoppable. I have an influence. A mother's work is God's work, and He trusts us to raise HIS children. God is our Father, and I'm His little girl. I also learned that it is so, so important to love others. If you want to love someone, you'll serve them. And if you serve someone, it's because you love them. It goes hand-in-hand. I also learned during the session director morning side that we are all miracles, sent straight from heaven. He had to let us go, but we are all individually one of His many miracles. At the fireside, even more things stuck out to me. Whatever God asks us to do, He believes we can do it. I gained a better understanding of the Atonement, and exactly how much Jesus Christ loves me. The number #55 has a new meaning to me; hope. 

I'd like to share my testimony, which was strengthened immensely thanks to EFY. I know that Jesus Christ lives, that he is the Son of Almighty God, and that Mary is His mortal mother. I know that He bled from every pore and suffered for ALL of our sins in the Garden of Gethsemane so that we may be able to return to live with our Heavenly Father again. That act of pure love and selflessness, in itself, testifies to me of the love Jesus had for all of us. I know that the Book of Mormon is another testament of Jesus Christ, and I have felt and recognized the blessings and comfort that come from reading and studying the scriptures, especially this past week. I know that Jesus loves me, and I know He loves all of us. He is there for us, to help us bear up our burdens. He will not leave us comfortless. Singing in the Musical Program, learning about the Atonement, and singing the EFY medley with everyone that day at EFY, the love Jesus has for all of his brothers and sisters hit me with such an assurance. I know He is there for us.

I love EFY. I learned so many great things this year, met so many amazing people, and changed a lot. It really has been a blessing to go to EFY. It has helped me better understand myself, and stand up for what I believe in. I truly love what I believe in. This church gives me happiness. The importance of studying the scriptures, ACTUALLY studying them, and praying, came to my realization. I changed this week, but it will only matter if I continue to change and remember the things I learned. I want to be a difference maker. 

So thank you to those who made my EFY experience the best it could be. Thank you to those who are my friends, and who love me for who I am. You make a difference to me.

Richard, me, and my roommate Sierra

Sierra and I playing "pterodactyl"

never postpone a prompting

EFY is finally almost here, and I am beyond excited. I keep checking my list over and over, and yet I still find myself afraid that I may have forgotten something. However, I know I am going to have a great time.

Today was Fast Sunday, and I fasted for EFY. Specifically, that I would be prepared and ready to receive the message God wants me to receive, and that my mind and heart would be open to these things. I'm feeling really good about it. The lesson in Young Women's today really touched me, too. It was mostly about Sabbath Day Observance, but they also touched on a few other things. One of my teachers mentioned a lesson she had a few weeks ago on acting on promptings, and how if we have a thought, we should ask ourselves if at this time, we would normally be having this "thought." She then shared a story about reacting to a prompting after having this lesson.

It was 11pm, and she was climbing into bed, exhausted, when she had the thought to reach out to one of her old friends in California and send her a text. Her first thought was, "Oh, I will call her tomorrow." However, she remembered what she had learned, and in that moment she asked herself if this was something she would normally have thought about. The answer obviously being "no", she got out of bed and texted her friend a short, yet sweet, message.

Almost immediately, her friend, (that she hadn't talked to in forever) responded with gratitude. The friend thanked her for reaching out, and explained that she was having a really bad night, but knowing someone was there for her really helped her. I really liked that story, and I want to start asking myself that question. Is this a thought I would normally be having? 

I know that we are God's instruments. If we have a prompting to do something, or say something, it is an answer to someone else's prayer. In the words of President Thomas S. Monson...

personal progress: individual worth value project

In my church, the Young Women from ages 12-18 are encouraged to participate in a program called Personal Progress. The purpose of this program is to help teenage girls develop important values and attributes, and develop into intelligent, virtuous, confident women who are worthy to enter the temple. The values taught are supposed to aid us in building a family and accomplishing other life goals.

Link to source

The values are Faith, Divine Nature, Individual Worth, Knowledge, Choice & Accountability, Good Works, Integrity, and Virtue. For each of these values, we must complete six value experiences, so that we can learn and practice the values. Then, we have to plan and carry out a 10-hour value project for each value. After that is all done, we are rewarded with a beautiful Young Women medallion, among other things. It is something I dream of achieving. In a way, it is kind of similar to the Eagle Scout. Working on badges (or in this case, value experiences) and then a big Eagle project (eight 10-hour projects in total) at the end, resulting in an Eagle badge (YW Medallion).

I've been steadily trying to work on my Personal Progress since I was 12, and two days ago, when I created this blog, I had somewhat of an epiphany relating to my patriarchal blessing. I can't go into detail on that, but anyways, I realized later that I could use this as my 10-hour Individual Worth Value Project. This is what it says on the topic of this certain value project, which I was reading yesterday:

"You have a unique and divine mission to perform on the earth and have been blessed with talents to accomplish this mission. As you complete one of the following projects, you will witness the value and contribution of others and also see the influence you can have in the lives of others. Express your gratitude to those with whom you work, and record your experiences in your journal."

And then it hit me. I believe one of my talents is writing. I also believe that as I write this blog, I will be reflecting on the value and contribution that others have in my life. Also, the entire goal of my blog is basically trying to see if the things I write can influence the lives of others in a positive way. And on top of that, this is basically a journal, which I am recording my experiences in! It hit me so hard last night, and as crazy as it sounds, I actually think making this blog was something I was supposed to do.

So, that being said, I will no doubt have spent over 10 hours on this blog at some point. I'm really excited about this opportunity!

I also came across an amazing Mormon message from President Dieter F. Uchtdorf that further inspired me. He speaks so eloquently! I know that we can all create.