In the midst of projects and papers and tests, it can sometimes be hard to see the light at the end of the tunnel. Once or twice I've thought, screw this stress, I'm getting a job at McDonald's. But getting an education - it's so important. And I'm thankful that I can get one here at this great university.
Part of BYU's mission statement is "to assist individuals in their quest of lifelong learning." Each class I take has made me a more well-rounded, knowledgeable person. And knowledge is one of the few things we can take into the next life. Whether I'm learning about things in my major, or about humanities or science or history, all of it makes me more aware of the world around me. And for that I am grateful. We must never stop learning.
"Our education must never stop. If it ends at
the door of the classroom on graduation day, we will fail. And since
what we will need to know is hard to discern, we need the help of heaven
to know which of the myriad things we could study we would most wisely
learn."
—Henry B. Eyring
"When all is said and done, we are all students. If the day ever comes
when we quit learning, look out. We will just atrophy and die. We all
can learn and learn well."
—Gordon B. Hinckley
Today in church I was impressed by the lessons and testimonies shared about faith, the goodness of the gospel, and the need to be an example and share our light with the world. It inspired me to share some thoughts on my love and gratitude for my religion, something that has shaped the person I am today.
I come from an area where there aren't many LDS members. It got hard sometimes, trying to live the standards when no one else around me was. It's much easier here at BYU, but I know that comfort won't last forever. Which makes me so grateful for the little additions to my testimony that seem to happen every day now, it seems like. It will make it so much easier when I'm away from here and back to being the odd one out.
Whether it's little answers to prayers or hearing about other people's experiences or simply just reading the Book of Mormon and marveling about how SIMPLE and WONDERFUL God's plan is for us, I can say without a doubt that I believe in Jesus Christ. He is my Savior. This Church and the gospel is true. I've had way too many confirmations to deny it. I can't imagine where I would be without it.
How amazing is the Atonement of Christ?
Also, can I say that I love our prophet, Thomas S. Monson? He came and spoke at devotional this past Tuesday and I was just overwhelmed by his love for each of us. The things he speaks are simple truths and can't be denied. Here is one of my favorite talks by him. It just really helps you to remember what is important in life.
God wants us to be happy. Sometimes that can't happen without going through trials first in order to understand what true happiness is. I recently had a talk with girl who couldn't understand the point of our existence. What's the point of living, she said, if we have to suffer so much pain? The reward couldn't be all that worth it, could it? I believe it can. Think about the lessons you would miss out on, the person you wouldn't become. How unfulfilled achieving your goals would seem if it didn't take work to get there. And we're reaching for the ultimate goal - to live with our families and God again. It's gonna take time and trials. It takes a lot of heat and pressure for a piece of coal to become a diamond, after all. But there's always help along the way. I believe that.
Sorry to get all preachy. But I just thought I should share, even if no one listens.
Also, here's another great video, in the spirit of Thanksgiving. Enjoy.
So I'm stealing this from my girl Katri's blog, but since it is November, I've decided I'm going to state something I'm grateful for every day. Today of course we have to start with the big one:
My Family
They're not perfect by any means, but they're mine. They've always been supportive of everything I do and are there for me if I need them. They're responsible for so many memories, whether it's family vacations or laughing at something dumb dad said. They love me no matter what, and that's why I'm so glad I have them :)
Today is one of my favorite holidays! I love Halloween. A time to imagine that all is not as it seems, to experience the rush of being scared out of your mind. To dress up and pretend to be somebody different. So much fun.
Here's how I celebrated:
1) Carving pumpkins! We carved some as an FHE group (best group eva if I say so myself. And I'm not just saying that because I'm the leader :) and I also carved some with Kristen and Leah (we had Brick Oven deliver to us a block away. Don't worry about it). Best part about carving pumpkins? Eating the roasted seeds afterwards. Mmmm.
classic jack-o-lantern
2) Haunted houses! Tonight I'll be going to my 3rd haunted house for the month. Yep. I also went to Awakening and Insanity Point. Both were really good. I love being scared out of my mind. The chainsaw guys are the worst.
at Cornbelly's
creepy machete man
3) Dressing up and going to parties. This year I was a Hawaiian girl and Leslie Knope. Pretty awesome if I say so myself. I also went to my ward Halloween party, which was a ton of fun, as well as a work party and some other little get-togethers.
Jessica as Katniss = my favorite
Pikachu!
Hi, I'm Leslie Knope. And I'd like to run for Pawnee City Council.
4) Scary movies. I've been watching one every night until Halloween. Here are a list of my favorites. Some are more campy than scary, but classics all the same :)
