#5-#13

Seeing as I seemed to miss a lot of days to my “365 ways” …here goes nothing!

#5- I’m glad for the opportunity to go to school and get an education. There are so many fascinating things to be learned!

#6- I’m glad for tough things. Not like tough meat, or tough magical feats. I’ve encountered my own sets of tough times and rough spots in life, and I’m glad I’ve had my Savior there to stand by me.

#7- I’m glad I can smile. I’m glad it’s a talent given to the human race because there’s nothing better than receiving a smile when you’re down, or sharing one with someone that needs a lift. :)

#8- Ambitions! I’ve found I’m happiest when I’m growing in character and talents. I love chasing ambitions and living the experience they offer.

#9- Modern technology. Not so I can text a friend, Google a question, or stay current in the Facebook world. It’s offers a nice way to keep in contact with old friends, current friends, and family while away from home. It’s nice to be able to have the ability to learn things within seconds of sitting down, because there is so much knowledge at your fingertips.

#10- It’s taken me awhile, but I’m glad I have the opportunity to either sit back and avoid making a fool of myself in a silly situation, or jump in with both feet. I’d rather people know I at least have the guts to try and possibly look like a fool, rather than look like a fool for never trying. That’s a lesson I’ve just started getting the hang of. And despite my lack of experience in the “jumping in with both feet”, I know that from the recent times I have, it’s DEFINITELY the way to go! We came to earth to live, not observe. :)

#11- I’m glad for a prophet who receives revelation! It’s wonderful to know that God is not in hibernation, he’s actively watching over us and helping us in our day and time!

#12- Personal revelation! Not only is it wonderful to know that God is awake and guiding us in this day and time, it’s incredible to know that God is awake and guiding ME through MY day and times. It’s a testimony builder of His love, that he’s willing to put that much time and effort into giving me customized direction for my life.

#13- I’m so glad I’m surrounded by thoughtfulness and relationships. There are many different levels, from family and best friends, to mere acquaintances, but it’s nice to have the examples of so many people around me. :)

365 ways-#1, #2, #3, #4

365 Tender mercies of the Lord…

(Days 1, 2 & 3 are to cover the first days of the year that I missed…)

1- The Lord has blessed me with the opportunity to be an example and influence on those younger than I am. It’s a humbling experience when younger people come to you for advice and comfort, and count you among their best friends. He knew it would be a growing experience for me.

2- On Sunday I was able to sit in during Primary. As I sang primary songs and looked around at all the young, innocent children with such strong testimonies and faith, I was humbled and my testimony bloomed, yet again. 

3- I had the privilege of spending the day sitting around the kitchen, talking, cooking, and visiting with my family and best friend. As we learned together, laughed together, and bonded together, I realized that really is what it’s all about—being surrounded by those you love and those that love you. I’m glad I had that opportunity. 

4- I sat in on a set of cello and violin lessons today for younger siblings. It reminded me of the years upon years of music lessons that I attended since the time I was 4. Because of such a strong emphasis of music in my life, it is now engrained in me. I’m so, so grateful that music is part of who I am and the way that it has defined me.

A blessing of a new year, and a gift of an old

And another year has come and gone. Christmas music has played on the radio, and quietly slipped away again. I’ve met new people and learned new things. Been to college and come back home.

In the last year I've learned things I never knew I didn't know. God places us in a place and expects us to learn. I've learned that there are good people around us. Lots of good people, and lots of goodness. It’s all part of the plan. We’re not alone on our journey, nor were we ever meant to be.

But people leave. There are doors in life, leading from one room to another-- to new places, new people. Not everyone will always be in the same “room”. And that’s alright. Sometimes you need to let go of one thing in order to hold on to another.

I've learned that the truest feelings come in the simplest manners. Little things really do speak louder than actions, and you can't ignore them. Give people the benefit of the doubt, but don't lie to yourself. I've learned to please myself. Say what I want. Do what I think is best. Act how I feel. Everyone benefits most from honest feelings and honest actions, in the end.

Trust is necessary. You can’t spend so much time worrying about "outsmarting” the liars in your life.

Last of all, love. Love of  family. Love of friends. Love of a Savior. You need to feel the love and let it touch you. When you are filled with the love you receive, you are then able to fill others with the love they need. And a key, the more you think outside yourself, the more you love yourself. You must love yourself. Love who you are. Love who you were meant to be. The love of the Lord has the power to heal. It has the power to comfort and console. It has the power to change. If it weren’t for his love we would be useless beings in life.  There’s nothing quite like looking in the mirror and liking who you see.

I love my Savior. I’m so glad I am able to feel his love and for the opportunities at every turn that let me feel that. I’m grateful for the change and the rough roads I’ve traversed over the last year. They’ve taught me and helped me to grow. 

May 2011 bring new adventures and experiences. Opportunities to live. :) May the Lord bless you, as you travel your road.

Much love to you all.