Once Upon A Time

Once upon a time. . . there was an enchanted world, and than it was destroyed and everybody bid it good bye realizing that somehow they had to make it through this new life that they faced. But little did people realize that just because everything changes, doesn't mean it's never been this way before. And there was a girl that lived in this not so enchanted world and some people came into her life that helped her realize that there have been times of struggle and trial in the life before this one, but now just as than right will prevail, the sincere in heart will find their desires, good people will find happiness, light will always rise no matter how dark and cold the night and true love will cure any curse. It already has, it did the moment someone loved us enough to die for us, and it was sealed the morning the sun rose after those three days of darkness. And it always will. . . For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son. True Love does cure any curse and it always will. We have that promise

Wanted

About six months ago a bumper sticker was read aloud in a general conference talk, that brought forth laughter. Even deeper it brought forth a great truth it read "Don't judge me because I sin differently than you." In the months since than I have reflected on this quote many times, rerealizing every time the truth it teaches each of is that we are all imperfect, but we have no right to call each other out on it. We are all in need of mercy in our lives and we must in turn give it to all who are around us, no matter how imperfect.
Not long ago I was driving through downtown Salt Lake City, reading bumper stickers as I went and one particularly stuck out to me. It read Wanted: A Good Woman.  In the past week I've hit the sad realization of how true that is, but not just for woman. But people our world is in need of good people, I'm not pointing fingers or saying that I'm doing better than anyone else. The truth is most of us know better than we're doing, we've all become so sucked into the idea of not wanting to offend those around us. That we're all living our lives walking on pins, avoiding any subject that may be difficult to address. With political unrest surrounding us everywhere we turn, we with hold our beliefs afraid that they may condemn us. I speak of myself specifically knowing that I don't stand alone. When I reflect back on times in history when there were miracles and times of greatness. It was in those times that there were Good people reaching out to those around them, standing up for what they believed. But they weren't afraid to be good to those around them either. They were good.
I know each and everyone of us were preserved for this time on this earth. We proved who we were in the premortal existence. And now in this life what our world really needs is good people, which requires courage. But there will come a time where we will have to question ourselves to whether we are more fearful of who we could be, or more fearful of what this world will become without good people. We all have power with in our being, whether we want that power or not, we still have it. That power will either be negative or positive it cannot be neutral. In today's fighting grounds there is no neutral ground, it does not exist. I used to have a quote in my locker that said "Choose what you want out of life before it decides what it wants out of you. For if you do not choose, life definitely will."
I want to be a good woman, because like the sticker stated good woman are needed in today's world. Notice that every outstanding man in the Bible that fell, fell because of a woman. I do not want to be that woman that drags a man to his knees, becoming his greatest weaknesses. I want to be a strength to those around me. And I hope I can be using the power that I have for the strength of the world around me. I want to be Good.

imminence

No matter what happens in this life we always know that there is change coming. Nothing stays the same for long, it makes life hard and beautiful. But I've also realized how much more meaningful life is when it's changing so constantly. the quote " you don't begin to live until you've lost everything" also applies to life when you realize you have no idea how long things will be yours, or if they where even yours in the first place. You seem to treasure things much more when there are limits.
Over the past couple months I've realized this as I've suddenly realized these are the last few months I will ever truly live in my house, after I move I will be gone. I'll go up to school and find a job than I'll just be coming back to visit, but it will never be the same again. I'm so grateful for the opportunity I've had to gain and strengthen a relationship with each of my siblings. And my parents have taught me so much, they are amazing.
I know I'm very ready to get out of Sanpete County I've loved living here, but I'm ready to break free. I'm excited to breath new air and watch the sunset behind different mountains. I'm excited for the promise my future holds for me. I'm excited for everything I get to study up at the University of Utah, I feel a passion for learning. I know these next few years will be a great blessing to me.
So while the changes in my life are imminent and somewhat bittersweet I cannot imagine something more liberating than taking the next step in my journey. I still don't see my destination but I know I'm headed in the right direction. And despite the tears and frustrations this life is an endless miracle and it is beautiful.