Day 23.

It's my last night in my bed. As break is coming to an end, I have to stop and look back at how, in a 3 week span, I have grown. Even though there have been times that I have forgotten to blog, haven't read my scriptures on a daily basis, haven't prayed as sincerely as I should have or have acted in a manner that pleases Heavenly Father, I have learned a few things:
1. Be Patient.
When speaking with my parents about my mission, they seemed to have lightly opposed it which hurt me a little but when I went to my Heavenly Father in prayer, I found my answer in scriptures. Alma 1:25 says (and I know I've used this scripture before), " Now this was a great trial to those that did stand fast in the faith; nevertheless, they were steadfast and immovable in keeping the commandments of God, and they bore with patience the persecution which was heaped upon them." Heavenly Father blesses those who are patient. We cannot do things that God wills us to do by ourselves. We are constantly tried and tested. Stand firm and be patient. Good things come to those who wait.
2. Nothing is impossible.
The first scripture that comes to mind is Luke 1:37, "For with God nothing shall be impossible." This is so true! There have been many times and trials in my life that I thought would be impossible to get out of. I was always told to put it in God's hands but it was hard for me to trust that even though I don't have complete control over the situation that God does. Sometimes it can be tough to rely on someone that you cannot see but have faith! Trust in God! Know that God would never let you fall. It's better to walk in the dark, not knowing exactly where you're going but trusting that God is guiding you than to walk in the light knowing completely when you're going to fail and what's going to happen next and not have the love and mercy of the Lord. He will save us, if you believe, have faith and follow His commandments!
3. Be the example.
Being on a Christian campus with a different denomination from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and being the only member of the LDS church in my family, I know that I am being watched. Being the example for our church is important. When people will not listen to the words I say, they watch the way I act. By being kind and showing what it means to be a part of the church my actions will speak for me. I may not always be watched, I may not always be judged but it's happening. People look at our church sometimes with skepticism and being a member of that church, they wait for me to make a wrong turn or to let down my guard and be someone that isn't who I percieve to be. One thing nobody seems to see is that I will not mess up. I have not put on an act. I am truly who Heavenly Father has sculpted me to be. I will always love my scriptures and my God and by that I will follow His commandments and live my life the best I can for how He wants it lived. I will glorify my God in all that I do and I will never give up!

I know that Heavenly Father has been sculpting me into the woman He wants me to be. I am not perfect but someday I will be sculpted, shiny and strong. Until then I am ready to learn, to be made new and to never stop persuing the word of God.
I say all these things in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.