Day 29.

Finally! It's the weekend. It's been a very long first week back to Roberts Wesleyan College. But hey, I survived! Today is especially a good weekend today because today my roommate, Kathryn, my best friend Yessi, my way cool friend Kenny and my missionaries Elder Hulse and Elder Preisendorf are heading to Palmyra, NY to see the church sites! It's such a blessing to live so close to these sites and not only that but I get to visit with my friends today! Lately, I've been struggling with some unresolved issues in my life. As much as I've tried to get over them and move on I know that there is still something lingering in the air that is biting at my neck. I drive so hard to be a great person, a good friend, a loving sister and daughter, a successful missionary and a good example, especially in the eyes of God but there are times when I can get discouraged. Being at the sites on this day was a good opportunity for me to dwell with the Spirit and ask the things that I need to. It seems that as I move on day to day that my strength is running out. I can feel myself being dragged down by Satan and He's doing a very good job in keeping hold of me but there is one thing that I know. I have been built on the firm foundation of the Lord and He will be my strength. I cling to His promise that He will never let me fall and I truly know that He won't. No matter what, I can get through this. Does this mean that I'm not going to be hurt? or that I can't show emotion? or that it isn't going to be tough? No. It means that through this I will gain even more strength. Sometimes we have to be brought low for God to bring us higher. I know within these times of lowness and darkness that I have been a little rotten to some people and that isn't showing the good example of the Lord. For that I have to apologize.
          Our day was amazing in Palmyra as we visited the Hill Cumorah, were able to drive around the outside of the Temple, visited the Joseph Smith farm and my favorite place, the Sacred Grove, and as we fellowshipped at Nima's and paruzed around the Harvest LDS book store. I am immensely blessed for the opportunity to stand in the space where the angel Moroni visited Joseph Smith, in the grove where Jesus Christ and Heavenly Father spoke to Joseph, to visit the Hill Cumorah where the plates were hidden and even to be in the town where the Book of Mormon was printed. Even though I am amidst many trials, I feel that I am very blessed by Heavenly Father. If this life were easy, it'd be called cake, not life.

I challenged you this week that as you go through different trials, no matter how big or small you are that you find at least one thing you are blessed for and thank Heavenly Father for it.