YOU Matter!

YOU are beautiful in the eyes of our maker, and that's all that matters.

Hello everyone! This week I want to talk to every single one of you. Whether you think this topic applies to you right now or not, it will apply at sometime in you life. Earlier this week I shared something on one of my social media accounts and I wanted to share it with you all of you to begin this week's post. I shared this little thought along with a picture that said: "Your imperfections make you perfect. Don't be something you're not." The thought read: "To anyone who needs this: YOU are beautiful. I don't care what color your hair is, what color your eyes are, I don't care if we share the same religion, I don't care if you are the richest person or the poorest. I don't care if your a size 20 or a size 0. I don't care where you were born, where you grew up, or who your parents are. I don't care if your captain of the football team, if you're the head cheer leader, or if you are barely noticed. I don't care what anyone has ever told you before because I'm telling you now: YOU my dear friend are beautiful beyond measure. YOU are unique. There is not one single person who can be YOU. YOU were born to stand out. YOU are amazing. and YOU are loved. YOU are gorgeous. YOU are lovely. YOU are important beyond comprehension. YOU are YOU. Go on and love YOU, because no body can love YOU more than YOU. don't you dare think for one second that this isn't true. YOU are glorious, and YOU, can do this. Don't YOU EVER give up. I promise YOU this: YOU are more than words can describe. And I love YOU. I don't care who YOU are, I love you, and YOU are perfect. So don't YOU change for the world. The world should change because it has YOU. Don't pretend to be something your not. YOU BE YOU! Because YOU is the best and most beautiful thing YOU can be." I said this little 'thought', I didn't find it online or in a book, it's something that I said because it is really how I feel. And I do believe that it is true. After I said this I was with a friend just talking about anything and everything. Somehow we came upon the subject of "fitting in." His response to me was one I will never forget. He told me this: "It doesn't matter what everyone else thinks. You do what you do and if they have a problem with it, oh well. Do what you know is pleasing in God's eye and be you. Who cares what everyone else thinks? Being you is best." I was surprised by this. I just sat there for a minute and thought. I realized how important this was. My friend is brilliant! He's only 16 and he has the world figured out! This kept me thinking throughout the rest of the week. I was reminded of a video clip that one of my other friend's showed me about being yourself. This video clip is called "Who You Are". There is one geared towards men, and one geared towards women. I thought it was amazing how the young man in these videos was so sure and confident of the things that he is telling everyone. I wanted to share these clips with you as well. For the women: click here For the men: click here
At church today, one of the young women in my ward shared one of her favorite books with us. This book is probably one most of you are familiar with. It is called: "You Are Special" by Max Lucado.* This book talks about how others are always going to judge you and what you do, but all that matters in the end is how your maker sees you. (Our maker being our Heavenly Father.) How true is it that this is all that matters? Like my friend told me, and like the videos told us, WE (YOU) are important, and it doesn't matter what the world thinks about you. It only matters what our maker, our Father in Heaven, thinks of us. We are his most treasured creation and he loves us all so much. He knows each of us individually and he cares about us and our success' and perceived failures. He wants us to see our beauty the way he sees it in each of us. I beg you to see it too. When you look in the mirror, don't look for negative things. Look only for beauty. Because you are beautiful beyond measure, I promise. No matter what anyone says to you, you are a daughter or son of our living and loving Heavenly Father and he loves you because you are you, and you are beautiful to him. And that's all that matters. Period. I know this is true. Don't let other's judgments get in your way or bring you down. I love you. I know this church is true.
In the Name of Jesus Christ,
Amen

Love,
Samantha
*This book is absolutely amazing and I encourage you to get a copy of it if you don't have one yet. Email me if you would like help finding a copy. I would love to help everyone have a copy of this wonderful book!

Trusting in The Lord and Learning to Forgive

Come unto Him by trusting in him and learning to forgive. He will give you rest.

This past week has been an interesting one for me. I feel as though every where I look or turn "forgiveness" is starting me right in the face. I felt as if I was trying to be told something; this is why I have chosen to talk about forgiveness today. After much prayer and thought I have decided that this is the topic I should address this lovely Sunday afternoon. Let me start with an experience I had just over a week ago. There is this person in my life who I have purposely tried to avoid for the past few years because I hurt them pretty bad and I was scared to make that mistake again. This person kept trying their hardest to come back into my life somehow, but I kept denying them the opportunity. About 10 days ago I let them in, sort of. I let them start following me on one of my social media accounts. I thought to myself: "what's the harm? They will only see what I'm up too, they don't have to talk to me, and if they do I won't listen to them." I was already following their account, so I thought it was only fair. I noticed it was their birthday and not thinking, I left I comment on their post simply saying Happy Birthday. They commented back, and we ended up having this "conversation" that led to us texting again. The whole time I was really concerned if I was doing the right thing, but at the same time I felt this comfort in my heart and this voice (The Holy Ghost) telling me this is what I needed to be doing. I thought of a scripture in the Book of Mormon* in Alma chapter 36 verse 3 and also verse 27. These verses in the Scriptures talked about trusting in God and that by doing so we will be supported in our trials and afflictions. I know that this is true, so I trusted him and let him lead me to do what he needed me to do. This person and I kept talking over a couple of days and I suddenly felt this urge that I needed to say sorry for what I had done. (Avoiding them) I told myself that this sort of thing needed to wait to be done in person so I wasn't going to do it. Again the urge came from the Holy Ghost that I needed to do it right now. I grabbed my phone and started typing out this long text asking them for forgiveness and telling them that I was going to do this in person as well, but for some reason I needed to ask for forgiveness right now too. I explained why I did what I did and I kept saying sorry, but it didn't feel good enough. After reading the text over and over feeling like it wasn't adequate, I just sent it. I waited nervously for a reply. When I read their reply, tears of joy came to my eyes. I felt so warm inside and I felt so overly blessed and lucky. This person told me they were willing to move forward from the past and be friends again. I suddenly knew that it wasn't going to be easy for me and I was going to have to learn a lot still, but I knew that I was supposed to be in this person's life for some reason unknown to me. Maybe it's not that they need me, maybe I need them, or maybe we need each other. Of this I am unsure, but I am positive we are supposed to be friends again and we are supposed to have this second chance to be in each other's lives. Was it easy? For me it certainly wasn't. Was it worth it? It was worth it all. Forgiveness is not an easy thing to ask for, and sometimes it is not an easy thing to grant forgiveness either. Can we do it? Yes we can. I want you to watch this video about Christ and forgiveness. Pay attention to the first line spoken in the video. (It's near the end) Christ and Forgiveness If Christ was willing to forgive those who killed him as he hung on the cross, how much easier is it for us to forgive someone who has wronged us? I don't know about you, but I think I can learn how to forgive if Christ could do that for me and still be forgiving. I know it's not easy. Asking for forgiveness is really scary and really hard sometimes and we may feel inadequate, like our apology isn't good enough, but maybe just like my friend, they will forgive you because they know you are truly sorry. To those who are unsure if they can forgive someone who wronged them: learn from the Savior. I know that when we are wronged it does hurt, and we don't want to say it's okay. I promise you that if you can learn to forgive you will be so much happier. (If you truly do give them forgiveness.) I am so thankful that my friend knew this and that even though they were hurt by me, they were willing to move forward. My friend not only forgave me, but he gave me another chance like the Savior does for all of us. I feel so fortunate to be blessed with this friend in my life. I encourage you all to become more like the Savior and learn to forgive as he so willing did then on the cross, and does for us everyday. I know it takes time, but it will pay off I promise. I also know that you will happier and so will everyone around you. (Keep in mind that people will still mess up and make mistakes, and we will have to learn to keep forgiving them just as our Savior will forgive us if we are truly sorry.) I know that this is true. I am so thankful that we can forgive others and we can be forgiven. This is one the greatest blessing we have been given. This way we can return to live with our Heavenly Father and our Savior Jesus Christ again. I know the gospel is true.
In the name of Jesus Christ,
Amen

Love,
Samantha

*The Book Of Mormon is the book that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints uses to teach from, hand in hand with the Bible. (We use the King James Version of the Bible). I know that this book is true; that with it hand in hand with the Bible we can learn so much and come back to Christ. These verses from Alma are as follows:
Verse 3: And now, O my son Helaman, behold, thou art in thy youth, and therefore, I beseech of thee that thou wilt hear my words and learn of me; for I do know that whosoever shall put their ^atrust in God shall be supported in their ^btrials, and their troubles, and their afflictions, and shall be ^clifted up at the last day.

Verse 27: And I have been supported under trials and troubles of every kind, yea, and in all manner of afflictions; yea, God has ^adeliveredme from prison, and from bonds, and from death; yea, and I do put my trust in him, and he will still ^bdeliver me.

"How Could You Cut Me Down?"

He sees in terms of Forever, we only see here and now. Trust him. 

Today I was shown a video* in church that touched my heart and I felt like I needed to share with you all. The video depicts a farmer cutting an overgrown bush back down to a healthy bush and how the bush seemed to "cry" as droplets of water formed where it had been cut. The video goes on to tell a story of the farmer and this thoughts about this bush "crying" and how it relates to us all. This video, along with other things this weekend gave me a new perspective on our Heavenly Father's love for each and every one of us. Sometimes we are faced with trials and adversity that we feel are unfair to us and our situations. Trials that "cut us down" from things we thought we wanted. Such as: getting a promotion that suddenly gets denied because of unseen events, loosing a loved one early in life, loosing a friend that you never thought would go away, etc. These are all unseen events that can change our lives dramatically. Sometimes in these trials we are angry with Heavenly Father, and blame Him for not looking out for us. However, even though we don't see it, he is watching out for us, and that trail might be opening up the future for an even better thing to come. We need to learn to trust Him and His timing because he can see the whole plan, and we only see here and now. Sometimes what we have planned for ourselves isn't what he has planned for us so he has to redirect our lives so that we can be the best that we can be. I know that it isn't easy going through these trials and even at my young age I have dealt with some of these things and I know that they hurt, it seems unfair, and you want to blame Him for not letting you have what you thought you wanted, and maybe worked so hard to get. I know that in my future I will be faced with many more of these trails and I will have to remember to take a step back and remember that Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ do love me and that they see in terms of forever, and I can only see in terms of here and now. I need to remember that I need to trust them that they will lead and guide me to bigger and better things. I know that this isn't easy to do and that it takes a lot of practice to not get angry, but I do know that Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ love you. I know that they hurt when you hurt and they hate to see you have to hurt, but sometimes we have to hurt and feel pain so that we can grow and so that we can become better sons and daughters of Him, so that we can be more appreciative of our times of happiness and joy. I know that they love you, and they want you to be the best that you can be. Getting there isn't easy, but I know with all my heart that it will be worth it in the end. I personally believe that someday we will be able to look back on our hardships and we will be able to have gratitude for them because of the things we learned from each one, and the person they helped us become. I hope and pray that each one of you can choose to be happy and look for the good things in each trial and that you can learn the things that Heavenly Father needs you to learn from each trial and hardship. I know he loves you so much. Come unto him in all you do. You are never alone, and he desires to be there and help you. Let him in. I know these things are true. This is my testimony that I leave with you,
In the Name of Jesus Christ,
Amen

Love, Samantha

*Here is a link to the video: The Will Of God

I KNOW That He Lives.

He Lives!

I just wanted to share my testimony today that I KNOW, with no question that my Heavenly Father lives. I KNOW that his son, my elder brother, Jesus Christ lives too. I was having an especially hard weekend this week, and I felt so unimportant and lonely. I felt like I didn't matter, but then I had this feeling, a prompting from the Holy Ghost, to go listen to my David Osmond CD. I thought at first that this was a weird thing to do cause I hadn't done that in a long time, but the feeling wouldn't go away. I finally decided that I would just go and see what was on the CD. As I looked over its contents I realized that this was the CD that had one of my favorite church hymns on it. I quickly turned on my radio, put the CD in and skipped to my favorite one. I sat down and listened for a minute. Suddenly I stared crying. I suddenly felt warm and whole again. I suddenly felt loved and wanted. I suddenly heard my testimony in the song. "I know that my Redeemer lives."* I do know that He lives. The song goes on to tell of how I know He lives. "He lives to comfort me when faint, He lives to hear my soul's complaint." The song lists so many things/reasons of why I know He lives, and what He does for me. I was filled with motivation to keep pressing forward because I'm not done doing the work I was sent here to do. I was reminded that "every dark and lonely night, leads to a glorious day to come". I was reminded that I am not alone, and that He loves me, He feels my every pain, He knows me, and He's rooting for me. I know that He knows you too. I beg you brothers and sisters, to never give up. Don't quit. You are loved beyond measure. You are such a precious soul in the sight of the Lord. You are a creation beyond all creations. You are wonderful and amazing in every way. You are important. Don't stop now. You can do hard things. He is always right beside you, just reach out to him. I love you and this is my testimony, In the name of Jesus Christ,
Amen

Love,
Samantha
* Click on the link to listen to: I Know That My Redeemer Lives: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8S8m0LfdBI8

Here are the Lyrics to read while you listen: (Sorry about the weird background I don't know how to get rid of that.)

1. 1. I know that my Redeemer lives.
   What comfort this sweet sentence gives!
   He lives, he lives, who once was dead.
   He lives, my ever-living Head.
   He lives to bless me with his love.
   He lives to plead for me above.
   He lives my hungry soul to feed.
   He lives to bless in time of need.
2. 2. He lives to grant me rich supply.
   He lives to guide me with his eye.
   He lives to comfort me when faint.
   He lives to hear my soul's complaint.
   He lives to silence all my fears.
   He lives to wipe away my tears.
   He lives to calm my troubled heart.
   He lives all blessings to impart.
3. 3. He lives, my kind, wise heav'nly Friend.
   He lives and loves me to the end.
   He lives, and while he lives, I'll sing.
   He lives, my Prophet, Priest, and King.
   He lives and grants me daily breath.
   He lives, and I shall conquer death.
   He lives my mansion to prepare.
   He lives to bring me safely there.
4. 4. He lives! All glory to his name!
   He lives, my Savior, still the same.
   Oh, sweet the joy this sentence gives:
   "I know that my Redeemer lives!"
   He lives! All glory to his name!
   He lives, my Savior, still the same.
   Oh, sweet the joy this sentence gives:
   "I know that my Redeemer lives!"