The strength to strengthen

Life is so fragile. In a matter of seconds everything around us can come crashing down, and the worst part of that is that some of our closest friends will never know. In the middle of my senior year I prayed for a challenge, and I got it. I found myself feeling alone and unhappy. There was no hope left in my life. I would walk the halls of the high school and say hello to hundreds of people and I still felt like I didn't have a single friend in the world. I could sit with my best friends and feel empty, and alone.

Sure, that was hard. But the hardest part was that I had friends who never said anything to help. There was one person who realized that something was wrong and wanted to fix it. And I refused the aid.

Another time a friend of mine was going through some hard things, I offered to give this friend a priesthood blessing or a father's blessing, as most people call them. I could tell this friend was in need of help, even divine help, but my friend politely turned down the offer and continued to fight the battle on her own.

So why do we do this? Does it really hurt us so much to ask for help that we are afraid to even show a sign that we might be in need. We have people all around us who are so willing to help but we refuse their aid thinking that we are strong enough.

I can promise that I am not strong enough. I plead on my knees every morning for the strength to be able to do all that lies before me. I have tried to live life on my own, using the power of my own two hands. It is difficult, unrewarding, and it made me miserable.

But on the other hand, a day with help from Above is a day full of accomplishment and growth. Usually, the accomplishments are not easy and require us to try a little harder, but that is how we grow. I know that there is Someone who can and will always help me. I know that He knows exactly what I need each and everyday.

I was writing in my journal last night and I reflected on how many lives I had touched and brightened in one day. One person can change so much in the world with a smile, a text, a conversation, or even just by being there next to that person. I was happy to know that I am doing good in the world but at the same time I became incredibly grateful for the strength that allows me to do that.

God has a plan for me and for each one of us. He wants me to help His children, and I doubt He wants anything much different than that from the rest of us. So, let's pray for help so that we can help those around. Seek counsel from God and then your friends. Don't be afraid to ask someone you barely know if they need help with something. You never know how much they are struggling on the inside. There are few things more rewarding than looking back at the end of the day and knowing that you helped people because He was helping you.

"So, when life gets dark and dreary, don't forget to pray." Hymn 140

Life Changes

This has been quite the week at my apartment. On Tuesday someone on the fourth floor in my building shot a fire sprinkler and flooded 6 apartments and the lobby. Then on Wednesday one of my roommates  made the decision to drop out of college and go back home, so he did. These two moments helped me remember how small homework and personal possessions and college really are. When major trials come into our lives they help put things into perspective. That perspective that is otherwise easy to forget. It gives us the chance to step back from our normal worries and be grateful for everything that we have been given. Life changing moments happen in a split second but changing our lives takes the rest of the time. So, let's be grateful everyday when we wake up because each day is empty and can be filled with good deeds and gratitude. Life is so good, so let's enjoy the blessings that we have.

In French or En français?

Well, here I am, sitting on my couch doing French homework. I started studying French when I was a Freshman in high school. My teacher was Mr. Johnson, and because of the way he taught I decided to take French instead of Spanish. Now, I'm starting my fifth year of French studies.

So, why did I choose French (besides Mr. Johnson)? Well, I wanted to push myself. I wanted to take a language class in which I would actually learn that language. I got my desire. My French teachers have always pushed me to be better and have allowed me to do things that most students wouldn't. My high school teacher, who we called Madame, found out that I wanted to take French five my senior year. At the time I was a sophomore and currently in French 2. Do the math. I should've only made it to the 4th year. But she had faith in me and told me I could take the 3rd year class over the summer. The 3rd year class is the most important because one learns all the verb tenses and how to use them. I did in 3 months what most do in 9 months. It was hard but very worth the cost. I walked into that French 4 class my junior year so proud of myself. But at the same time I felt so alone and outcast. These kids had been in French together for 4 years now and I was the new kid.

I survived French 4 and French 5 (I said lots of prayers for help) and was blessed enough to pass the AP test. Learning French has taught me to push myself harder than I think I can go, to believe that I can do hard things, and to push on when the homework gets thick and heavy. I'm grateful for the Lord's hand in what seemed to be a small choice back then and that has now become a part of my everyday life.

So, what's the moral? I don't know. But je peux vous parler en français, s'il vous plaît.