"Wo unto those who call evil good and good evil."

We all have heard of the song Blurred Lines by Robin Thicke, yes? I don't want to offend anyone by what I'll be saying, by all means I am merely speaking my opinion.
As I was in the car with my mom and little sister, the song came on the radio, and I can remember listening to it multiple times before because who can refute that it's catchy right? I'll use the ever famous excuse "I'm only listening to the music not the lyrics." Anyways, the song came on and the lyrics seemed to pierce me this time, and allow me to write some of them that truly disturbed me:
                                 "OK now he was close, tried to domesticate you
                                  But you're an animal, baby, it's in your nature
                                                  Just let me liberate you
                                     And that's why I'm gon' take a good girl
                                                 I know you want it...
                                                But you're a good girl
                                                 The way you grab me
                                                Must wanna get nasty
                                                Go ahead, get at me"
Feel a little uncomfortable? I know I do. And a little hurt and disgusted. He is talking about how he pretty much wants to corrupt a "good girl" because he "knows" that she is really animal deep down.  He uses words such as "domesticate" and "animal" which suggests that he views this "good girl" as something less than human; a piece of meat, game, an object. In fact, a derogatory,  disrespectful term is continually repeated through out this song; Women are humans, not female dogs. Yet another example of dehumanization. When I realized how not only vulgar and carnal this song truly is but also how disrespectful and degrading it is, I felt horrible.
To all who are reading this I want you to understand that you are far more valuable than what the world wants you to think you are. Keep your virtue, keep your integrity, keep your dignity. No man or amount of worldly gain is worth losing any of those honorable qualities which are "priced above rubies." The great lie of society is that you have to act a certain way to get a man or to get attention, but you do have to act a certain way to get RESPECT; that manner is not by giving away your virtue or morality. It isn't by dressing in minimal clothing, it isn't compromising your standards, it isn't allowing anyone to take advantage of you. You are strong. You are beautiful. You are a divine being. You are intelligent. You are important to the people around you. You owe it to yourself to be seen as a QUEEN not an object, and that is how God wants you to not only be seen as but also how you should see yourself. Be a good girl, but stay away from men like Robin Thicke.
I also want to express that they are wonderful, righteous, honest, loving, respectful men who honor a woman's virtue and respect her, love her for who see is and never want her to conform to society's corrupt view on what makes a woman "beautiful." I know because I am fortunate enough to be a daughter to one of the most valiant men this world has seen. He loves and cherishes my mother. He respects women and doesn't tolerate vulgarity. Seek those men. And to those good men out there, please please please, remember how valuable you are. While those around you will try to pressure you into what they think a real man is, stand firm and know a real man is honest. He is kind. He is trustworthy. He is dignified. He is steadfast. He is virtuous. And when you are found with those qualities, you are able to move mountains.
My parents are the epitome of eternal and true love and the best example of respect and morality to me. They have taught me to respect myself and continue to teach me to seek out the virtuous things in life through their words and actions, and I thank them for that testimony and example. Let us all, men and women, be found with virtue in our hearts. Never suppose that those corrupt things you see in magazines, movies, tv, music, etc. are what true happiness is because you will only find dejection and disappointment behind the mystical façade of vanity and vulgarity. True happiness will be found in honesty, in virtue and in love, the true kind.

 "Happiness is the object and design of our existence; and will be the end thereof, if we pursue the path that leads to it; and this path is virtue, uprightness, faithfulness, holiness, and keeping all the commandments of God.” Joseph Smith

Building "Ships."

A while back, I was reading in 1 Nephi chapter 17 in the Book of Mormon. For those unfamiliar with the story of Nephi, I'll provide a short overview:
     Lehi, a prophet of God, received inspiration from The Lord to move him and his family out of Jerusalem because it was going to be destroyed. Once they had departed, Lehi's family suffered many tribulations and many years in the wilderness until they finally came to the land Nephi called Bountiful. It was there that Nephi was lead up to a high mountain and prayed to Heavenly Father; God spoke to Nephi and commanded him to "construct a ship after the manner I shall show thee."(1 Nephi 17:8)
    Now Nephi was not a carpenter or a blacksmith; in fact, he had very few qualifications that would be helpful for constructing a ship, but he did have one qualification: faith. I can imagine myself, in the place of Nephi, kneeling in prayer and upon receiving the inspiration Nephi received I would wonder and worry how am I going to do this huge thing? How am I supposed to build a ship? But what amazes me is that Nephi never doubted; instead, he trusted The Lord and knew he would be able to finish this task. He never once said how? Instead he asked, "Lord, whither shall I go... that I may make tools to construct the ship?" Where do I need to go? What do I need to do? Show me the way and I will go! He had faith that God would provide a way.
   We all are asked to build ships in our lives; God may even command us to "...construct a ship after the manner which I shall show thee" as he said to Nephi. These ships may be moving away from home, going to college, having a new job, the death of a loved one, financial struggles, etc. We may find ourselves on our knees wondering How? And why?
   The things The Lord asks of us or allows us to face may appear to be as building a ship: huge, intimidating, and even hopeless. We may feel under qualified and doubt our abilities. We may feel overwhelmed with where to begin or why we're doing these things asked of us.
   The Lord gives us these things to "build" so we can build ourselves. 
     We should try to be more like Nephi and turn to God for direction. Turn to Him whole heartedly and submit to His way because His way ultimately leads to your deliverance. Do not ever forget that stipulation The Lord laid out for Nephi, after His manner He will show you the way. According to the faith Nephi exerted and his supplication to His will, The Lord lead Nephi to the means of completing his commandment. Never forget that you are being watched over and cared for. Never forget that you are never forgotten. The Lord doesn't give a commandment to His children to have no way of accomplishing it, but through Him and His guidance. 
    I know the ships we build in this life, though they may seem impossible to build, will strength you as a person, and if they are after the manner of God and equal to His pattern they will fortify us for those stormy seas of life. That as the tempest tosses your ship will not leak or sink.
        ~ "Jesus answered and said unto them, Verily I say unto you, If ye have faith, and doubt not..." Matthew 21:21

Enjoying life NOW.

How many of you have heard the saying, busyness is a blessing? I'd like to contest that a little. I realize that having obligations, priorities, and responsibilities all are important, even vital, to our growth as human beings. However, do you ever pack yourself in too tight? Do you ever find yourself struggling to make time to even eat dinner or breathe? I know that last school year is history now but I can't help but to reflect on it because it taught me.
I piled on my plate church activities and leadership, club responsibilities and internship, honors classes, and athletics; lots of late nights and really early mornings but I'm not complaining! I was a happy person, but there were struggles. I can remember the stress of late night cramming because it was the week of the dance show and I had an essay due, the state track meet and committee meetings scheduled all within the same three to four days(definitely an exaggeration, it wasn't that bad). I think the entire point of that year was teaching me that you really can't do it all; you can try but it is hard. And is it worth it?
Think about this though, when you sign yourself up for 17 different assignments and responsibilities, how can you expect to give 100% to everything? You can't! I'm sorry but it isn't possible. You can do a dang good job and succeed but will you look back and say man I wish I did this or I wish I had done that?
I by no means am saying that busyness is a bad thing or that you're a horrible person if you're busy because you're NOT, heck I'm busy all the time! But is there a limit? All things in moderation.
Moreover, I've been really evaluating what I put my value on. "Life is to be enjoyed, not just endured," President Hinckley once said, and how true! I get to live this Earth life once. One try. That's all we get. And that is enough time! I don't want my life to be a rut; I want to travel, I want to go on adventures, I want to spend more time with those I love than stressing over a textbook. Life doesn't hand you money, I know, and it requires work; however, I don't necessarily think overworking yourself is healthy. Find a balance.
Don't get me wrong, I LOVE learning and I am very dedicated to my studies; knowledge is a gift of God, but I don't think He intended this life to be a burden. I know He didn't intend it to be wasted idely waiting for life to begin; live your life now before you miss it. So don't waste it with hard feelings, jealousy, bitterness, judgement, or negativity. Life is a GIFT of God, treasure it, do good things for others, SMILE, dance, go on an adventure, LOVE, pray, and never take it for granted because when you are 80 on your death bed you will remember all the chances you didn't take, the memories you didn't make, and the time you wish you had again.

“Cultivate an attitude of happiness. Cultivate a spirit of optimism. Walk with faith, rejoicing in the beauties of nature, in the goodness of those you love, in the testimony which you carry in your heart concerning things divine.” ― Gordon B. Hinckley

Baptizing Thalia.

This post is sort of sacred and special to me, but it fits the name of my blog to a T: Holy places. The temple is the number one most holy place on this earth and I was fortunate enough to go there today. There is an indescribable peace that is felt there that I doubt I could ever replicate to match perfectly, but that is what makes it so special; it's The Lord's house where His work is getting done. I got to participate in that work today.
This summer my stake(church group) was issued a challenge: 10 hours of geneology work. I began to search for my family members. I spent six hours in one day and found 22 names, 7 of which were ready to take to the temple. One of these names was my great-great-great grandmother Nathalie Pelleteir Dummond. I knew nothing about her and still don't, but I feel some sort of connection to her after I spent time searching her out. It took me sometime to find her because I wanted to make sure I had the correct info. I found two records that had the same birth date and place but one had her name Natalie Pelletier and the other was Thalia Pelletier. I was confused! I searched the census and found that these two names had the same husband and children, this had to be the same woman! I could feel it, I knew that this was her. Thalia was just a nickname. Then it came! A birth record of her daughter Agnes Dummond and on the document was signed Nathalie Pelletier. It was her!!
My mom and I brewed over this but I knew I had found her, but when I heard my Grandmother's confirmation that that was Nathalie I literally jumped for joy! Who knew one lady culd be such a mystery to find? But I did it, she was no longer lost.
I later read my Patriarchial blessing and it mentioned something about geneology work that was my special duty to fulfill, and with that I knew that Thalia had been waiting for me. As I sat on family search, SHE had directed me to the sources I needed to find her, SHE lead me to the census records and that birth record that straightened everything out. Thalia had waited over 100 years for this work to be done so what did I do? .....

WENT TO THE TEMPLE OF COURSE! As I stepped into that font and was baptized by proxy for Thalia, my spirit was over joyed and tears of excitement brimmed my eyes. Thalia has the opportunity to accept the covenants that I performed for her in her name, and I know she did. How amazing this work is, I was able to do the work for Thalia who could not do it herself. She now has the gate opened for her, and she can now more fully work her way to her salvation and to return to the presence of our Heavenly Father.
I have a renewed understanding of the importance of temple work. It is not something that we just go through the motions, we are affecting ACTUAL people. As I was baptized for Thalia, I felt a sort of connection to her. I cannot wait till the day I can embrace her and thank her for teaching me this lesson. I am thankful for my loving Father in Heaven and all His tender mercies. For Thalia.
~"Verily, verily, I say unto you, The hour is coming, and now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God: and they that hear shall live." John 5:25

I Hope They Call Me On a Mission.

Missionary service has been something I have been fortunate enough to witness a lot in my young life. I may not be great at sharing the gospel with my friends and family, but I have a testimony of it. I know that there is an indescribable joy felt when you see a family member or close friend be baptized and confirmed a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. The picture above describes full time missionary service perfectly; two years may seem like a whole lot of time, but in the eternal scheme of things, it is a short blip of time. But what great miracles and blessings you will witness in that short span of time, and those two years(or 1 & a half) can change someone's ETERNITY. How incredible!

Besides the great blessing of my mother's conversion that changed my life, I was able to witness better for myself the outcome of missionary work through the conversion of my uncle. My uncle, wasn't a member of the LDS Church but he was religious, and I recall him coming over and talking to my mom about the church he was attending frequently. One conversation that stuck with me was when he told my mom that he felt like something was missing. My mom and I knew exactly what that was! We as a family invited him to come to church with us and he did! As he started coming regularly, my parents offered him the opportunity to take the missionary lessons. The missionaries befriended him quickly and encouraged him, they truly cared about him; it was amazing to see the impact these young boys had in MY family's life. I was able to witness the joy of the gospel impact someone so close to me, you could see his happiness; even amid the struggles he had as his baptism day drew closer, you could tell he had peace. After a few weeks of having the Elders over in my home and participating in my uncle's process of learning the gospel, I was able to attend his baptism, confirmation and his receiving of the priesthood, and in a few short months he and his newly wedded wife will be able to be sealed together for time and all eternity in the temple. All of this happened because a few 19 year old boys gave two years of their life to be an instrument in The Lord's hands. His conversion truly strengthened my testimony and has helped me to see how important missionary work is.

I've never had a strong conviction to serve a full-time mission, I've never truly considered it nor have I prayed about it, and that is my fault. With the missionary age drastically changed for young women to serve at 19, I will admit I felt a soft nudge and a faint desire to serve and knew that there was an important reason behind it, but I whisked it away quickly saying 'oh no that's not for me'. I always thought I would go to school and get married and start a family, that was my "mission". But maybe The Lord needs me for something more? Maybe I'm supposed to find a lost friend? Maybe one of my spirit sisters or brothers are waiting for me to search them out? I don't have an answer to these yet, but I will tell you this: I'm considering serving a mission now.

I have seen the blessings of baptism in many of my friends and acquaintances' lives, but more importantly, I have seen it in my family: my mother and two of my uncles. I attended a confirmation recently and I felt the spirit so strongly through that blessing and his testimony. I was able to SEE his joy. I know that joy. I want more to know that joy. This small experience truly has impacted me.

I am not saying that I will serve a mission, that's for The Lord to decide when the time comes, but I realize that withholding myself from this possibility will affect more people than just me, but it will affect families I don't even know yet. We'll see whether The Lord will need me in the mission field, but I'm going to prepare myself as if He has called me to it already. 

~"I’ll go where you want me to go, dear Lord, Over mountain or plain or sea; I’ll say what you want me to say, dear Lord; I'll be what you want me to be." Hymn 270 (I'll Go Where You Want Me to Go)

Look on the Heart, that's where Beauty is.

Something just extremely bothered me as I was on my social networks yesterday. I saw multiple posts that said, "Sorry girls we would like you better if your stomach looked like this." Or "This is hot this is not." Etc. and this drove me absolutely up the wall. Whoever posted those pictures and statuses that classified a woman to be "beautiful" has no right. I just felt disgusted, we all, boys included, are bombarded by standards that the world has set for us. Then people wonder why so many young people develop abnormal eating habits or have no self esteem or are so obsessed with image because when we get online we see what we are "supposed" to look like, act like, and talk like. And someone is always trying to convince you that what you see in your reflection is never enough.

How horribly false! I don't think I have ever met an ugly person, but funny how sometimes the most pretty people can be so ugly on the inside? Beauty is a thing from the inside, and it radiates outwards when you smile, when you speak kindly, when you serve others. Beauty is a way you carry yourself, it's gracefulness, poise, virtue. Beauty is not defined by a flat tummy, thin thighs, or makeup. I think the most beautiful people I have met have always been kind in word and deed, their character shines outward and affects their physical appearance as well. Your character has more of an impact on your physical beauty than makeup or tummy trimming ever will because no makeup can imitate that glow that comes from true beautiful character.

If instead of always trying to change our exterior appearance, we should try to better our character and always try to be better than the day before. If we try to be more selfless, kind, charitable, virtuous I KNOW that you will feel more beautiful. You will have more confidence, and you will have that beautiful spirit about you that will outshine and out measure the world's definition of beauty. You are already beautiful, quit trying to change the way you were designed; instead work on being a better you.

~"...for the Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart." 1 Samuel 16:7

I'm a Mormon!

For those of you who do not know or haven't assumed yet, I'm Mormon. I belong to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. I love this gospel, and I know it has contributed to the majority, if not the entirety, of my happiness in this life. I may not be the smartest girl you've ever met or will meet, but let me share with you something I do know: the gospel of Christ.

I know that after the apostasy that a young boy of the mere age of 14 had a question, "Which church should I join?" As he stumbled across the verse James 1:5 that reads, "If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally and upbraidth not; and it shall be given him." He then proceeded to take the action and ask The Lord in sincere faith which of all the sects should he join. I know and believe that God the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ, appeared to the boy. I believe that through Joseph Smith The Lord was able to restore the fullness of his gospel to the earth once more. I know that Joseph Smith was given the divine authority to translate the Book of Mormon, and I know that there is no truer book than that. I know that the priesthood keys that Peter and the Apostles held in Christ's day have been restored on this earth now through The Lord and Joseph Smith. I know of that priesthood power and have witnessed the miracles and blessings that result from it. I have faith in the Savior; I know He died for me and because he suffered and sacrificed Himself, I can receive forgiveness for my sins, my faults and my short-comings. I know that His love is infinite and I am never alone. Jesus is the rock that I hold to and the peace that I feel. I know that when I was baptized age the age of 8, I took upon myself the name of Christ and promised to keep His commandments. I know that the Holy Ghost guides me and protects me and comforts me,and I know that as long as I live worthy of him he can be my constant companion. I know that Thomas S Monson is the true and living prophet today; he holds all the keys and authority that Peter did. I know that his counsel comes from God and that he is The Lord's mouthpiece. I know that the sacred ordinances and covenants that are performed in the temple are eternal, and that because my parents were sealed in the temple, I will be with my family forever. I know that this is the ultimate goal, to seal families together and to their exaltation. I know that we can all live with God again and that that is the real reason we were sent to this earth, to be tried, tested, and perfected. I know that we will be reunited with our love ones who have passed on because Christ has defeated death, and we will all receive a perfect body. I know that all of my prayers have been answered, not always in the way I intend but there is always an answer. I also know that Satan is real, and he is trying to take away our happiness because he will NEVER have it, he is cunning but God is omnipotent. I know that God will not suffer that I am tempted above my capability but I know that my strength needs to be tested in order for me to grow stronger. I know that God placed us here not to fail; He has given us all the equipment we need to return to Him. And He is waiting for that reunification, He's watching and cheering us on, He's listening to your pleadings and He wants to answer you, to bless you. I know with no doubt that this is the true Church, and I know that it has given me more happiness than I ever could have found or made for myself.

You see, I may not know everything about this gospel but I don't know everything about math either but doesn't mean it's not correct. I don't need to know everything yet, I am still learning and growing. But I have a strong belief and faith in the things I do not know, and one day I will know and I desire to know. But I leave you this testimony in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

"I'm a Mormon. I know it. I live it. I love it."~ Sister Ann Dibb

You're Beautiful!

 This post is tailored more for us girls. Look at the world around us. Advertisements on screens, radios, billboards. Models posted up in every store, magazine, or tv. Makeup companies that spend millions of dollars to promote a product that will "make" you prettier, or so we have come to believe. Women all around us that we envy for different reasons... And mirrors that you sit in front of and pick out every insignificant exterior flaw your corrective eye can find.

We never feel good enough. You're too tall, you're too short, you're too skinny, you're too fat. Your teeth aren't perfect, your hair is too frizzy. The list is endless. And these voices are thrown at us at every angle, why? Because Satan, the devil, wants you to feel as if you are worth nothing. As if there is no hope or that you aren't good enough. He wants you to feel this way; think about it, if you don't have confidence in yourself how much easier is it for him to break you down when you're already crumbling internally? BUT how completely false his message is!

God didn't create ugly. See every sunset, flower, river and mountain, do you not agree that they are all beautiful? Well they all were molded by the same hands that created you. He created us all and sees us all for that beauty He gave us. Stop pointing out flaws about your waist or how your nose crinkles when you laugh or if you have a crooked smile. God doesn't have a single mold he created us from. You don't have to be 5'7" size 1 pants, tan, and blonde to feel God's abounding love for you.

Our Father in Heaven sent his Only Begotten Son, Jesus Christ, to die for us so that we may live again. So that we can be forgiven. So that we can lean on His strength. So that we can be happy. You are worth more than you know, more than I can comprehend, but we must all be something special for Christ to suffer as he did for us.

What makes a woman beautiful anyways? Is it her hair? Is it her clothing? No. It's the way she carries herself. The way she cares for others. Her courage. Her cheerful disposition. That's true beauty.

It is my prayer that when you look in your mirror you see a beautiful daughter of God, whose potential is limitless and holds more power and influence then she knows. Let us lift one another up. Show others how beautiful they are and ignore those who'll try and tear you down.
~"He hath made every thing beautiful in his time..." Ecclesiastes 3:11

Refining Fire.

I have so many ideas of what to write and share, so it was hard to decide which topic to chose from as they all bounced around my mind. Nonetheless, I chose one.

As I was sitting in my unair-conditioned home in the middle of July I thought to myself, 'Why?! Why does the AC have to be dysfunctional now? It's ridiculously hot and I'm going to melt away. Why?...' The house was disgustingly hot, and no matter how many icy showers you take, they are never satisfying; in fact, I don't know if any of you have been in a room that is 90 degrees, but it's not comfortable and makes you sweat... a lot.

Fortunately, I was able to escape this uncomfortable heat. I was shown my "pavilion".

Now your thinking, please what is the point to this story. Let me tell you. In seminary we have had multiple lessons covering the topic trials. But how pertinent those lessons truly are! Life is full of bumps in the road; they test our limits, they test our strength, but most of all they shape us to our potential. How is that! You may wonder, well here's an object lesson I remember:

A piece of wood generally is useless correct? It, however, has potential to become a desk, a couch, a dresser, etc. Do you know how it becomes these end results? The wood must be cut and sized. It must  be sanded and finished. In some cases it must be heated and bent, even carved and decorated! Through all the rough and the hard work, a mere stump can be created into a beautiful table. WE are very much like that wood; we begin life with potential and as we progress we through the "bending," "cutting," "heating," and "sanding" reach our ultimate potential. We through the rough molding phases and trials become beautiful masterpieces. The fire may be uncomfortable but it is refining you, perfecting you.

Much to my case The Lord provided me an escape from the "heat." That doesn't mean that our trials are taken away He just provides us with rest, a "pavilion" to stay beneath. As we face our trials do not think that you must suffer; in fact, turn to The Lord, seek him out and you will find comfort from the storms. I think that that is the refining part of trials: our dependence on The Lord. As we grow closer to The Lord, He will help mold you to your potential and be with you through the fire. I offer you this message of hope.
      ~"...when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold." Job 23:10

Click the link for a great video:
http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=xdN8rfwW3SI

Choices.

Making decisions are hard. Whether it be between a good thing and bad thing or a good thing and better thing, choices never are easy. One of the tools I have been taught to use, however, that makes deciding much simpler is: prayer. I have had to make many decisions thus far in my life, and I've come to recognize and appreciate the feeling that accompanies counseling with God; it brings peace and comfort knowing that He would never lead me astray. Not all decisions are made in the time I have been on my knees; I know the more I prayed the more open my heart was to HEAR what The Lord wanted me to do or had in store for me as I stood off my knees; as I (and you) patiently wait and search for an answer the more confident I felt in my choice, typically. I actually have a quick example of prayers being answered to share!

I had recently moved and I finished my school year out at my old high school. I told my parents there was no way I'd ever transfer, nope never going to do it. That summer I was sitting up at my church's girls camp reading my scriptures and pondering my life so far. I had an impression to transfer schools. I dismissed it quickly but that thought kept pressing itself to the forefront of my mind. Later on in the summer, I continued to search this impression out and felt that I needed to pray about it. I prayed countless days,  fasted one Sunday, and had my father give me a priesthood blessing (I'll delve into that topic another time). Through this seeking, I found my answer and I never could've foreseen the blessings that unfolded with this answer and decision I made. He knows more than I do; He knew which choice was BEST for ME. The Lord has blessed me extremely by allowing me to grow as I had to work to find my answer, and the blessing of the choice He helped me make.

I know that God hears our prayers. I know that as we petition The Lord, He will unlock doors and open windows of clarity to aid in making even the toughest of life's decisions. As you listen to His will and follow what He prompts you to do, I know that you will be blessed beyond measure.
             
 "--If ye will not harden your hearts, and ASK me in faith, believing that ye shall receive, with diligence in keeping my commandments, surely these things shall be made known unto you."
~1 Nephi 15:11