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