The Best of Both Worlds

So as I was watching the nieces today, we spent quality time watching Hannah Montana. I kept trying to look for something to grasp onto worth while.. I found an interesting parallel -- For those that aren't familiar, Hannah Montana is the 'rock star', but her real name is "Miley Cirus" and in this particular episode Miley gets tired of the people at her school treating her like nothing of any value due to a new celebrity attending her school. She can't believe how he is being treated like such a hero, when she too is a celebrity but no body knows. Then the thought came to me-- its funny they don't know how important she really is (starting to get really sucked into it by this point), and then I thought does anyone in the outside world really notice our real potential? People have to prove themselves before any of us realize or consider them of any significance. All of us have people that we think are so much better than us because of wealth, achievements, families, jobs, positions of leadership etc. When in all actuality they are just like us trying to achieve the same things.. We all have the power within ourselves to become what we want, and the only limitations we set on ourselves is us. We shouldn't idolize those around us, but they should inspire us into becoming all that we can. Haha -- who would have thought an episode of Hannah Montana could be so thought provoking HA!

2008 The Year of Growth

Upon turning 23, I thought I had a pretty good grasp of what life meant and what the world was like in a very real sense. This year I came to realize how very little I really knew. I think I’ve learned far more about myself and the world around me than any other year I’ve experienced thus far. Although this year seems to have flown by, I feel like I’ve learned many years worth of lessons.
I’ve experienced the pain and sorrow of seeing a loved one suffer from an illness, and wanting nothing more than to be home serving them, but no matter how hard I worked in school, the time would never be open. Later I would find that the Lord’s protective hand was involved so I would remain strong just as he needed me to be. I felt I was in the depths of despair In spite of amazing love and concern I felt from others. I found the only person who really can help comfort me is the savior. He lives; for I’ve felt his love embrace me and lift my head when I thought I wouldn’t have the strength to. I felt his empathy towards me in a very personal way. He held my shoulders up when I thought I would collapse to the floor. The atonement of Jesus Christ is not just for sinners, it is for everyone who encounters pain of any kind. The most important thing I’ve learned to implement in my life this year is the power of the atonement. A marvelous gift we’ve been given.
I’ve realized just when you think you know it all, the Lord whacks you over the head and tells you to wake up there are many lessons to learn. I know the Lord places astounding people in our lives at the very moment we need them, because he knows us, knows are needs, and has a grand plan for each us. When we think life can’t get any harder, look up and he will show us the reason for our momentary mountains of despair.
I would never wish what I’ve gone through this year on anyone else, but I know it was all for a purpose and I see how much I’ve grown from it. I’ve learned how my wings work on their own without the wind of my parents. I’ve learned that they cannot always be there for me, even when they want to be. Nevertheless, they have done the important part, and have showed me how to fly solo with the Lord. My parents are responsible for all I am, and I can never thank them enough for their role in my life.
I’ve learned how to live life to the fullest and how to love friends and family deeper. I have found how important it is to have friends of great faith. They knew the right times to call, the right times for smiles, and most importantly, the times for prayer. I could literally feel the power of their prayers, and I could go through the day because I knew I had divine help behind me. How thankful I am to my heavenly father for each one of my friends, and the unique beautiful color that each of them bring to the bouquet of my life.
I’m very blessed for all the many blessings I enjoy. I’ve been on tracks I never thought I would be on this year, but I’m thankful for the lessons I’ve learned from each. I love my friends and family, and am so thankful for the blessing they are in my life. What an awesome year it has been because of each of you! Each of you has influenced my life in a very powerful way. MERRY CHRISTMAS and CHEERS to a new year of growth and opportunity.