He Is Risen

Isn't this time of year so amazing? Trees and flowers blooming, birds chirping, baby cows--NEW LIFE! Spring is beautiful, and part of what makes it so beautiful is the Easter holiday. It's my favorite because it reminds us of the resurrection of our Savior Jesus Christ, and how we can all be resurrected as well. We will all have new life. We will all live again after we die. This simple truth has gotten me through the hardest thing I've ever had to go through. 

Exactly three years ago my mom was killed in a car accident. The death of a loved one is hard on everyone, but the knowledge I have of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and His Atonement is what has gotten me through every day since it happened. I was in California at a cheerleading competition when my dad called and told me about the accident. Nothing can prepare you for news like that, but I was overwhelmed with peace as I prayed and sought heaven's help with my cheer team. My family was showered with love and support from everyone, which was so helpful. But, when people asked me how I was dealing so well with it, my only answer was that I have the constant comfort of the Spirit of the Lord, along with the knowledge that I will see my mom again. 

Lucky for us, Easter was the next weekend. We were again reminded that our Lord and Savior rose on the third day so that we all may do the same. Death is not the end. That is a solid fact that I know without a doubt to be true. It doesn't make things easy, but it does make them a little bit less hard. Yes, I still miss my mom everyday. I wish so bad that I could call her and tell her about my life. She was the best listener ever. But I know that she is with me. She helps me everyday. Elder Jeffrey R. Holland of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles once said, 

"In the gospel of Jesus Christ you have help from both sides of the veil and you must never forget 

that. When disappointment and discouragement strike—and they will—you must remember and never forget that if our eyes could be opened we would see horses and chariots of fire as far as the eye can see riding at reckless speed to come to our protection. They will always be there, these armies of heaven…" 

They really are. I felt my mom everyday on my mission. I know that Heavenly Father had work for her to do on the other side. I am so grateful for her example of hard work and love that prepared me to do what she had done for us. It was my senior year of high school. I was just trying to graduate and get out of that town. I took on the responsibility of cleaning, laundry, cooking, rides, etc. Is there any possible way I could have done that alone? NO! I had her. I had my friends and family. But most of all I had my Savior Jesus Christ and my Father in Heaven. Their Plan is absolutely perfect. Once we come to realize that, life gets less hard. Easter reminds us of that Plan, so try to remember it more and share it with those who need it this time of year. :) 

xoxo

Loni

Decisions!

Oh decisions! I feel like they can be the hardest things ever sometimes! We are so blessed that God gave us our freedom of choice, but aren't there times you wish He would just tell you exactly what to do? I know I've felt that way. But I've learned that He will often trust us to make decisions on our own because if the right choice was always just handed to us, what would we learn? I've also learned that God loves us so much that He won't leave us hanging. He knows exactly what we need. I read an amazing scripture in the Book of Mormon today, But the Lord knoweth all things from the beginning; wherefore, he prepareth a way to accomplish all his works among the children of men; for behold, he hath all power unto the fulfilling of all his words. And thus it is. Amen. (1 Nephi 9:6). We might always know where we will end up, but He does, and He will help us get there because He wants us to be happy and return to live with Him someday. 

I've been thinking a lot lately about what I really want to do with my life career wise and if I am studying the right thing in school. I was kind of putting off the decision because I didn't want to make it. Then I got an email reminding me about how soon class registration is. Yikes! So it was time to crack down. I didn't want to talk to anyone about this because I tend to let others sway my decisions. I finally knelt down and told Heavenly Father my situation and what I was feeling. Exactly what I was feeling. Just like I would talk to a friend. Then I listened and thought and read the scriptures. The impression that I got from the Spirit is that Heavenly Father wants me to be happy. "...men are, that they might have joy" (2 Nephi 2:25). The path I was taking in college was challenging and making me kind of miserable. So, I switched my major. And it feels so great! My step-mom reminded me that we aren't just here to survive, we are here to thrive. 

Notice how God didn't tell me exactly what to change my major to or what I should be when I grow up. He didn't tell me which path to go down when I came to this fork in the road. I had to work through it and basically make the decision on my own, then He confirmed to me that it was right. I've found that this is not always the case, but often. And because of that I learn more about myself and God's plan for me. :) 

xoxo
Loni

Overcome. Conquer. Rise above.

For the past four weeks I've had to do a plant-based, whole foods diet modification for one of my classes. It was... hard. We were allowed dairy once a week, meat/eggs once a week, and no sugar. I know, you're wondering what I've been eating for the past month, right? Basically fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Thank goodness I enjoy eating all of those things. But, for those of you who know me, you know that I LOVE sugar. My sweet tooth can be uncontrollable at times. So the dairy and meat wasn't too bad, but turning down every sweet thing that someone offered me was... pure torture.

Looking back, I have learned so much. About food and about myself. I was addicted to sugar. Like literally. I craved it after every meal. In fact, I still do sometimes. And that is the thing about addictions. They don't just "go away." No, I'm not an expert or anything close to that, but I have had experiences with it in my life. It is real and it is not fun. I've watched several loved ones deal with addictions and trust me, it didn't only affect them. Addiction is a hard thing that we deal with, and it ruins lives. But, the thing I love is that there is hope. Always. We CAN overcome our addictions. Whether it be food, drugs, pornography, work, or whatever it is that tempts us. Guess what. Someone has been there. Someone has felt that.

Our Savior Jesus Christ felt each and every one of our temptations. He knows how it felt when my professor brought cookies to class and I had to pass the plate right along without taking one. I know it might sound dumb, but I really did count on the Atonement of Jesus Christ to help me through times like that! And now I realize that I don't need that ice cream after dinner or that piece of chocolate after lunch. You don't need that cigarette or that drink or those extra hours at work or your social media. You probably think you do, but I promise that you can rise above that. It doesn't come over night, but you can overcome and conquer those things that hold you down.

But what about setbacks? Well, they don't last. You can always change. You can always start new. Did I slip up on this diet? Of course. Did I make up for it by exercising extra? Oh yeah. Does my body feel so much better than it did a month ago? Yes! Know that you can do it and you are not alone! Elder M. Russell Ballard, an apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ said it perfectly. "I have seen the marvelous blessing of recovery that can set one free from the chains of addiction. The Lord is our Shepherd, and we shall not want as we trust in the power of the Atonement. I know the Lord can and will free the addicted from their bondage, for as the Apostle Paul proclaimed, 'I can do all things though Christ which strengtheneth me.' (Philippians 4:13)."

For more about overcoming addiction visit addictionrecovery.lds.org.

We love green smoothies! 

PEACE

Over the past few years I've found that one of the hard things we do on an almost daily basis is try to find peace. It's something we all want and strive for, but for some reason it seems hard to come by. This weekend I have felt so much peace and wanted to share some ideas of how we can all feel that more in our lives.

1. Attend the temple. As a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the temple is very important to me. We go there to learn and grow closer to God. It is the most peaceful place on earth. I promise. Yesterday I was able to go with my parents. I can't believe it's been two years since my dad and I went for the first time together. It was a long hard road to get there, but the blessings that have come into our lives since then have been unbelievable. (To learn more about temples visit temples.lds.org)

2. Catch up with old friends. I got to hang out with three of my best friends from home this weekend. I heard a statistic once that catching up with old friends helps your immune system so that you will get sick less! I believe it! Knowing that I have people who care about me and have a sincere interest in my life and well being brings me a lot of peace.

3. Find beauty in everything around you. I live in the most fascinating place. Looking around me this weekend and noticing all of the beautiful things made me so grateful, and "a grateful heart is a happy heart," which is a peaceful heart. The temple--lovely. The view of St. George from Dixie Rock--exquisite. My friends who got married yesterday--dazzling. My run down Cedar Canyon and with the snow and the river--magnificent. My sisters and best friends who made time hang out with me--stunning. BYU basketball winning their game last night--excellent. Missionaries returning home with honor--wonderful.

If you are wound up and needing to feel peaceful, these are just a few simple things that help me. Find what gives you that feeling, and remember it. I would love to hear about what brings you peace. :)

xoxo
Loni

Differences and Love

At institute tonight the lesson was on love. How can we love those around us more than we do already? And how will that help us overcome hard things and differences? A couple months ago I remember be so upset with my brother that I couldn't even handle it. I was literally having a come apart because of our differences and how frustrating it was. Luckily, it was during Christmas time, so I had the reminder of the Christmas spirit, which is to love. It took a lot of prayer and humility on my part, but I was able to work through my frustration and love him.

"Love is the only force that can erase differences [between people]." -President Gordon B. Hinckley

Differences in the world is one hard thing that we may have to deal with. Or should I say get to deal with? We all have our differences. And we may not agree with everything going on around us. But this quote by Gordon B. Hinckley, former president of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, basically sums up the cure, if you ask me. President Hinckley has a special place in my heart because he showed so much love to everyone, whether he knew them personally or not. This is also how our Savior Jesus Christ worked. He loved everyone with a pure and perfect love. And guess what he asked us to do? The same! "...love one another as I have loved you" (John 13:34). There are so many ways we can look at the topic of love, but the most important way is to remember the way the Savior loved.

Two examples that never cease to love me as Jesus would are my roommates. They serve me, compliment me, listen to me, and deal with me. Every day. I am so grateful for them and their example of this that reminds me to do the same. What will you do to love those around you more perfectly?

xoxo
Loni

Start of Something New

So I used this blog for updates about my mission. Since I've been home I have been praying a lot about how I can continue to help and inspire people. I've had this recurring thought to blog about my experiences. I kind of kept pushing it off because I'm not a writer and not even really a big fan of blogs! However, the past couple weeks I can't really deny that Heavenly Father has been trying to tell me to do this. My boss showed me the blog of a girl whose family died while she was on her mission, and it was so touching. I haven't been able to stop thinking about it since. Then just this weekend a sweet girl from my high school cheerleading team messaged me to thank me for being such a great example. Tonight I went to listen to Al Fox Carraway (blogger and inspirational speaker), and that was it! I was inspired. I came home, opened my computer, and here I am.

The title "You Can Do Hard Things" has been a type of theme for me the past few years. As I prayed about what I could call this blog, it was what came to mind. By sharing some of the "hard things" that have happened, I really just hope to help and encourage anyone who may need it. Like I said, I'm not a writer or blogger, so please bear with me as I try this out! I just pray that God will help me know what you need to hear from me.

xoxo
Loni