This is my Grandma! My grandma has always been so supportive in everything that I do. She would come to my graduations, band concerts, athletic events, and even piano recitals. She has shared so many stories with me whether it was about Santa Claus falling out of an airplane or about her family and how much she loved them. She has been such an example to me! Ever since I could remember, every time she saw me, she would say, "Wow...have you been on the stretch rack this week? Well, whatever you are doing, it's working!"

I love my Grandma so much! Thank you Grandma for always loving me, encouraging me and believing in me. I am so blessed and lucky to have a grandma like you to look up to! ‪#‎MeetMyGrandmother‬

Temple As Our Beacon

There is no place in the world where I feel closer to the Lord than in one of His holy temples. In the temple, the precious plan of God is taught. It is in the temple that eternal covenants are made. The temple lifts us, exalts us, stands as a beacon for all to see, and points us toward celestial glory. It is the house of God. The temple is for families, one of the greatest treasures we have in mortality. As we touch the temple and love the temple, our lives will reflect our faith. As we go to the holy house, as we remember the covenants we make therein, we will be able to bear every trial and overcome each temptation. The temple provides purpose for our lives. It brings peace to our souls—not the peace provided by men but the peace promised by the Son of God when He said, “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” (John 14:27)

Receiving my call

A year ago today I received my call to serve as a full-time missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. What an amazing day filled with emotion and love for the calling I received. My life is forever changed because of my mission. What a blessing it is to share the gospel of Jesus Christ with such amazing people in North Carolina!

Child of Light

The summer before my senior year of high school, I was blessed with the opportunity to travel with the USA Junior Olympic volleyball team in Brazil. One morning, (unexpectedly) our coaches woke us up and said there is somewhere we need to be today. After a three hour bus ride, we arrived in a desolate town, where we saw a group of children bundled together. Our coach stood at the head of the bus and said something I have never forgotten. "Today, we have the opportunity to make a difference. As you look out your window, you see children of all ages anxiously waiting to meet you. These children are a part of an orphanage with the youngest being four months old and the eldest 13. Right here, right now, we have the privilege to share with them something that we love. They look up to you, so let's give them something they will cherish for the rest of their lives."

Those kids stole my heart! As children of light, we have the obligation of making this world a holier and happier place for our having lived in it. Heavenly Father relies on our influence to help bring all of His children home to Him. We should become an influence for good wherever we go (see 1 Timothy 4:12). May we continually let our light—His light, which is in us—shine.

“Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.

“And whoso shall receive one such little child in my name receiveth me.”
(Matthew 18:1-6)

You are a Child of God

"I am a child of God,
And he has sent me here,
Has given me an earthly home
With parents kind and dear.
Lead me, guide me, walk beside me,
Help me find the way.
Teach me all that I must do
To live with him someday."

What a wonderful song that is! And what a great truth it teaches! You have an earthly father. I hope you love him and that you are obedient to him. But you have another father. That is your Father in Heaven. He is the Father of your spirit, just as your earthly father is the father of your body. And it is just as important to love and to obey your Father in Heaven as it is to love and obey your earthly father.

If you really know that you are a child of God, you will also know that He expects much of you, His child. He will expect you to follow His teachings and the teachings of His dear Son, Jesus. He will expect you to be generous and kind to others. He will be happy if you remember the less fortunate in your prayers to Him. He will watch over you and guide you and protect you. He will bless you in your schoolwork.

Never forget that you really are a child of God! Who has inherited something of His divine nature, one whom He loves and desires to help and bless. I pray that our Heavenly Father will bless you. May He smile with favor upon you. May you walk in His paths and follow His teachings. May you ever be prayerful unto Him, praying always in the name of His Beloved Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. May each of us resolve to always follow Him in faith. May life be kind to you, for you are indeed a child of God, worthy and deserving of His love and blessing.