'Brighten' your day

Today has been a beautiful Monday/Veteran's Day! First off, I can't even begin to express my appreciation for those who have dedicated their lives to this beautiful country. It's because of them, that I can live my life and make my dreams come true! Thank you, thank you, thank you to all those who serve this country! You are always in my prayers!
It's been a relaxing day. I slept in, watched Once Upon A Time, did some scripture study, and did a lot of thinking. I even made a big decision and am working on goals on how to reach this dream of mine! I'm pretty excited! Also, my love for kids was rekindled today during dinner group. Four year olds are so full of energy! And they are also very flexible!
Music for today was all about the band 'Brighten' and you better believe I've been listening to them all day! If you don't know who they are, click here and here.
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The Lord is refining me. It's a painful but beautiful process! I've learned to rely on the Lord. I've been very disciplined about my scripture study and prayer. I yearn for counsel and guidance. My scriptures have truly become my best friend. I've learned so much from them and they have truly become a treasure to me.
I want to tell you about stake conference, because I was spiritually fed! It was fantastic! Here are some of my favorite highlights:

• Luke 22:32 "But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou are converted, strengthen thy brethren." This scripture was shared and I absolutely love it! The topic for the Saturday night session was about Hastening the Work. This scripture fits perfectly! I feel like when you are truly converted to the Gospel, it is your responsibility to lift up those around you so that they are converted. Be an example of faith! Can you imagine how much the Church will grow, if we all strengthen those around us? We would all be dedicated to the Gospel and the work would continue to move forward! Beautiful!
• Obedience to righteousness changes you. I've seen this recently in my life. As I've made the effort to put God first in my life, I've become strengthened. Especially with scripture study, I've noticed a little bit of a difference in me. I've been more in tune with the Spirit. I've been able to act on promptings. Like I said earlier, I am being refined. It's beautiful!
• Set Goals - Covenant with the Lord. I was never good at goal making. I pretty much fail at them. But this month, I've been making more of an effort to set goals and carry out a plan to achieve them. I admit, it's hard, but it's been great! I feel like when I make goals, my mind is focused on what I need to do accomplish them. I love crossing off things on my goals for the day, because I feel so accomplished. I put my weekly goals on a 3x5 card and stick them in my scriptures, because I know that I will see them at least twice a day! I also stick a 3x5 card in my pocket with my goals written down for the day and cross them off as I accomplish them. Then I tape them in my journal at night. It's been great!
• Become a sincere and genuine friend. I want to be a better friend. I feel like I've slacked off on this lately, but no worries, I'm back! I love my friends!
• Memorize a scripture every week. This is a current goal of mine. The last time I memorized scriptures was back in seminary. (Remember the goofy scripture mastery songs? Yeah, I still remember some of those.) I know that there is power in knowing the scriptures. I feel like God will bring scriptures to my mind during conversations with people or in time of need. By memorizing scriptures, I feel like my "scripture library" will help me hasten the work and become more effective.
• Prove yourself a little more each day. I loved this! I want to prove to the Lord and to myself that I can do hard things! I can endure trials, whatever they are. I have found that just by doing the little things each day has helped me prove myself to the Lord. *cough, cough, SCRIPTURE STUDY AND PRAYER cough, cough* Seriously guys, just doing those two things have really helped me this past month. 
• You can't go over it, you can't go under it, you have to go THROUGH it. DON'T BE SCARED! It's true. So very true. I've heard the 'bear hunt' analogy twice now from my stake president and I can't tell you how right he is. Especially when it comes to trials, you always become stronger! The refiners fire is not fun, but I can guarantee you, it's worth it every time! You've got to go through it, so that you can become the person God wants you to become. I've learned this a lot this year! Don't be scared! God is always one your side and Jesus Christ is holding your hand through it. When you turn to the Lord during hard times, you are in good hands! Stay close to them, because you will survive. 
• How you handle trials determines your eternal progression. I loved this, because it's so true. When you choose to follow the Lord, you are on your way to bigger and better things. (Like eternal life...whoa!) However, if you choose to not turn to the Lord, you are on your way to a more disappointing path. I am a very stubborn person and I don't like people telling me what to do or having someone help me. The defining moments in my life are when I humble myself and turn to the Lord. There have been times when I have literally crumbled down to my knees and cried for the Lords mercy and help. When I put the Lord first in my life, everything is better and I am on my way. When I obey the commandments, I am able to handle future trials a lot better.

 Dear friends, the Gospel is true! The Lord loves each one of you! You are His child and He will always be there for you to lift you up! He wants you to return to live with Him again. You are important to Him. Let us all become truly converted to the Gospel so that we can help hasten the work! Come as you are and be perfected in Him. Oh and guess what, God loves you! Happy Monday ya'll!