Focus and remember.

I've got a lot I have to do in the next couple of days before Thanksgiving Break. My professors (at least two of them) decided to have everything due the day before break. And of course I work late both Monday and Tuesday since Tuesday is a Friday schedule, and I'm really worried I won't get my assignments done/turned, or my test taken. But I just need to be patient, take things one at a time and go slow. And, of course, ask my Heavenly Father for help. As long as I focus, and work hard, I think I will be fine. It's just a matter of finding my focus. Well, actually, I know my focus: it's my Savior. I just need to remember to focus on His help, and trust in Him, and do my part to work hard. He will bless me. I know He will. I just need to focus and remember.

Something that Sister DeVincent said in her talk in sacrament meeting today really stood out to me. She said, the Lord blesses those who want to improve.  I loved that! When you have a desire to improve, He'll help you.

Brother DeVincent said that as you keep the commandments, God will bless you as He says. It might take some time, but He will bless you.

In temple prep we talked about the blessings of the temple, and one thing that the Bushmans said was that going to the temple blesses us and brings us closer to the Spirit, and to our Heavenly Father. You'll never regret going to the temple.

In Relief Society, we talked about missionary work, and the main thing we talked about was loving them. Don't preach, don't tear down, or whatever. Just love them. Be yourself. Live the way you live, and answer questions they have. But don't force it on them. Just love them. When they're ready, they'll be able to move forward. We also talked about how we need to be living our lives in such a way that God can use us an instrument in His hands and to help move His work forward.

I am so happy for the things that I learned today! It was a relaxing day!

I'm so excited! The choir sang in sacrament meeting today and it was SO GOOD!! I am SO pleased with the way that the number turned out! We sang "For the Beauty of the Earth" and it was so pretty!! And now we get to focus on our Christmas music for the fireside in three weeks! Eee! Three weeks! That's so far away and yet, so close!! I'm super excited! The numbers are coming along nicely and I am just super ecstatic for the fireside! It's going to be really fun and spiritual! I can't wait!!

Hope you have a fun and safe week! Travel safely, for those traveling for Thanksgiving. Enjoy your time with family and friends. :)

Xoxo
Mattie

Be His Hands.

So today in seminary we had our seminary conference, which is run by the students. We are the speakers and musical numbers. I absolutely loved the fact that even though none of them were given a topic, they all spoke on similar things. The musical numbers were awesome! I performed last and only got to do one verse, but I did quite well considering how nervous I was! I performed Joseph Smith's First Prayer to the tune of Come Thou Fount. It's my most favorite arrangement ever! Maybe I'll record myself singing it one time and post it on here.

I'm so grateful for the messages that were shared today! Messages about service, Christlike love, life, and depression. The talk on depression gave me insight as to what depression is exactly and how to deal with it. And the topic of service (which was the starting message) basically came full circle. Just be there for those with depression. Just talk to them, or listen, or hold their hand. Be whatever they need. Being full of Christlike love means you emulate His example—do what He did. He served people, and loved them. Though He is Lord of All, He was born in a stable, and cared for all people. He helped all people. Since He is no longer on the Earth, we can be His hands. We can serve Him by serving those around us. Be what they need. Heed the promptings of the Spirit. Feel like you need to compliment someone? Do it! They may be having body image issues. Feel like you need to give someone a certain present? Do it! You never know what following the promptings can do for someone else. Be totally and completely aware of what's around you. Actions speak louder than words, and the small things are what counts. People feel genuinely loved if you remember their name! If you remember something they mentioned once about their weekend activities, or their family, they feel loved, and listened to, and important. All because you paid attention. So please, take heed and pay attention. You never know: a small thing can have a big impact.

Miracles.

*singsong* Miracles in my life!! I love them. They're everywhere!! So excited for the cultural event!! I sang my solo today in front of everyone (in my building) for the first time. Not too shabby, if I do say so myself. Which I do. Plus, I got lots of compliments. So...it's all good. Anyway, I got off track. Miracles. I don't have any homework 'cos I did it all, so as soon as I'm done getting ready for bed I can go and get a much needed sleep. The Lord blesses me in many ways every day and I love Him for it. 

The scriptures.

"Who can find a virtuous woman? For her price is far above rubies." "Adam fell that men might be; and men are, that they might have joy" (2 Nephi 2:25). He will tell you in your mind and in your heart (D & C 8:2-3). Have I ever told you how much I love the scriptures?? Well, I just love them so, so much!! They have many wonderful doctrines and truths in them that apply to me personally and I love it. I feel so, so, so sad for those who either: don't have the gospel, used to have it but don't, or those that want nothing to do with it. It just makes my heart break sometimes, because they need it. We all need it, and I just wish that some people who really need it could see that. D & C 19:23 will help you with how to find peace. Read the scriptures; they are true. :)