Today is a special day.

Hello, nonexistent followers who may one day be actual real-live people. Today, seventeen years ago, a most wonderful, spunky, funny, beautiful daughter of God came to this world. Her name was Mattie Ruth Radke. Yep, folks, that's right. Today is my birthday!! I'm seventeen. I have learned so, so, so much in the past seventeen years about who I am as a person, who I am as a daughter of God, and who I want to be. I am so thankful for the example of my Saviour, Jesus Christ, and for everything He and my Heavenly Father have done for me. I am so thankful for all of the people in my life who are great examples to me and who have taught me so much about life, and living, and all the fun stuff that is weird and random. I'm so thankful for all the people who put up with me and pretend to understand what I'm talking about. :) I'm so thankful for the opportunity I have to communicate with people and spread the gospel. I'm thankful that I'm always so happy. Love you all! 

Love,

Mattie-Who-Is-Now-Seventeen :)

Thanksgiving Day Gratitude.

The Number Twenty-Eight: I am so, so, so, so, so, sooo thankful for everything. I am so thankful for my family. My cousins are so cute! I am so thankful for my friends. I love learning from them and hanging out with them. I am so thankful for food. I love mashed potatoes and gravy, stuffing, and pie. I am so thankful for music; I love to express myself using good music. I am so thankful for my talents. I love to share them with others. I am so thankful for good tv shows. I love to watch them; they help me get away from reality a bit. I am so thankful for good movies. I love to watch cute sweet ones. I am so thankful for good books. I love to read fantasy and romance. I am so thankful for teachers and leaders who listen and teach very well. I learn a lot from them. But most of all, I am so, so thankful for this gospel. I am so thankful for my Savior, Jesus Christ, who suffered and died for me and for all of us. I am so thankful for His example in His reign on this earth. I am so thankful for my Heavenly Father, who loves me, and you, and sent His Only Begotten Son to die for us. I am so thankful for the Holy Ghost who helps me every day. I am so thankful for all the prophets, apostles, and missionaries. I am so thankful for this beautiful world that has been designed for us. So, I am so grateful for all that has been given to me (and to everyone on this earth). 

People.

16th: I'm grateful for my parents. They're good examples to me and they love me no matter what. So I'm grateful that I have good parents. 

10th and 7: I'm grateful for friends. Yes, I know I've said this before, but my friends are awesome. They listen to me when I need them to and they're there for me when I need a shoulder to cry/lean on. So I'm thankful for understanding and loving friends. 

Eighteenth: I'm grateful for my teachers. Yes, I know I've said this one before, too, but I really am. I'm grateful that I have understanding teachers and I'm grateful for their help and influence. So I'm grateful for some FABULOUS teachers. :)

A glimpse to a piece of my heart.

I don't know what to say. I'm tired and really hating homework. School would be perfect if there was no (or a very, very small amount of homework) homework at all. The cultural event is coming along nicely. I think it's going a lot smoother than the other one. The other one was great, too, but this one is going smoother. I'm super excited!! Some purple things that I love: my new portable charger that's being kind of whacko, my new purple shoes, my purple shirts, my new purple iPod case, and my purple glasses!! :) I love purple with all...well...most of my heart. The rest of it belongs to The Lord. I am trying my very best to be what the Savior wants me to be, and what He knows I can be, along with along leaders and friends, and teachers. Especially the ones that have changed my life forever. I never would have made it to this point in my life without them. And that's why I talk about people often. Because they are forever engraved in my heart. And I never, never want to forget them, or what they've done for me.