Patience and love.

I am constantly having to work on my patience. It's something I struggle with. Because I have eight younger siblings—most of whom don't listen to me at times—it's something I need to work on. Four of my brothers are only little, and I need to be more patient with them. Two of them are a little bigger but they know better and sometimes I get frustrated because they don't do what they're supposed to or they don't listen, but I still need to be more patient. My sisters are older than most of the boys: one is rebellious at times and the other is not yet a teen, but I still need to be patient. Patience is something I struggle with sometimes, but most especially at home. I need to learn to be like Jesus and love my siblings. I need to be patient, and kind, and caring. There may be some days that are better than others and some may be worse. I just need to remember that:

1) Heavenly Father loves me with all my flaws, and He also loves my siblings with all of theirs. 

2) Heavenly Father must be the king of patience because He works with imperfect people all day long, including me. 

So, because Heavenly Father loves me and works with me all day, I need to learn patience and love my siblings, even with their imperfections. Even if they think I'm annoying because of what I do, I need to be kinder and step up and be the big sister and the good example. Even if they don't listen to me, I still need to be there for them. I need to let them know that I will always love them. I need to let them know that they can come to me at ANY time for ANY thing and I will not judge. And I can start by being patient. 

The Lord has a plan.

So I tried out for the talent show on Wednesday. Today I found that I didn't make it. And that's okay; there's always next year and I guess that there must be something else I need to do. Today I also tried out for choir for next year and I really hope I get in! The choir teacher said I sounded beautiful and she asked me when I have orchestra, so...*crosses fingers* I hope I got in!! If not, well...I'll be in dismay, and I may cry, but life goes on. I must be needed somewhere else if I don't get in. Also, just as a side note, I've had several friends say that they're sure that I'll get in because I have a good/great voice/talent, so I really hope they're right about me getting in! I tried out for two choirs; I'd be pleased with either. I know The Lord has a plan for me, and if the talent show (and choir) aren't in it, I can't wait to see what is!!!

The winning point.

Sometimes it is oh-so-very-hard to think and do and say the right things. And sometimes I fail. Epically. But I get right back up on that pony and I try again. And again. And again. It usually depends on where my brain train goes. Anyway. But I try so very hard to keep my brain empty of bad thoughts. And I try so very hard to say nice things and be nice to people. And I try extra hard to do the right things, even if it doesn't benefit me. And sometimes I fail. Epically. But more often than not, I win, fabulously. And those battles are the best kind. Not because I won (the battle), but because I won (in my heart). Does that make sense? So, say you've got a battle about saying kind words versus not saying kind words. And say, on Sunday you were so, so good about saying kind words, and on Monday, and Tuesday. But on Wednesday you failed. You called your best friend or someone close to you an idiot, because of something they did. And then you apologized, said you didn't mean it, 'twas a slip of the tongue, they forgave you, and then you guys went on your way. But then on Thursday, you were saying kind words again. You won this battle, not because it was four out of five, but because you had a change of heart; you understood the principle, you had experienced both sides, and you understood which one was the better one. That's the winning point. You win, and you understand the principle, and why the choice is the better one.