I must be needed somewhere else.

I think I finally know why I didn't get into the talent show. Because, the night of the talent show, I was at young women's, where we had an activity where we wrote on slips of paper different qualities and characteristics we liked and admired about each of the other girls. And I got lots of compliments on my singing. And today I checked Ms. Nudd's list for choir next year, and that finalized that I didn't get in. And Heavenly Father knew that I wasn't going to get in and so He didn't let me get into the talent show so that He could let me know through my friends that I have an amazing voice and that some of the girls think that I am the best singer in the world. I am so grateful for that. My Heavenly Father needs me somewhere else next year instead of choir. I hope I can find out why. This experience just reminds me that, if things don't always work out, I must be needed somewhere else. I just have to trust in Him because He knows what is best for me. 

Being a disciple of Christ.

Being a disciple of Christ means that I am always trying to be like Him, no matter what. I am a representative of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and that means that people look to me when they want to know what we stand for. I know that sometimes there are some members of the church who have some split standards or something, and people think that that's how all members act, but it's not. I am very firm in my beliefs and standards and I am quite happy with the way that I live. I do not swear, I dress modestly, I am kind to others, I believe in others, I give others the opportunity to live as they will, even if I don't always approve. Also, I am happy to answer any questions that anyone may have to the best of my abilities. If I can't, I can direct you to places/people who can. :)

Life is an unexpected journey.

Life doesn't always exactly go according to plan. There are things thrown in the mixture that turns it sour. Often they're really hard things that take time to heal. Know this: it can be overcome. It can be dealt with. You can heal. Yes, you will have scars, and yes, it will usually take a lot of time, but you will heal and you will have learned. If you've read my blog from the beginning you'll know that a couple of years ago I had a sour mixture for a while. But I overcame it. Not alone; oh, no, not at all! I turned to my Savior, Jesus Christ, and He was able to help me overcome it. But I still have scars. I still remember. But I've learned. And I move on. Sometimes, it's not that simple. Sometimes, it's a sickness, or a death, or both: a sickness that will end up with death. And that's hard. I'm not going to say it's not, because that's a lie. Watching someone you love die is hard. But with our Savior, we know several things:

1) We know that they will live again and be fully healed.

2) We know that they did nothing wrong to deserve it--this is just their trial. 

3) We know that our Savior loves them and has a plan for them. 

4) We know that there is something to learn from this experience--whether it be to trust in God, or to turn to God, or whatever it is that we learn, we know there is something to learn. 

Life doesn't always go exactly the way we planned it--sometimes a sour bit is thrown in the mixture. However, there is also sometimes a sweet bit thrown in the mixture. These are called blessings. And sometimes what we think is a sour bit is actually on the path that leads us to sweet bits, and vice versa. Life is an unexpected journey, full of twists and turns. But if we rely on our Savior, Jesus Christ, we can, in our own time, overcome and be healed. 

Love.

I absolutely love these! The first picture is just saying that we need to love God with all our heart and might and mind and strength, and that we need to serve Him. The second one is saying that no matter what you've gone through--no matter how hurt you are or how broken you've become, through the Atonement, you can become healed, and I know this to be true. His Atonement is there for you. Always. He is always there for you. He loves us all and is willing to be our Savior and Redeemer, if we will let Him. He is waiting for us to come unto Him. 

Always a reason.

The Lord has a plan for me. I trust in him because He knows what is best for me. Things don't always work out the way I want them to, but there is always a reason. 

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!!!

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 :)