Changed for the better :)

There's a song from the musical wicked that's been a recurring theme in my life this past month.  The words say, "I've heard it said, that people come into our lives for a reason, bringing something we must learn.  And we are led to those who help us most to grow, if we let them, and we help them in return. Well I don't know if I believe that's true, but I know I'm who I am today because I knew you.... Because I knew you, I have been changed for good."  The only difference in how I feel from the words, is that I fully and completely believe that this is true.  I know that the Lord blesses us with those people who can help us progress along His eternal path and who can be the answers to our prayers.  And because of the people in my life, I have been changed for good and for the better.  Let me just tell you about some of those people in my life right now:

Jenalyn The Amazing and Beautiful Thiriot - She is a little angel and she blesses my life and answers my prayers every day.  She is a shining example of the Savior.  She lives in such a way as to provide all around her with a pattern to follow that points them to Christ.  She truly does, I believe, what He would do if He were here.  Says the things that He would say.  Touches lives the way that He would if He were personally here.  She is, in every sense of the word, a savior for those around her.  She saves me all the stinking time.  Saves me from the monotony of each day, stresses of school, frustrations of life...  There is one quote that always makes me think of Jen.  It's by an anonymous author who said, "Live in such a way that people who know you but don't know Christ will want to know Christ because they know you."  Jen lives in just such a way.  And I will even take it one step further.  Not only do people who know Jen want to know Christ because they knew her, they come to know Him better through her.  That is true in my own life.  I know that I know Christ better because I know Jen.  She has taught me so much about living a Christlike life and developing Christlike attributes.  What a blessing and an incredible example she is in my life.  I stinking love that girl!

always an adventure with this girl :)

My Fantastic Roommates - from patience to laughter, they teach me SO much.  Sometimes I think He's crazy, but really, I have to admit that Heavenly Father knew just exactly what He was doing sticking the 6 of us together in this little apartment.  I've learned a lot about learning to compromise and not judging others.  Heavenly Father has brought these 5 girls into my life to teach me that every day, everyone is fighting their own battles, but we don't have to fight alone.  We have so much that we can offer to others to help them, ease their burdens, fight their battles alongside them.  From a smile, to a sweet note, or from a cleaned kitchen, to a late night chat... when we take time to be kind to others, that kindness comes back to us ten-fold.  When we put the needs of others above our own, we are often surprised to see that others are doing the same for us.  I've seen miracles happen in our apartment with my roommates and I know that they will continue to happen according to our faith and diligence.

Mr. Ty Wonderful Gregson - a friend that I've needed more than even I realized.  He's been the answer to so many of my prayers and has helped me through so much.  He's taught me more about hope and endurance in the last two weeks than I would have ever learned in a lifetime.  He's been there so much for me the last couple weeks and I can't even say how thankful I am for him and his friendship.  He teaches me how to smile even when life's situations threaten to make you a sour puss.  He helps me see that there's something to learn from everyone and everything.  He's taught me that the Lord is ever aware of us and our desires and He truly does want to bless our lives.  I really hope that our relationship keeps progressing, but no matter what happens, I know I've for sure become a better person because of Ty.  For which I will be forever grateful.  I know that Heavenly Father sent Ty into my life to help me to learn and to grow.  And I will be grateful for whatever I get.  Ty is amazing.  I never want to lose him as a friend and that inspires me to do all I possibly can to be the kind of friend that deserves a friend like him. That's another thing Heavenly Father has taught me through Ty.  Become the kind of person that you hope to attract, whether as a friend or future spouse.  The idea of 'Be the change you wish to see in the world'.  Be the kind of person that you want to be friends with.

typical Ty grin that I love

My incredible sister and her adorable family - I honestly am blown away every single day about how blessed I am to have Kassie and Jared in my life.  I don't know what I did to be blessed with such an amazing sister, but I would do it a zillion times over again without hesitation if it meant having a sister even half as amazing as Kas is.  And then add to the mix her adorable family.  Aiden and Bracksen - despite being under two years old - have taught me more about life than I ever imagined.  Kas, Jare, Aiden and Bracks remind me daily to maintain eternal perspective.  Remind me to look past the here and now, to not get caught up in the monotonous routine of every day, but to really look and see that there is something more, a much bigger picture to look forward to.  They remind me to not give up hope, to just continue being a good girl, continue loving life, and wait for promised blessings to be fulfilled.  I am amazed by the faith that they have and live by and it inspires me apply more faith in my own life.

aren't they stinking adorable!?!

My Loyal and Loving Grandparents - forever my biggest fans and favorite people.  They are such a great support to me and also a source of strength.  They are always there when I need them, even when I don't realize that I need them.  They cheer me up and give me the perfect advice.  They help me more than they will ever know.  They've taught me a lot about how to live a life with purpose and meaning.  Their example is one that I cherish and admire so much.  I am so grateful for them and for the constant that they are in my life.

I LOVE them!

My Savior and Redeemer Jesus Christ - My song and salvation.  My friend and exemplar.  My Master and teacher.  My constant and rock.  The Hope of Israel.  The Light and the Life of the World.  The Good Shepherd.  I've learned more about Him and the person He is and His character because of the people in my life.  He is the ultimate reason that each day I am changing for the better.  It is through Him that we can grow the most.  I know that my Savior lives.  I know that He knows us and loves us, individually and personally.  I know that His Atonement is real and that we can access His power through obedience and striving to become like Him.  I know that it is through that Atonement that we are changed for the better and changed for good.  Let us follow Him and allow Him change us that we may become more like Him. "...that when He shall appear we shall be like Him, for we shall see him as he is; that we may have this hope; that we may purified even as He is pure..." (Moroni 7:48).