A day for the books...

I'm currently sitting here in the dark, eating watermelon, and thinking about today. Today was definitely a day to remember. A good day. A very good indeed. My friend Kyle joined me for a morning at the Mall to find something suitable for a photo shoot I had this evening. I've never really done one before that wasn't graduation or family pictures. It was just for me. (More on that coming soon. I've collabed with the sweetest photographer ever!) Everything I found was within my budget and on sale! Kyle is the most patient guy friend of mine. He wanted to go shopping. He was patient as I anxiously looked at clothes. Trust me ladies, if you want a guy who will treat you like a queen, go shopping with you, hold your bags, and cook you food...Kyle is single! So...hit me up if you want in. :)

I chatted with one of my besties who told me about her moving forward in life. The joy and excitement in her voice is wonderful! Truly the Lord has a beautiful plan for her and I am over the moon excited for her to take her next step in life! She deserves all the joy and goodness that God has to offer her!

And then there's Susan. Gosh, haven't I told you about Susan? She's one of my best friends. I don't see her as often as I would like to. We hung out and she joined me for a bit of my photo shoot. If everything was her way, she would've burned all my cardigans years ago. I trusted her instincts and didn't wear a cardigan tonight. Any anyone who knows me knows that I always wear a cardigan. Also my friend Susan can beat you up so if you need a body guard. (Don't kill me, Susan.) I just realized how funny that sounded. Susan can beat you up and then be your body guard...haha. Anyways...she's the smartest cookie in the tub of ice cream. She'll out wit you and enjoy doing it so...Sometimes I just ramble about her to see if she ever reads this...Moving on.

I survived my photo shoot in heels. Yes. I wore heels. And I almost ate the concrete twice, so if that's not win, then I don't know what is. I'm so excited to share with you the pictures and gush about the photographer. She's the cutest ever and she did an amazing job!

I called my mama to update her on life. I love my mom. She's my best friend and the woman I hope to become. I always feel safe when I talk to my mom about my life. She listens. She counsels. She supports. And she loves. She's a strong, spiritual woman! It was nice to sit on the bench at the Temple grounds and chat with her.

I swung by the grocery store to pick up a bottle of water to hydrate. Literally sweat was seeping through. You're probably cringing, but whatev! I'm a human who sweats. Sorry....so I stopped by the store and picked up some water. I found myself in the produce section, because cold watermelon sounded amazing!

I walked home and called my sister. I love my sister. She's the oldest in my family and has been a beacon of light in my life. We talked about budgeting and finances. I shared with her my financial goals and career dreams. She listened. She talked to me about her financial goals and it got me excited for her. It's nice to know that I'm not the only one working towards my goals.

I came home and talked to more of friends on the phone. Checking in with some of my fave gal pals. I realized that I need to step it up as a friend and sister. How can I serve others if I can't even serve those closest to me? I love my dear friends. I love watching them grow as they move forward with their lives. I truly believe that the Lord has a plan for each of His children. I used to be a very jealous person. I've since been able to overcome that and be genuinely happy for people.

I ended the day chatting with my birth sister. I look just like her. I love her. I'm still getting to know her and thank goodness for Facebook, because it's the easiest way to talk with her. She's always so happy. Her love for the Lord is pure. She's a rock of woman, that girl!

Today was a good day indeed. One for the books. God is real, my dear friends. I can see His hand in my life and in others too. I will never stop talking about God, because I want everyone to know Him and love Him like I do. I love my God!

Life is surely not the worst. Today was definitely not the worst. All good things.

"Our fathers guard to thee,
Author of liberty
To thee we sing.
Long may our land be bright
With freedoms holy light
Protect us by thy mind,
Great God, our king."

I sicken myself!

You know that feeling when you are given the opportunity to serve someone and you don't do it? Yeah, that was me ten minutes ago. And I am so mad at myself for it. Even after listening to two conference talks about serving others, I still managed to let God and myself down. I don't like this feeling. Yuck. Don't follow my example, but learn from my example.

Prayers for the World

I had a raw moment yesterday. There weren't any tears, but my heart became heavy. There have been two earthquakes in both Japan and Ecuador. Houston, TX has flood warnings. I took a moment to sit down and process. All those people who are facing devastation and suddenly my problems didn't matter anymore. So I've been praying for them. And not just them, but the world. Pain is real. Life happens. Sometimes the rug is snatched from under us by things out of our control. But...

there is joy and peace that come when we turn to God and our Savior, Jesus Christ. Oh how God is very aware of His children. And Jesus Christ, He understands purely how each individual feels. Especially in these times of devastation. I'll be praying more for the world. I'll be praying for those who hard hurting. Those who are facing loss. Those who are hungry and tired. Those who feel they are lacking guidance. Those who are suffering. I will pray that others may feel hope during this hard time. God bless this world and may we all take time to pray for those in need. There is strength in numbers, my friends. May we reach out to those around us who need.

Time Change

I have a love/hate relationship with Daylight Savings. I love Daylight Savings in the fall. I hate Daylight Savings in the spring. (I guess it's technically still winter but whatev.) I hate that it throws of my schedule. This last time change was a wild ride. It hit during possibly the worst time of the month. And Sunday was fast Sunday for my ward, so no food or water to wake me up.

Shark week + Fast Sunday + Daylight Savings = H-E-Double Hockey Sticks. 

However, spiritually, I had what ended up being a very humbling experience. So let's the change the title now to:

TIME to CHANGE

In tears, I confided in my brother my dilemma. I sobbed. A lot. He later reminded me the wise counsel from Bryant S Hinckley:

FORGET YOURSELF and GO TO WORK!!!

The past couple of weeks, I have been so self-involved and closed door-ed that I have been blinded. I've been so worried about me. My life, my problems, my questions etc. It makes me wonder how many opportunities to serve I missed out on, because I was in my own little world. This really caused me to take a step back and repent. something. fierce.

I am here. Here to serve the Lord. I read a beautiful talk given by Elder Neil A. Maxwell called, "Willing to Submit" and it hit my heart! In my own life, I have found that the moments when I do my best to submit my will to the Lord, it usually always requires me to serve. DUH, MARLI! I know this, you know this-amen hallelujah! But you see, I forgot. Again. Because I am human. 

Cuz I'm only human...Thank you Christina Perri. But in all seriousness, I need to forget myself and the trials and drama that are going on and focus outward. 

"Spiritual submissiveness means, instead, community and communion as the mind and the heart become settled. We then spend much less time deciding, and much more time serving; otherwise, the more hesitation, the less inspiration." -Elder Neil A Maxwell

Perhaps you're smarter than me and are rolling your eyes, because you knew this. Or maybe, you're like me and you need a good spiritual tune up or as I like to put it, SMACK IN THE FACE! But also, it's not so much of service, but developing charity. 

At family home evening tonight, we talked about charity and why it is so necessary. Can you imagine stepping into the Savior's shoes and experiencing that immense love and compassion for literally everyone? Can you imagine how different our world would be, if we all made more of an effort to not only serve, but to have Christ-like love? It's human nature to have a sense of belonging. And how great would it be, if that sense of belonging came from outstretched arms filled with Christ-like love and compassion?

So if you're drowning in your own world, I dare you to step out of yourself. Look around you and honestly ask yourself:

Have I done any good in the world today?

Have I helped anyone in need?

Have I cheered up the sad and made someone feel glad?

If not, I have failed indeed.

Has anyone's burden been lighter today

Because I was willing to share?

Have the sick and the weary been helped on their way?

When they needed my help was I there?

Then wake up and do something more

Than dream of your mansion above.

Doing good is a pleasure, a joy beyond measure,

A blessing of duty and love.

[source here]

The time to change is now.

True Blue

Dear Readers,

As I promised earlier, I wanted to tell you about this lovely foundation called True Blue! It's this awesome foundation that raises "suicide awareness, prevention, and grief support."

A wonderful girl in my ward brought this to my attention and asked if the service committee wanted to be a part of her special project. This was her family foundation. How could I turn down this awesome opportunity?

Though I didn't know Ethan Empey personally, I know his lovely sister. She is such a wonderful, bright young woman! And I can only imagine that her brother was just as great as she is! After reading up on her brother, I was touched by the person that he was.

The 'Blue' in True Blue stands for the following:

Be Loving Understanding Empathetic

According to family and friends, Ethan exemplified these characteristics during his life. Wow! Talk about awesome characteristics! Way to be an example, Ethan!

One thing that really struck me with this foundation, was their awareness to mental illness. The support that they offer to those who suffer with it or have a loved one who is suffering with it, is incredible! They really reach out!

This immediately got me thinking about Elder Jeffrey R. Hollands talk, Like A Broken Vessel. He so gently expressed his thoughts on this sensitive topic. 

"Whatever your struggle, my brothers and sisters—mental or emotional or physical or otherwise—do not vote against the preciousness of life by ending it! Trust in God. Hold on in His love. Know that one day the dawn will break brightly and all shadows of mortality will flee. Though we may feel we are “like a broken vessel,” as the Psalmist says, we must remember, that vessel is in the hands of the divine potter. Broken minds can be healed just the way broken bones and broken hearts are healed. While God is at work making those repairs, the rest of us can help by being merciful, nonjudgmental, and kind."

I also what to add that I truly believe that God is in the very details of our lives. You see, I was going through some hard core depression, when I was asked if the service committee wanted to help out with True Blue. The depression was so bad that it was affecting me physically, but mostly emotionally and mentally. I started having some intense thoughts of suicide and cutting myself. It scared me! I kept trying to tell myself that it was just a phase and that it will pass, but I tell you, depression is not just a phase. It's a real problem!

I did some research on this foundation to know more about it and it helped me realize that I had a problem and I needed to fix it. I was able to have the courage to confide in my mom about the issue. With her loving kindness and concern, she and my dad began to help me. I was also able to confide my problem to two of my dear friends whose concern got the Bishop involved. My Bishop has been working closely with my parents in getting me the help I need. 

I have become familiar with NAMI- National Alliance of Mental Illness. I first learned about it in a behavioral class and became even more familiar with it the past few weeks. You should totally check it out! It's very informative. 

I want you to know that if you are suffering from a mental illness or you know someone who is, there is support for you. You are loved, so very loved! It's definitely a crazy roller-coaster, but I firmly believe that you can be healed! Through the power of the atonement, I believe that we all can be healed. 

11 And he shall go forth, suffering pains and afflictions and temptations of every kind; and this that the word might be fulfilled which saith he will take upon him the pains and the sicknesses of his people.

 12 And he will take upon him death, that he may loose the bands of death which bind his people; and he will take upon him their infirmities, that his bowels may be filled with mercy, according to the flesh, that he may know according to the flesh how to succor his people according to their infirmities. - Alma 7:11-12

When you feel discouraged, just remember that Jesus Christ understands how to succor you. He's walked your Gethsemane before!

Do you have a mental illness or know someone who does? What's your [or their] story? What's something you did [or do] to help you cope? Did you turn to professionals for help? What would your advice be? I'd love to do a follow up post on this topic, so please send in your stories. You can find contact info in the 'More about the Miss' page.

Check out True Blue on Facebook! You won't be disappointed! Let's all show our support and love!

--Miss Marli

A Day in the Life...

Today was a bank holiday, which gave me the chance to help out with a special project. I can't wait to tell you about a wonderful foundation that I helped with this special project. Stay tuned for that coming up later this week.

I had a lazy morning until about ten when I decided it was time to get my day started. I tried to organize my time wisely, so that I could spend the majority of my time working on this blog. (There is so much that needs to be done to this dear blog of mine.) However, that was not the case. I was working and running around like a mad woman, trying to get several things done.

Everything came together perfectly and my heart was seriously bursting with joy. I then hid away for a bit, so that I could sit down. Nothing felt better than knowing that I was exhausted from a long day filled with service. Also, sitting down after hours of running around felt like heaven. I then kept thinking about how I really wanted to spend my day off working on this blog and doing some reading. Then I felt the Spirit correct me and reminded me of the service that I and the rest of the ward did today. That was very humbling. The Spirit also reminded me of the service that people did for me while I was coordinating everything. My heart was filled with more joy and I couldn't help but smile and say a quick prayer to thank Heavenly Father for looking out for me.

Doing service isn't always convenient. It's not always something that people want to do. It's so easy to rationalize and think, "Well, it's the thought that counts." I feel like service usually ends up with me having to sacrifice my time. However, the Lord taught me a lesson about service. He blesses His children when they serve each other. I couldn't have gotten everything done without the kindness of the people around me. My dear co-chair did so much and even drove to Springville to collect some boxes for me. My dear roommate who had already cleaned the kitchen twice, even fed me dinner. I am ever grateful for the help. I'm grateful that God watched over and helped me out. Man, God is so good.

Don't hesitate to serve. It always gives back.