Mustering the Courage

Shekinah. 

She is my 70 year old friend that is moving out of my apartment complex in three days. 

She kindly let me borrow her dolly to move boxes when we moved in.

After that I had seen her around the complex walking her two dogs.

We would stop and chat about our day and I would pet her dogs.

In a place full of unfamiliar faces I would always hope she would walk by.

A little while ago I had the feeling to share my beliefs with her.

I had the feeling to share the happiness I have that comes from believing in the gospel of Jesus Christ.

But how would I do it?

Give her a Book of Mormon? Invite her to church? 

I knew she liked rocks so maybe I could bring up the gospel that way?

Maybe I could read part of a talk from an apostle that makes a connection with rocks.

Something with rocks?

I knew I had to do something, but I was nervous.

Nervous because I've never done something like this before, and nervous of rejection.

Then my thoughts changed.

She can reject my message. She can think I'm a fool. But I was going to listen to the prompting that I got to share my happiness with her.

Today is the day.

I pray for guidance.

I read church talks.

...I make cookies.

There's no way she'll reject me if I have cookies.

I print out a cute quote and a short passage of a talk.

I'm ready.

Deep breath.

She opens the door with a smile and we chat.

I tell her I've been thinking of her and that I'm going to miss my friend when she moves.

I tell her I read a talk written by an apostle of my church and I asked if I could share it with her.

Are you mormon?

Yes.

There seems to be a lot of you moving in around here.

Yeah, there's a lot of us (nervously).

Well, I have direct line to my divine being. I don't need to go through any church. My duty for this life is to find energy areas and where I'm moving is full of them (continues matter of factly with confidence).

Interesting. Does that have to do with all of the rocks you collect?

Yes, in a matter of fact it does. That is also why I changed my name (proceeds to tell me her full name that I didn't catch because I have never heard any of those names before).

They are all names of archangels. Changing my name legally helps me be more in tune.

She talks more about her beliefs.

We say our goodbyes.
I give her the talk and the quote...and of course the cookies.

I remind her one last time that I just wanted to stop by to let her know that she is loved and I'll miss her.

She gives me a hug and it's finished.

Did I do anything?

Did I make any difference?

Will she ever come to find the truth of the gospel of Jesus Christ?

In the end, it seems like the prompting I received was to help me all along.

I was blessed to testify of what I believe in.

I was blessed to hear her so confidently state what she believed it without even a flinch.

I want to be more like my friend Shekinah.

Not just because she loves rocks, but because she is not afraid to share what she believes in.

Today I followed a prompting from the Holy Ghost.

And I grew.

Don't You Quit

I have always loved taking the time to watch Mormon Messages because they uplift and give hope when you might not have been feeling it before.

This video: Good Things to Come is one of my favorites. Go ahead, watch it. Love it and love Elder Holland.

There are times of discouragement in everyone's life, but we must all take comfort in the words "There is help and happiness ahead".

I am doing my student teaching right now at Zaharis Elementary School in Mesa, AZ. I am showered with love from my students and my mentor is talented, helpful, funny, and kind. I feel so blessed to be at such an amazing school full of teachers and a principal that loves learning and loves kids. I am learning so much and am having such a great time, but like I said, there are times of discouragement in everyone's life.

There have been times when I have questioned my career choice, questioned why I got the answer from Heavenly Father that being an Elementary School teacher would be a great choice for me, and questioned if I have what it takes to teach little kids. I have had my days when I have gone home in tears from the stress, hard work, and mistakes I have made while teaching. Some days I am tempted to get swallowed up in my discouragement, but the words "Don't you quit" come into my mind and I try my best to change my attitude to a positive one. I think about what went wrong and how I can learn from it. I tell myself that I can't give up and I can't let these things get me down. I have to get back up and try again. I have to keep walking and keep pushing. I have to turn on the radio and listen to pump up music (Thank you Katy Perry, for your song Roar, it has never failed to make me feel like I can do anything) and tell myself that if I just keep on going and keep on learning from my mistakes that tomorrow will be a better day.

We were not put on this earth to be sad or to feel hopeless. God put us on this earth so that we could have joy and find hope through Him. He put us here together so that we could have people who love and support us. He sent us here with a plan. He sent us here with a purpose. He will watch over us and if we keep walking and keep trying He will bless us for our diligence and perseverance. He will be there to help us and show us the light.

We are all given trials to help us grow. During these trials is when we figure out who we really are. What is really important to us. We find out that our attitude about life is our choice. Do we seek out storms or look more to the sun? This video is a sweet reminder that during those times of feeling lost, helpless, and discouraged there is hope. We must never give up or quit walking. God is on our side and He wants us to succeed. You better believe that He has a plan for how we will overcome our trials. You better believe He has happiness in our future. Even during the hard times when you feel like you can't go any further....He even has happiness there for you too. We just need to look for it.