April showers bring May flowers

I'm a little alte on this post but I thought... better late than never right?! It is officially MAY!! "Its gonna be MAY". bahaha if any of you DON'T get that reference I will be so so sad. 

April was such a busy month. It was the end of Winter Semester, Spring Break and then the beginning of Spring Semester. 

Winter Semester was GREAT! I mean, honestly, at points it was not. I learned so much from this past semester than I think I have in long long time. But, I had thats not the point of this post. This post is about the month of APRIL!!

So, April was great. The weather started to finally get warmer. April was filled with lots of:

-Studying

-Sodavine 

-Sleeping

-Dogs

-Weddings

-Family

-Driving

-Games 

and so much more!

Spring Break was one of my highlights of the month. It was the end of winter semester and I had break before Spring Semester started! I got to go home- YAY! Spending time at home was fantastic. The day I went home I drove down to Salt Lake and flew out of there and I got to stop by the SLC Temple and see one of my best friends get married to her high school sweetheart :) CONGRATS TO MISSY AND BRENT ILY GUYS. 

Anyways, while I was home, I got to help with cheer tryouts and judge them as well which was so fun! Congrats to everyone who made the team :) Get ready for some amazing memories and life long friends. Most of the time while I was home I was spending it with my dog. I love love love my dog. She is the best. Okay, well, I love dogs in general but my dog is the best. 

Then, the week was done and it was back to REXBURG for Spring Semester! So far I am LOVING this weather here and everything about Spring Semester in Rexburg :) It is so much fun. 

One thing I got to go do at the end of the month was drive down to SLC and go see Victoria Talbot get married!!!!!!! Well, to come out of the temple. I am so so so happy for her. 

Besides that, the end of April was just the first two weeks of Spring Semester and now we are in the month of M A Y! I am loving all my classes so far and have met some amazing people who are great friends to me:) The weather has been amazing these past couple of days. I can't wait for the rest of this semester for doing fun things, getting good grades, making memories and meeting new people! April: CHECK! Bring on the rest of the month of M A Y. 

It was pretzel day so Heidi and I had to get pretzels, duh.

Katie is one of my best friends and I love her. 

Trials & Forgiveness

I wanted to talk about two of my favorite conference talks from this past April 2016 General Conference.

To be honest, when I was younger I always had a hard time paying attention in conference… sometimes still do but Conference is like Christmas to me! I love getting spiritually and physically fed (who doesn’t love all the food you eat conference weekend?!? That’s a tradition in my family). But since I’ve really been listening over the years its so hard for me to pick just two favorites!! I mean I loved Elder Hollands… who doesn’t?! Uchtdorfs was great. The typical favorites were my favorites too! But, the two I chose to speak on were Elder Hallstroms, a member of the seventy and Elder Duncan, also a member of the seventy.

This past semester was honestly, one of the hardest for me. I had something happen to me that challenged me personally. I hit a low point. It really tested me to hold onto the faith and knowledge I had that Heavenly Father had a plan for me. But, I had a lot of questions… so I was especially looking forward to this past conference, seeking and knowing that I would receive answers.

Both of my talks I chose to discuss today were from the Saturday morning session. Elder Hallstrom’s I think was my personal favorite out of all of them because it was exactly what I needed to hear and answered several of my questions and I think Elder Duncan just spot on.

Elder Hallstrom talked about how we must remember that We are Children of God. That it is essential to our exhalation. We need to have a correct understanding of our eternal inheritance. He said, quote, “With few exceptions, everyone participating in this meeting could right now, without written lyrics or music, sing “I Am a Child of God.”⁸ This beloved hymn is one of the most often sung in this Church. But the critical question is, do we really know it? Do we know it in our mind and in our heart and in our soul? Is our heavenly parentage our first and most profound identity?” He goes onto say that many of the times we identify ourselves in many different ways, our heritage, age, ect. But does that come before our eternal heritage? It should not. In today’s world, its easy to forget who we are and where we came from. The media is constantly telling us what we should do, who we should be like, what we should look like but that all doesn’t matter. What does matter is we are children of God and he created us the way we are and we are special to him. We have divine DNA.

The thing that stuck out to me the most and had the most profound impact on me was when he said this:

“In real life, we face actual, not imagined, hardships. There is pain—physical, emotional, and spiritual. There are heartbreaks when circumstances are very different from what we had anticipated. There is injustice when we do not seem to deserve our situation. There are disappointments when someone we trusted failed us. There are health and financial setbacks that can be disorienting. There may be times of question when a matter of doctrine or history is beyond our current understanding.

When difficult things occur in our lives, what is our immediate response? Is it confusion or doubt or spiritual withdrawal? Is it a blow to our faith? Do we blame God or others for our circumstances? Or is our first response to remember who we are—that we are children of a loving God? Is that coupled with an absolute trust that He allows some earthly suffering because He knows it will bless us, like a refiner’s fire, to become like Him and to gain our eternal inheritance?⁹” Then he quotes Elder Holland and says on dealing with trials: “You can have what you want or you can have something better.”

That immediately hit me. That was the answer I was seeking. That was what I needed to be reminded of. I think I’m not alone in this. Many times when hardships come, be honest with yourself, are you always so quick to say, “Oh I know that this is something Im being tested on” ? Or are you more like me, and think, “WELL WHAT. WHY WHY WHY WHY WHY WHY! Why me! Why now! Why this?” I know I’m probably not alone in this. But, Elder Hallstrom reminds us, that when hardships come, remember that Heavenly Father has a plan for you. You could ignore it all and just do what you want and get what you want and ignore the promptings of the spirit OR you can have something better just like Elder Holland says. Remember that, and trust that He allows some earthly suffering because He knows it will bless us. We need To remember that we are loved, we are amazing, we have a loving Heavenly Father that created us in his own image. He wants us to be happy. He didn’t create us to be sad! He created us to have joy! Life is supposed to be enjoyed not endured. Go forward in trails with courage and hope that everything will work out. One of my favorite quotes that I think fits this is from President Gordon B. Hinckley, which says, “You can be smart and happy or stupid and miserable it’s your choice.” Trust in the Lord that he has a plan for you, because he does. After I listened to Elder Hallstrom’s talk I sat there with renewed faith and hope that everything will be okay. If its not okay, its not the end and it will get better. But, we need to rely on the Lord and trust in Him and lean on the gospel to help us.  I have seen and felt the Lord’s hand in my life through this hard time and I have been become so much happier through it.

I think that Elder Duncan’s talk went perfectly with Elder Hallstroms. He spoke on forgiveness and how we must not be a victim twice. We can forgive. I think this went perfectly with what Elder Hallstrom talked about because sometimes, when things happen in our lives or we go through a hardship, trial, whatever you may be suffering with, another person may be involved. That person could have done something to hurt you, but they need to eventually be forgiven. Even if they don’t apologize. Elder Duncan reminds us that we CAN forgive others. Sometimes I think people like to hold grudges and hold people accountable for things that are so far gone in the past that they personally may have been battling with something and took it out on you, I don’t know and you perhaps may not know, but you find it hard to forgive them. He says, “most of us want to forgive but find it hard to do.” He reminded us that, as we try to forgive others, we need to remember that we are all growing spiritually. We need to try to see them as Heavenly Father would. I mean, this gospel is all about growing and learning! We are constantly learning and constantly messing up, but does the Savior say, “ok well you’ve messed up this many times, this is your last time, im done with you.” ?? NO! He doesn’t and neither should we with people. We have the atonement where we can be forgiven of our sins and wrong doings. Something someone once told me was, you can forgive someone but that does not mean they need to be in your life, nor should they be. With the situation that happened with me this past semester, I had to learn to forgive the person. But, that does not mean that they are going to be in my life. But, I had to step back and look at it from a different perspective. From how Heavenly Father views them. Elder Duncan says, “God sees people not only as they currently are but as who they can become.” I had to remind myself that everyone deserves forgiveness and I may not know, or will ever know what they were thinking, but for myself, I need to forgive them in order to move on, I mean it is required for us to forgive others! Elder Duncan states that, “none of us should be defined by the worst thing we’ve ever done.” We need to forgive and let people be forgiven. Don’t hold grudges. The atonement is real and it works. If you need help learning to forgive others ask Heavenly Father for help. I know that he listens and will help you and soften your heart. Let people grow and remember that the past is to be learned from not lived in. Heavenly Father cares a lot more about who we’re becoming and where we’re headed than who we once were. It is not our job to play judge and jury, to determine who is worth of our kindness and forgiveness and who is not. We just need to be kind, uncondintionally and without ulterior motive, even-or rather especially-when we’d prefer not to be.

Happiness and anger is a choice. No one forces you to be angry and no one forces you to be happy. Everything is a choice. It is a choice to choose to follow Christ. But, we know, that when we do, we will be much happier for it. I know that when we forgive others we will be much happier. You are loved and Heavenly Father wants to help you. I know that these little things, like remembering who we are, and forgiving others will truly help us become more like Christ and help us on our journey to returning to live with him again. Move on and forgive others from things that happened in the past. Better days are truly ahead when the Lord is on our side. Frogive someone not only because they deserve forgivness, but because you deserve happiness. Holding onto anger, is letting Satan have power over you. Try to see where others are coming from and understand that they may have been battling a trial in their life that you’re not sure of. Chose to spread happiness and love wherever you go. Be a light to others and show them Christ like love. Spread that light have Christ in you that I know you all have. Choose to be kind. I’m not perfect and I know none of us are. But we can try every day to be better. To be more like Christ. Heaven is cheering us on! I know that the Lord answers our prayers and is there for us, always. I know that days will come where we think we can only handle so much but I know that we can handle whatever life may throw at us with this gospel and the help from our loving and powerful Heavenly Father. He will wipe away those tears from our eyes. The Savior is our brother, our healer, our best friend. He knows exactly what each of us are going through right now. We must remember that when trials come or we find it hard to forgive others but you must remember that he understands. He knows because he suffered for us. I know that the atonement is real and it works. I am so grateful for it and I am grateful for the sacrament that I am able to partake of every Sunday. He did this for us. For me. For you. He loves us and wants us to return to live with him. I know that the Book of Mormon is true and that it is the word of God and that it is the road map that will help us with anything. I am so grateful for it and for my loving Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. I do not know where I’d be without them or without this gospel. I know that the prophet, Thomas S. Monson and his apostles are called of God. That they receive revelation from him. I love and sustain each one of them. I know this gospel is real and it works. I know it can make you happy and the Lord wants to help you, you just need to ask. 

Winter Semester: DONE

Hi wow okay obviously I am terrible at posting on this but this semester was..... difficult in more ways than one. But, that is okay! It happens. But, you move on from those trials in your life. You don't let them define who you are. You are more than that. You have to remember that when you don't get what you wanted, Heavenly Father has an amazing plan for you. That wasn't what was for you, and he has something much much much better in plan for you.

Anyways, other than what happened to me at the beginning of the semester, the rest of it was so great! I had the most amazing roommates!!!! The best part?! They're all my roommates again next semester (except one because, she is going to serve a mission)!! But, I am so excited that we will all be living together next semester!

This past semester was one full of birthdays! I had my birthday in January and it was so incredibly fun! I went out to lunch with my roommates and then, I went over to Tucker and Brady's house and Tucker made me a birthday cake! So much fun:)

Then in March three of my roommates had their birthdays! For two of them (the twin sisters), we (Madison, Landon, Kayla and I) went out to Texas Roadhouse and by the way, if you have never been there, I HIGHLY SUGGEST YOU GO!!! GO RIGHT NOW!! GO GO GO! Just kidding. Don't go right now, but go sometime soon. It was delicious and it was so fun!! 

Not only was it full of birthdays but I got to go to St. George, Utah and see my best friend ANN ELIZA ODETTE!!!! It was so incredibly fun and loved it with all my heart. You can read all about that in its own post, here!!

This past semester has been filled with nothing but laughs, movies, studying, crying, soda vine runs and more laughs. I have met some really amazing people and I cannot wait for what next semester will bring! I will try to post on my blog here more often, hopefully after each month! Right now, I'm home for spring break and couldn't be happier! Its great having a break from school but honestly? I can't wait till I'm back in rexburg! But, for now, I'm just enjoying time being home and having fun with family and friends!!! Life is so so good and I am so incredibly blessed.

ST. GEORGE, UTAH

Okay, so it was President's day weekend so I didn't have school today so on Friday I decided to drive down to St. George and go see my bff Annie! I finally got to meet the rest of her family too which was so much fun! I love the Odettes. They're the best.

So, I didn't have any classes friday because both got cancelled (YAY!) So, I left friday afternoon. I got there around 11 pm because traffic was TERRIBLE from like Salt Lake all the way down to Lehi. So that was just .... great. BUT I made it!

Saturday morning Annie had to work because she works as a Florist and well.. Valentines Day weekend was crazy! But, its okay, because I hung out with her sisters and mom. We went out out to breakfast at this yummy place called the Crepery. I got a savory crepe. It's called "G'Morning Sunshine" it had, eggs, bacon, cheese and maple syrup. IT WAS BOMB. Then, we drove to Annie's work to see it! It is the cutest shop ever. We then went to Swig. After that, we came back and I did some homework and just hung outside with her mom and her dog Naulie. It was so warm the whole weekend so it was nice to soak up the sun. Saturday night we went out to dinner at Olive Garden with Sophie and her boyfriend Rian. It was a lot of fun plus super delicious. Then, Annie and I rented a redbox movie and just had a fun relaxing night!

Sunday morning... VALENTINES DAY! Annie made us heart shaped pink pancakes which was so delicious. Then, we went to church and guess who was speaking in her ward?! Our bff McCall's Mission President!!!! What a small freaking world right?! Every year Annie's family has a big valentines day dinner and so Annie started making dinner because it took a while, and Sophie and I helped clean up and do some other little things. Then her grandma, sister & husband, friend all came for dinner and it was so much fun and SO delicious. Then we just hung out, watched the sunset, took some polaroid pics and watched a movie off Netflix

Monday morning, Annie and I took her dog Naulie on a hike to the beautiful look out at Snow Canyon. It was such a beautiful day!!! The hike was so gorgeous too. I love St. George. Then, we went to lung at Durangos, shopped at blue linen and then walked around the St. George Temple!!! Then we hung out at her house and watched the Grammys :) It has been such a fun weekend and I am SO sad that I have to drive back to Rexburg in the morning!!!!!!!

Self Worth

Today in church, I was reminded of something. Something so simple, yet I forget it all the time.

I am a beautiful daughter of God. 

Why is it so easy to lose sight of who we really are? To forget what we deserve? To forget how much we are loved?

I, struggle with my self esteem. Something many people struggle with. It's so easy for me to look through my instagram feed and compare myself to others. Its so easy because we think we must look a certain way to be loved or to be noticed. But that's not true. You will find that person who loves you for who you really are.

Do not settle for someone who is not going to help you reach your divine potential.

Do not settle for someone who will make you compromise your moral standards or make you do things you do not want to do.

Do not settle for someone who is only going to love you half as much as you love them.

Don't sell yourself short. You deserve the best!

You have divine potential and are a child of God who loves you more than you can even comprehend. You deserve someone who will always make you feel that way and treat you that way.

You will have heartbreak. It will hurt, but Heavenly Father has a plan for you. I am sure of it.

There is a promise of good things to come. There is help. There is happiness ahead. Christ is the "light at the end of the tunnel." Hold on. Keep trying. He will help you find peace, find happiness through those struggling times. He loves you and wants you to be happy. He doesn't see you as a number on the scale, or the mistakes you've made. He see's you as you really are and he never loses sight of our eternal potential even when we do.

Remember who you are. Remember what you stand for. Remember that you deserve the best and the Lord has a plan for you. God loves you.

"There are two important days in a woman's life: The day she is born and the day she finds out why." -Elaine Cannon. 

2016: ringing in the new year!

So this post is long overdue because it's halfway through January. But hey, better late than never right?

Since my last update--I'm now back at school in Rexburg!! I started my 5th semester here at BYU-Idaho. I'm still studying Exercise Physiology and LOVING it. The human body is amazing and what it does with exercise is just mind blowing. We are truly blessed with these bodies we have been given. God is good.

I thought I'd update you all starting with... I GOT A NEW CAR. Yes. You read that right. A new car!!!!! Toyota RAV4!!! College is soooo much nicer with a car. I mean sure I don't use it every day but I don't rely on others and it's just really nice. I've been able to do little jobs here and there to make some money so it's REALLY nice. I'm grateful for my parents helping me with everything! They are the best.

Christmas was the best!! Usually we celebrate with Family on Christmas Eve but my Grandma had to work-so instead we did Christmas Day! We missed some of our family members but I am so grateful that I got to spend sometime with family :)

New Years eve was so much fun!!! I hung out with Jake, Tanner, Kaitlyn, Zander, Carlin, Tucker and more at Tucker's Uncle's work! We first went out to dinner at Lunch Box Labatory in Seattle which was delicious. Yummm. Well first, I drove with Jake, Kaitlyn and Tanner and we thought there would be traffic and to our surprise... there was NONE. So we got to dinner super early hahaha but it was fine! We just talked until everyone else showed up. Then we went to Tucker's Uncles office in Downtown Seattle and just played Sardines around the office floor, danced, and watched the fireworks go off from the Space Needle! It was so much fun!! After, Jake, Kaitlyn and I went to the Hansens for breakfast around 2 am! It was so much fun :) I decided to make some New Years goals for 2016! I have a good feeling about this year and so far its been AMAZING!!! 

Goals for 2016:

-Listen better

-Be kinder

-See others as Christ see's them

-Live the Gospel to the fullest

-Get healthy and FIT!

-Be patient

-Have faith

-Write in my journal every day

-Read my scriptures every day

-Have charity for everyone

-Give people the benefit of the doubt

and more... :) 

Now to bring you up to date.... Im back at school and just finished the first full week back!!! I love love LOVE my roommates! They are all so sweet and kind :) I am living at the Willows again and LOVE it. My classes are going great. Im taking a full load so its keeping me busy but not drowning me ;) Im excited for this semester! My classes are awesome.

Next week is officially BIRTHDAY WEEK! I turn 21 on Tuesday.. ahhhh!!!!!! Crazy :) I can't believe we are already halfway through January?! Time flies when you are having fun. I promise I will update this blog more throughout the semester. But as Porky Pig says, "Thats all folks!" 

xoxo,

Madison

Home Sweet Home

*clenches fist and starts chanting* "U-S-A! U-S-A! U-S-A!"

Boy oh Boy is it good to be home. I've officially been home for one week now! I can't believe it. I've been meaning to make this post before I left Lithuania actually. I wanted to take some time to reflect on the past 4 months that I spent living abroad. Things were crazy, fun, sad, and exciting. Basically, lots and lots of emotions and memories. Mainly happy and good ones though.

My time in Lithuania... is hard to put into words. I loved it and I love Lithuania! I experienced so much! I spent 16 weeks teaching children from the ages 3-10 years old English every day from 3:30-7:30 but also got to travel around Europe with my best friends! How many people are able to say that got to do that? This was truly a once in a lifetime experience.

I experienced things that I never would have in America. Not only that, it was such a humbling experience. I truly didn't realize how blessed we are. I took many things for granted. We are given SO much in the states. For example? We can control when we turn on and off our heat/how hot it gets. Yep, you read that right. For me, and my fellow roommates, we couldn't turn our heat on or off. We didn't have that control. It made me think of how many times I complained about it being too cold or too hot and then just having to get up and turn the heat up or down. For about a week-a week and a half we went without heat and my bed room was about 40 degrees or lower. I mean, I know there are some people in this world who never have heat. So, I really shouldn't be complaining. But, what I'm trying to say is, don't take for granted things you are given in your life. Even if it is the little things like being able to turn the heat on or even the big things like HAVING heat!

I am so grateful that I was able to live in Europe these past 4 months. I love Europe but, it made me love the States even more! I am so grateful for the time and experiences I had traveling, sleeping in hostels, sleeping on the floor, eating different foods, making life long friendships and helping children learn English! The kids I dealt with, were very hard some days but more than anything they were great. The good days far outweighed the bad. I mean, I knew going in it wasn't going to be easy but I didn't know how much I would love these children. These kids truly taught me many things. They taught me, patience, love, hardwork, and many more. I've always loved babysitting/nannying, and just being around children! I have a special connection with them BUT I didn't realize how difficult it would be at times with a language barrier! But, more than anything, they have a piece of my heart and I will forever cherish the memories I made with my students and Lithuania/Europe in general!

If any one of you are thinking of doing something abroad, whether it be, studying, traveling, or volunteering... DO IT. There are things I experienced and learned that are hard to put into word but I would never take any of this back. I will forever have a piece of my heart in Lithuania with the people and the students I had!

Although I miss Lithuania already (mainly my students!) I am so grateful to be in the good ol' USA! I head back to school at the beginning of January and hopefully (crossing my fingers) have a part time nanny job at school to pay for my car! (Just leased a brand new Toyota RAV4!!!) Anyways, this time of year is perfect to remember to give back because we are given so much, that we must give! I love Christmas Time and remembering what I have been given because I was given the greatest gift of all-Christ! :) I hope you all enjoyed reading my posts about Lithuania and my travels! But, new posts will be coming your way as I head back to school.

Thank you for supporting me these past 4 months and taking time to read everything! I hope I made you laugh at some of the things I have posted here from my experiences! I hope you continue to read my blog as well.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to each and every one of you! I hope you take time to spend time with your family and loved ones. This is the time of year to rejoice and be happy. To give back and to give a gift that can't be wrapped!

God Bless the USA and God Bless us ALL! :)

#ASaviorIsBorn

While I have been here teaching in Lithuania, I also have had the opportunity to go to LDS Institute class with the other teachers who are members in my group. We actually couldn't attend the time originally scheduled so the Senior Missionary Couple here in our branch offered to take time out of their day to make us lunch and teach us the message once a day every week for the past 12-14 weeks. They have shown me and the others true christ-like love and selflessness. I love them so much and am so thankful that they have done so much for us! This semester was focused on Jesus Christ and the Everlasting Gospel. Today was our last day of classes and I just wanted to express and share with all of you that, I am forever grateful for this opportunity I have had be here and learn more about my Savior each week. I know that my experience would have been incredibly different without it. It is true that no matter what language- the message is still the same. My testimony and love for what he did for us all has grown an immense amount. I know that He lives and He loves each and every one of us. He knows each of us individually.  I know that because of him, I can be better each day, I can become the person he knows I can and wants me to be. We aren't perfect but we can try harder each day and I know that we need the Savior's help. I am grateful for the knowledge I had gained these past months of studying more about him, his life and this gospel. I have a firm testimony that he lives and the atonement is real and its for all of us. I am so grateful for this Christmas season that I can remember the true meaning and remember how much I have been given because we have been given the greatest gift of all! Christ! ‪#‎ASaviorIsBorn‬

“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given . . . and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6). 

3 weeks left + turkey week

Wow oh wow, three more weeks here in good old Vilnius, Lithuania?! Oh?! Man, I am going to miss this country. BUT I am so excited to get back to the states. Since I last posted nothing much has happened. I am so sad that I am not going to be in the states for Thanksgiving though :( That is one thing I am really missing about being here because they don't celebrate it!

Lately we have been teaching our kids about thanksgiving! In my level 1 class we taught them all about what thanksgiving is, and what things we are thankful for. It made me want to reflect on what I am thankful for and share it with my kids but also with you!

1. The gospel-- of course!
2. My family <3 I miss them so much!
3. Cameras - I love capturing moments in time.
4. ALL my best friends :)
5. A dryer (We don't have one here in Lithuania)
6. My scriptures
7. Institute
8. My dog
9. My bed
10. My clothes
11. Heaters
12. Shoes
13. Church
14. Fresh fruits and vegetables
15. Airplanes
16. Temples
17. Facetime
18. Working Plumbing
19. Dishwashers
20. Medications
21. Milka Chocolate
22. Laughter
23. Fuzzy blankets
24. The Prophet Thomas S. Monson
25. My education

....and many more!! :)

Then after I taught them and we had a nice long discussion about we are thankful for, we made thankful turkeys! It was so cute, one of my students put my name on one of her feathers for her thankful turkey :)

I know its bad to have favorites... but... she is my favorite! She is the sweetest. Even though she can have meltdowns she always tells me how she will be when I have to go back to the States!!!

Anyways, this past weekend we had a 4 day weekend and just relaxed and went to Riga, Latvia! It was so fun :) We also went and saw the newest Hunger Games! IT IS SO GOOOOOD. Oh my goodness. 10/10, highly recommend you see it! Anyways, Riga was so cute! I loved it. We went to their big market they have there! It was so interesting and you really saw the locals. There was a meat market, fish market, flowers, hand made gifts... just everything! There was parts of animals that you should not eat... just saying. But it was a lot of fun. :) I am glad we went! I have now been to 8 countries in four months!

I seriously love Europe so much. I love all the colors of the buildings, the architecture, the history, just everything! I have learned a lot while living here that I would have never learned if I stayed in the states. I am so grateful for the time I have had here so far and am going to soak up the last 3 weeks I have!!! But... I am excited to go home :)

LIFE IS SO GOOD AND I AM SO BLESSED.

Happy Turkey week and always always always count your blessings!!!!

"You Are Special"

If you haven't ever read the book "You Are Special" by Max Lucado, you should. If you haven't read the book since you were little, read it again.

My mom always read this book to me growing up and I never fully understand or accepted the meaning behind it until the other day. I mean, I remember the meaning behind it but, I never fully understood.

This past week I read this book to the Pre-Language kids I teach and boy did it hit me hard and reminded me of something: You should NOT allow people's opinons/views of you or what you do either negative or positive affect how you act. Do your best, be proud of who YOU are. In the whole entire world there is no one like you. You are special.

If you don't remember exactly how the story goes, I'll give you a little summary. The story is about the Wemmicks who are small wooden people carved by a woodworker named Eli. He lived on the top of the hill that over looked their village. They had stars and dots that they would give out to each other. They would give stars to those who had perfect paint, who could run really fast, jump high, and anything that was "amazing". However, they would give dots to people who couldn't do all that and who had chipped paint.

There was one Wemmick named Punchinello. He tried very hard to be like the other Wemmick's who had stars all over them, but he never could. People would give him dots just because. But, one day, he met a Wemmick that had no stars OR dots on her at all. The other Wemmick's would try to give her stars or dots but they just would not stick at all. Punchinello was amazed and asked her how she became like that. She told him that it's easy, ever day she went to go see Eli up on the hill in his workshop. He decided that night, as he watched other Wemmick's giving each other stars and dots, that it wasn't right and was going to see Eli the next day.

When he arrived, he could barely see the top of the workbench. The stool was as tall as he was! He then shouted out that he wasn't going to stay here anymore! But then he heard a voice...

(excerpt from the book):

"Punchinello?" The voice was deep and strong. Punchinello stopped. "Punchinello! How good to see you. Come and let me have a look at you."

Punchinello turned slowly and looked at the large bearded craftsman. "You know my name?" the little Wemmick asked.

"Of course I do. I made you." Eli stooped down and picked him up and set him on the bench. "Hmmm," the maker spoke thoughtfully as he inspected the gray circles. "Looks like you've been given some bad marks."

"I didn't mean to, Eli. I really tried hard."
"Oh you don't have to defend yourself to me, child. I don't care what the other Wemmicks think."
"You don't?"
"No and you shouldn't either. Who are they to give stars or dots? They're Wemmicks just like you. What they think doesn't matter, Punchinello. All that matters is what I think. And I think you are pretty special."

Punchinello laughed. "Me, special? Why? I can't walk fast. I can't jump. My paint is peeling. Why do I matter to you?"
Eli looked at Punchinello, put his hands on those small wooden shoulders, and spoke very slowly.
"Because you're mine. Thats why you matter to me."

Punchinello had never had anyone look at him like this - much less his maker. He didn't know what to say.
"Every day I've been hoping you'd come," Eli explained. "I came because I met someone who had no marks."
"I know. She told me about you."
"Why don't the stickers stay on her?"
"Because she has decided that what I think is more important than what they think. The stickers only stick if you let them."
"What?"
"The stickers only stick if they matter to you. The more you trust my love, the less you care about the stickers."
"I'm not sure I understand."

"You will, but it will take time. You've to a lot of marks. For now, just come to see me every day and let me remind you how much I care." Eli lifted Punchinello off the bench and set him on the ground.
"Remember," Eli said as the Wemmick walked out the door. "You are special because I made you. And I don't make mistakes."

Punchinello didn't stop, but in his heart he thought, "I think he really means it." And when he did, a dot fell to the ground.

(end excerpt)

This story reminded me of how we should see ourselves, as children of God. God loves each and every one of us. We shouldn't care what others think of us because does it matter? No! The more we trust God's love and how he see's us, the less we will care what others think of us. The happier we will truly be. We are all special to him and that's all that matters. There is not one person that is going to be like us, and thats what makes us special. We matter to him and we should remember that what others think of us doesn't matter because we are all just people. There will be people in your life that may not like you and may say rude things to you, but what they say shouldn't matter. Your self worth should not depend on opinions of others. Love yourself, God and remember that you are a child of a loving Heavenly Father. If you don't know that now, I hope and pray that you may come to learn that.

"May all your dots fall silently to the ground, for if given by man, they only matter to other men. When given the chance, pass out stars, drop the dots in the trash." -Max Lucado 

"And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him." -1 John 4:16

Here is a link to the full story where you can listen to it: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=15QuHygLwFU