It's Not The End

Recently I had a small discussion with a friend. I explained how much I wanted to be married. I have been dating a certain boy for a good year and a half now. To me it has seemed like eternity. As soon as I said the words "marry" to my friend, he became almost angry. He responded quickly destroying my happy lovey self and said, "WHY? You have so much of your life to live!" Instantly I was bothered. In a brief few moments mentally I glanced through my wonderful, exciting life. My response wasn't exactly the one I wanted to give at that time, but I responded plainly that it was what I wanted to do. And then went on saying, "Your idea of living is drinking, & partying. To me that's not living." Sure my friend is a man older in years, has different standards, has gone through a painful divorce, and is speaking out in his own regrets, but he is wrong. I wish to respond with my real and heartfelt thoughts. Although he will never come upon this.

Marriage is something so many people despise. They think that it is the end. In ways it is. Dating is ended, flirting is ended, even some social life is ended.To me John is worth ending every one of those things and more! He is everyone and everything I need. He's not only my love, he's my best friend. Sure it's cheese, but it's the truth. If I had had it my way I would have been married a year ago! When I even consider my friends council and if I took it to heart, I would be working, and playing. Where is the meaning? The days go by. Nothing lasts. Friends come and go every. single. day. What is fun about drinking till I pass out? What is fun about doing risky things to get myself hurt or put in jail? What is fun about having tons of relations with multiple boys? You call THAT living? I call it immobilizing.
So to you my good friend I say to you that you are WRONG. I can't WAIT to be married,to continue my life long journey, to nourish my marriage, and to make it the most FUN thing that has ever happened to me. To me, I am living MORE for making the decision of moving forward with my life. This to me is living my life to it's fullest.

We Must Let Him In

I read a quote recently by Jeffery R. Holland. It goes like this, "God is eagerly waiting for the chance to answer your prayers and fulfill your dreams, just as He always has. But He can't if you don't pray, and He can't if you don't dream. In short, He can't if you don't believe." What a powerful quote!  It teaches us that God wants us to be happy. He doesn't want us miserable. If we don't pray to him and have a prayer in our hearts, and a hope that all will be taken care of we are than doing things on our own! We were never meant to do this alone! We have so much around us! We must not take these gifts for granted!

I think back at my lowest times and see how silly I was. When I was sad I turned to family and friends and the distractions of the world to appease my saddness. Then at the end of the miserable day I read my scriptures like always. Instantly my soul is lightened and I feel a warmth and peace only brought by the gospel! WHY DON'T I ALWAYS READ MY SCRIPTURES WHEN I AM DISTURBED BY THE WORLD AND PERSONAL TRIALS? I vow from now on to focus more on the Savior, and to pray everyday, and read my scriptures with real intent! God wishes that we turn to him, and when we do we allow the windows of heaven upon our hearts! I am reminded of the picture of Christ as he knocks on the door waiting for us to let him in. The secret to the picture is only WE have a door knob on our side! We must let him in to ease our pains in this mortal life!

-Chelsey

Closer To Heaven

Working at an Assisted Living Center really makes the gears in my brain move. It's so hard and humbling to work with old folks. Their lives are usually so short here, and many people have passed. It's such a hard, yet wonderful thing and I feel so much closer to heaven here. The veil has to be very thin as angels welcome back their loved ones! Recently a lady passed who I was too attached too. She had a youthful spirit, and loved to love. She frequently talked to me, and remembered the smallest details about me. I found out that she had passed, from a fall and was discovered many hours later. She had no family, was never married, and left all of her belongings with a man who took care of her finances. Her body was donated to science, her dog was given to some random person, and she won't have a funeral. It just broke my heart that she passed, but I am only thinking with my mortal mind.

How great it must have been for her to come together with her siblings and parents. That sweet girl doesn't have to be alone anymore! Not to mention she is healthy and at peace! Although she lived a lonely life she touched mine! Although the older generation is slow, and dull they have come to see what's important. That is loving others and relationships. I am so grateful for the opportunity to work here! I've been so blessed! I know I was meant to have this experience!

 I quote Bonnie L. Oscarson in the 2014 General Relief Society Meeting, "Oh how we need each other!" The young need the old and the old need the young! :)

-Chelsey

Beacon of Hope

Life has become more and more evil. If you haven't noticed then you must live in a very dark hole. :)Constantly the thought comes to me, and I know other future parent's minds too, "How can we raise children in such a wicked world?" The news highlights the terror of things that happen to children daily. Where do we find peace? How can we protect them?

With these thoughts said I've come across somethings and some thoughts along the way. SIDE NOTE: (it's crazy how once you have thoughts the spirit leads you to what you need.) I came across a quote by President Boyd K. Packer which says, "Parents today wonder if there is a safe place to raise children. There is. It's called a gospel centered home." WOW! How amazing, and so true.

I've pondered on my own family, and have truly seen the strength we have been blessed with because of my parents dedication to teach us. Sadly, Heavenly Father can't protect us from ALL things. Life is just life and people have their own choices, but I know that my family has been protected. Especially my brother. After watching him grow I've realized something. Although the evil in the world is getting more overwhelming by the minute, so is the strength of each generation! My little brother is solid. He has more strength than I've ever had. He's 15 and sharing the gospel and sticking up for his beliefs everyday with his peers. Not to mention smiling and laughing at everything. So I am a firm believer of truth. If truth is taught and taught at it's fullest then Heavenly Father will bless with strength. We can't allow the evils to fog our minds with fear! The gospel is our beacon of hope! We can't forget that! Because good ALWAYS will overcome evil!

-Chelsey

Out Of The Gutter

Life has changed dramatically from just 10 years ago. I have been taught that the way I hold myself and the things I say show who I am. I am a firm believer of that. Although I am not perfect I hope to at least make an impression on others. Sure I may have a lot of things to work on and am not perfect but I am not someone who swears or talks in a sexual manner. Some say they are just words, but I know there is more to it. People watch you. No matter where you are, they do. Potential employers, companions, and friends watch you. Foul language gives a vibe of "I am tough" I admit that. It makes you unapproachable to some and to others it just makes you look stupid. Can't we show we know other words to express ourselves?

In many places in my life right now I am surrounded by bad language. I have come to the realization that people can't change so easily, and it's not likely that those around me will. I love them so much, I have many friendships with them, and I know their true characters aren't shown by the things they say. But... I don't have to tolerate that kind of talk. At first the language of my co-workers shocked me. In my work place (An Assisted Living Center) we are surrounded by residents and their families, not to mention potential residents who come to see our community. It makes me SICK that people have to hear us talking this way. It's unprofessional, and makes us look horrible. No one on this earth could argue that fact with me. When I first worked there I would make an uncomfortable face at things said. I didn't want to hurt their feelings, or anger someone. Some would notice, others wouldn't care. As I got to know them I became friends with them and began to understand my limits. Soon after, I respectfully would ask them to say a different word, or have a "retry"! Some days a humorous undertone filled my words, and it lightened the mood, but always my point was made. That I don't like swearing. They have ALWAYS respected me. Whether it take weeks or even months, they always are kind.

To me that is all it takes, a friendly manner, persistence, and not to mention courage. We don't have to be in a world of filth if we don't want to. We can take control of things around us and better them. The evils of the world aren't the inevitable that are caving around us and blinding our vision. We have the power to open a window and let light in. It all starts with filling our days with Christ. Reading scriptures, and praying each day. They seem like such little things and can be easily missed, but the power in them is outstanding.

"Stay out of the gutter in your conversation. Foul talk defiles the man who speaks it." -Gordon B. Hinckley

Women & The Priesthood

The church has gotten a lot of heat on Priesthood. People ask why can't women hold it? To me I want to say, "Why can't men have babies?" The answer is simple enough to me. That's how God desired us to be. He wanted us to be an unstoppable team. If we had both gifts we wouldn't rely on each other and become a strong married force for good!

I have been reading in Sheri Dew's book "God Wants A Powerful People" (She is the most amazing author!!! I admit my book shelf is full of her!) She says the perfect statement, "The Lord has not elaborated on His rationale about these matters, He has only declared His will. I happily accept His pattern for the governance of His Church as pure doctrine, knowing that it is inconsistent with the character of God that He could love, cherish, or favor His sons more then His daughters, or His daughters more then His sons."

What a perfect statement! Sister Dew has a strong belief that even if she didn't understand something she knows to trust God. Everything happens for a reason, and all things will be made right! Everyone should ask questions. Everyone should have opinions! But in the end, we must all trust God, and trust the he is directing us on the right path! 

*"As individuals, we are STRONG together, with God, we are UNSTOPPABLE!" - Sister Rosemary M. Wixom

-Chelsey

My Beliefs

I know I know you have heard a lot of things about us "Mormons", but if you are reading this, please let me say this. If you were starring at an unknown flavor of ice cream and didn't know what it tasted like. I am sure you'd ask your friend. They would definitely give your their opinion. You'd try to smell it. That wouldn't help much. All in all ultimately you have to taste it for yourself. So do me a favor, would you take a little taste of my everyday life? Figure out for yourself? And if you are a member, please fill free to read my thoughts as well :) ALSO please realize that some of these things are my opinions and personal thoughts! If you have any issues please leave me a message!

My name is Chelsey! I am a crazy 22 year old who is a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Born and raised a member, and PROUD OF IT! I have been inspired to write some of my thoughts and insights every so often. I know no one will ever read this... but I'll just pretend!:) My Church is full of Christian beliefs. We believe in Jesus Christ and the Atonement. We believe in the Bible. Must I say it... we definitely do not practice polygamy! Joseph Smith was our first prophet, but not our founder, Jesus Christ is. As it says in our name, "The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints."

In a world full of things like liberal ideas and freedom of speech I am in awe that the Church gets attacked so often as it does. Although I don't believe in things such as abortion and same sex marriage, I still respect and find friendship with those that do! I have never felt reciprocated. I have also never felt that I was a brutally unkind person. Or someone who judges without a blink of an eye, yet as soon as I say words like Book of Mormon or Institute, or even God, people think less of me, and treat me with dislike. Friends of mine that hold no religion has explained to me that LDS people are all about growth, & want to convert everyone. Let me rephrase our desires. We want people to feel the joy that we do everyday! As a church we try not to pester, we just love those around us and want people to be happy. So please please don't take it wrongfully!

Every so often I will fill you in on my life experiences. Whether you read this or not is up to you! I feel it will help me most as I take a little leap into this journey! :)

I will leave with a quote, "The truth will not always be popular but it will always be right." -Sister Uchdorf