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