The priesthood is AWESOME!

So. This is a picture of Joseph Smith's first vision. The very beginning of the restoration of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Christ's church. The only church with the full, complete truth. Because of the restoration, we have this amazing thing called the priesthood. The priesthood is power and authority given by God to worthy males who are members of the LDS church. And, it is only to be used for the purpose of serving others. Such as, baby blessings, blessing the sacrament, blessing the sick, and, my favorite, a Father's blessing. There are SO many uses of the priesthood. And I admire any man - or young man - who uses that power worthily.

There's this one person I admire. Above all the rest. This person is my dad. Now, my dad is a pretty unique individual. He has 7 fingers, 9 toes, and one thoe. What's a thoe? A big toe put on his hand so he could have a thumb. You see, my dad's a mechanic. Basically a miracle worker when it comes to cars. One day, before I was born - actually, before a lot of my siblings were born - while my dad was at work, he had an accident. And cut off two fingers and the thumb of his left hand, leaving only the pinky and ring finger. Well, thumbs are kind of necessary. So, he had one of his big toes put on his hand so he could have a thumb. He was the first person to have the procedure done in Arizona. Apparently, this has been done multiple times...but he was on the news and everything! But, while this makes my dad unique, this isn't why my dad is special to me. This reason comes down to one thing. The reason why my dad is the way he is. It's the way he uses his priesthood.

In one of the lessons in seminary this year, I learned that the priesthood can never be used, unless in the service of others. The minute you use it to help yourself, use it for your own gain, you lose the power and authority to do anything in Christ's name. So, in order for my dad to be using the priesthood worthily, he must be using it in the service of others. That, in itself, says volumes about the kind of person my dad is. He is always willing to serve. And then his priesthood blessings, oh my gosh, they're awesome. My Father's blessings always are as if it's my Heavenly Father speaking to me. It's so awesome. My daddy has a gift. Granted, his blessings, besides like baby blessings, are really the only ones I've seen. But I have no doubts that he will end up being the stake patriarch or something. Probably the only other blessing I've ever had that was more amazing than one of my dad's Father's blessings was my patriarchal blessing. And that's because that one IS straight from Heavenly Father. And, like I said, I'm sure one day he will be giving those to people.

There are several more things that make my dad a worth priesthood holder. Such as the way he fulfills his callings. When I was super little, he was in the bishopric. Right now, he's in the stake high counsel. You don't get those callings unless you are worthy. And, though I don't really remember much of when he was in the bishopric, I know he fulfilled his calling exactly the way he was supposed to. And now, as I see him do his duties as a high counselman, I witness him fulfilling his calling.

Another major thing about the priesthood, I think, is the way priesthood holders treat women and children - specifically their wife and their own children. My dad is as respectful as can be. I know I give him a hard time. A lot. But he really is a wonderful father. And a wonderful husband. The father and husband is the patriarch of the family. He's the leader, the provider, the protector. But he also is to advise with his wife. My dad is a wonderful example of this. He always goes to my mom. He always counsels with her. I don't think I've ever seen them fight. In fact, I KNOW I've never seen them fight. They don't even really argue. If they disagree, it really doesn't matter to them. They talk it out. haha I guess that's why I don't understand why people always ask me if there's arguments at dinnertime when they find out that one of my parents is republican and the other is democratic. Because nobody sees eye to eye on everything. You just need to understand the way the other person thinks and just talk things out. Fighting really is pointless and can be harmful to a relationship. And my daddy, well, he's a wonderful father. He cares so much about me and the rest of my family. He would do anything for one of us. He does anything he can to help us.

There's just so, so, so much I could say about my dad. But, the bottom line is, is that he's been a wonderful example in my life. I know how to pick a husband because of him. I know it sounds silly, but it's true. I want my husband to treat me with respect, to listen to my advice, to talk with me about problems and situations, like my dad does with my mom. I want my husband to love our kids, to care about them, to help them in any way possible, like my dad does for us. I want my husband to be committed to his calling, to be committed to the Church, like my dad is. I want my husband to be able to give me and my children blessings, whenever there is a need for it, just like my dad is. Yeah, it'd be great if my husband will be super attractive, athletic, musically talented, super strong, and was somewhat of a mechanic (really, it is a great talent to have. You end up saving on money...). But, those things aren't necessary to me. What's necessary to me, is that he is worthy. Worthy to take me to the temple. And worthy to use his priesthood authority when needed or prompted.

So, for all you guys out there who are worthy priesthood holders, I just want to say a big thank you. You help make my life easier, help make my life better, and help bless it. And, you're being the role model for someone. Or will be. It could be a brother, sister, niece, nephew, children, grandchildren. People who will need to know how to use their priesthood, or how the priesthood should be used. You never know who you could be helping by upholding this great honor. And, if any of you who are reading aren't worthy to use the priesthood, this is not meant to make you feel guilty. Not at all. That's never been my intention. But, if that is you, then realize the importance of being worthy. And strive to become worthy. You can help make a huge difference in the world. Think of those brothers, sisters, nieces, nephews, children, grandchildren who need that example, that guiding light in their life. You could help change their world by using that priesthood worthily.

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What Makes A Dad
Anonymous

God took the strength of a mountain,
The majesty of a tree,
The warmth of a summer sun,
The calm of a quiet sea,

The generous soul of nature,
The comforting arm of night,
The wisdom of the ages,
The power of the eagle's flight,

The joy of a morning in spring,
The faith of a mustard seed,
The patience of eternity,
The depth of a family need,

Then God combined these qualities,
When there was nothing more to add,
He knew His masterpiece was complete,
And so, He called it ... Dad


Dad, you know it best as a David Len Allen song, sung in church by the ward choir. But, the last verse/stanza always makes me think of you. Thank you for always being that great masterpiece. For being my dad. I love you so much. I'm sorry I don't have anything else for your Father's Day gift. I never know what to do. But, there you go. Happy Father's Day! I love you!

And happy Father's Day for you other fathers reading. You guys are amazing. Keep up the good work, and please remember your responsibility. Someone is always watching you, looking up to you. If it's not me, it's someone else. Those qualities listed in the poem above? Yeah, that equals awesomeness. That's right. That's you. :)

Be strong

"Be strong and of a good courage. Be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed, for the Lord thy God is with thee, withersoever thou goest." Joshua 1:9

The mutual theme. I've loved it since day one. It just seemed so...powerful. So, I just wanted to say that I know, very personally that this is true. I've had several experiences with it. Even last night, when Beth was being a silly, shy girl, she remembered this scripture. And it helped. So, I just want to testify that I know this scripture is true. haha I know it so well, that it somehow crept into my dream last night. Just a wee bit strange. But, if there is ever a time you need courage, if you're nervous or scared, just say a little prayer. Because if you care about it, then the Lord cares about it. He'll help you in any way He can. Because He's always with you. I just wanted you guys to know that. :)

Where is your heart?

No, this has nothing to do with Kelly Clarkson's song. I just like using song titles because, well, I like songs. :) So today I had an irregular night scripture study. I usually do it in the morning, which I did, today. But, it wasn't as long as I wanted it to be, because I was babysitting my nephews. My sister is off at Girls Camp and my mom had a class, so it was just me with Ryan and Jakob. So, with no fun book to read, and not really wanting to start on my book for AP Gov, I decided it'd be nice to finish up my scripture study. And I kind of had a mini epiphany. Just a whole bunch of connections clicking away in my head. I loved it. What was this epiphany about?



That's right, the heart. (I'm not gonna lie. The only reason why I chose this heart: it's purple.) So, think way back, over a month. When I did that post on integrity, and talked about Alyssa. Remember how I mentioned the phrase "integrity of the heart"? Well, in my study today, I read, in Mosiah 11:5, the phrase "lifted up in the pride of their hearts." I flashed back to seminary lessons, and previous epiphanies that I have had. And it like DING! The light bulb lit up above my head. It's all about the heart. Everything, everything, everything! is about the heart. Satan wants the heart. Bad. He's the one the persuades us to let the pride creep into the heart. And pride is the source of every sin. No exaggeration, EVERY sin. So, pride eventually overwhelms the integrity of your heart. It overwhelms the love that you feel in your heart. It overwhelms the spirit that enters your heart and testifies through your heart. And then, it becomes a heart like this:



A small, cold, hard heart. A shriveled up heart of stone. Harsh? Well...that's what happens. The heart helps determine the thoughts in your mind. It is what determines whether or not you are able to feel the spirit. The spirit is a soft, gentle thing. It's not going to be able to penetrate a hardened, stubborn heart. Where is your heart? What condition is it in? Have you had the change of heart?

I guess what I'm trying to say is, guard your heart. Keep it safe from Satan's grasp. Don't let him get a grip on it, for his hold is a tight one. Be humble, don't let pride take over. Instead, let integrity be the driving force of your heart. For, with integrity, virtue - which is righteous living - comes. Keep your heart safe in Heavenly Father's and Jesus Christ's hands.

One Bright Shining Hope

So I've mentioned this book before. I've even quoted it a couple times. But, I'm going to talk about it and what it's about a little bit more. Because it's an awesome, inspired book. And, every time I read it, it brings the Spirit so powerfully, always at the exact time I need it. For example: my Grandma Taylor gave me this book for my birthday two or three years back. It taught me great things I will never forget. And I used it all the time. I used it for talks or any other opportunity I could. But, just as anything in my room, it got kind of lost. I knew where it was. On my bookshelf. But I hardly ever go near my bookshelf, unless I have a book crisis and need something to read. But, a week or so ago, I was looking for my seminary journal. Which I still haven't found, and that makes me incredibly sad. Anyways, I was looking every where in my room, and I ended up coming across this wonderful book. So I read it. And what did I feel? The spirit. Overwhelmingly, I felt the Spirit. You see, I was feeling a little...spiritually dry. I was reading my scriptures everyday, but I guess I haven't mastered the art of scripture study, because I still wasn't feeling anything like I did every day in seminary. So I was dry. And had no clue what to do. But this marvelous book came along, bringing me the spirit just as strong as any day in seminary.



Now let me explain to you why I love this book so much. 1. It's written by Gordon B. Hinckley. I love that man. A lot. He was so amazing. And this book just made me love him even more. 2. I don't know if you can read it, but above Pres. Hinckley's name, it says "Messages for women." BAM. For US! Well, if you happen to be female. Sorry boys. But, I think this is so special. Some people give members of the LDS church a hard time, because women are taught that we should be stay-at-home moms, be homemakers, let the husband preside. This book is written for us, and tells us that, while, yes, that is our role, it is so much more than that. We make a difference. We can create change. The very first page of the book, the very first quote, says:

"It is so tremendously important that the women of the Church stand strong and immovable for that which is correct and proper under the plan of the Lord. They must begin in their own homes. They can teach it in their classes. They can voice it in their communities. They must be the teachers and the guardians of their daughters. When you save a girl, you save generations. I see this as the one bright shining hope in a world that is marching toward moral self-destruction."

Do you know how awesome that is?! Like really, it gets me so excited, so happy! We are part of the one bright shining hope! We have such an important role in this life. We are the ones who are the stay-at-home moms. So we end up doing a lot of the teaching. We end up playing a huge role in our children's lives. This book teaches the mothers and leaders just how important their job is. They can save, literally, generations, by reaching out to one girl. It teaches the young women who they should striving to be like. Do you think that if you aren't standing "strong and immovable for that which is correct and proper" now, that you're magically going to be able to do it when you're older, when you're married and have kids? It doesn't work that way. I know multiple people who have learned this. I've learned it. If I'm having this hard of a time feeling the spirit every day because I don't have seminary, am I going to be able to bring the spirit into my home when I'm a mother and need to have that atmosphere for my kids? Chances are, probably not. So I need to figure out a way now to feel the spirit and have it teach and testify me every day, so it will be a natural thing to do when I'm off on my own or married.

So, moral of the story: Ya'll should read this book. Female or not. It will teach you wonderful things. You will learn of your self-worth and of your importance. Because each and every person matters. And: Women are the bomb. We help raise the rising generation, mothers or not. Because really, how many guys are asked to babysit? So, if you're not a mother now, you can still make a difference in the lives of the little children around. Heck, you can make a difference in the lives of your friend around you. It's not just the kids who are important. Keep that in mind in your classes at church. Even the quietest Beehive is important and needs a friend. I love you all. Keep in mind who you are. You are part of the one bright shining hope of this life. Even you too, boys. You can make just as much as a difference. Stay steadfast. Keep the faith. And remember who you are.

His Eyes

I look at my hands,
I look at the scars.
I look at the feet
That have carried me far.

I look at my face
With both beauties and flaws
Then I look at my eyes
But there I must pause.

So there I do look,
And hope that I see
A deep, shining light
That has often led me.

I see this great light
In leaders, friends, kids.
I look in my eyes
And hope it's not hid.

This wonderful light,
It's the light of Christ.
It's the light of the man
Who paid a great price.

One gloomy, dark night,
This wonderful man
Carried a great burden
That no other man can.

The very next morn
After the burden so great,
He died on a cross
To help our own fate.

I live my life so,
Maybe someday,
Words of gratitude, praise,
Words of love I can say.

I want to be worth
To tell Him these words.
So, in this long journey,
The light, I'll go towards.

So on that great day
When, face to face, we'll meet,
I'll fall on my knees,
With joy, Him I'll greet.

I'll look at His hands,
I'll look at the scars.
I'll look at the feet
That have helped me go far.

I'll look at His face
With just beauty, no flaws.
Then I'll look in His eyes,
And there, I will pause.

And I hope, will all hope
He will look back at me
And say, "Little sister,
I see me in thee."

I know I will weep,
And I hope He will say,
"Little sister, well done.
You've returned home today."

"Have ye received his image in your countenances? Have ye experienced this might change in your hearts?" Alma 5:14

A changed heart may not necessarily stay changed. The natural man wants to reject that changed heart. Just as a body wants to reject a transplanted heart. The body needs medications and constant care to keep the new heart. So, in order to keep a newly changed heart, have a daily dose of some spiritual medications.

Una familia feliz

So, I was just sitting on my couch chilling, and I looked up at the wall. The new - well, newish - family pictures finally got put up. So some things were rearranged. In the middle of the wedding pictures of my siblings and parents, there's an embroidered quote in a frame. And, for some reason, this quote struck me with unusual force.

"Our family is a circle of strength and love. With every birth and every union the circle grows. Every joy shared adds more love. Every crisis faced together makes the circle stronger."

After reading this, I started thinking about my family. I have a pretty awesome family. We are by no means perfect. Drama can come up quite a bit. I can complain about them a lot. I can stress out about what's going on. But, nevertheless, my family is just so wonderful. My family has made me much of who I am. My love for music and my musical abilities - A family trait. My sarcasm - Definitely learned in the Root household. My testimony - Developed in the home. You know, being the youngest has it's advantages sometimes. Yes, there have been lots of times that I have been ignored. That's just what I get for being the youngest and having totally different interests from my sisters closest to me in age. But then, I've had eight people who I can look up to. Eight people whose mistakes I can learn from. Eight people whose testimonies I can use to strengthen my own. Eight people who love me and are willing to do so much for me. Yes, being the youngest has some wonderful perks.

So, this is going to be kind of random. But I want to introduce you all to my family. Mi familia grande! Because my family is so incredibly important to me. I can confidently say that I would not be where I am today without them. The thought of being with any family but this one truly scares me. I often thank Heavenly Father for putting me in this family. I've learned so much from them. So, be ready for a freakishly long post. Like, super, ridiculously, long. Not just long like my other posts. So, bear with me. But it's going to be awesome. Why wouldn't it? It's the Roots!



So. This is the oldest of the Root kids. Jess. Or, Señor Root to the students of Mesa High. That's right. My big brother is a Spanish teacher. He was my Spanish teacher. Weird? Maybe a wee bit. But basically a normal thing in the Root household. But, I have a great big brother. Yes, he teases. Despite this, he is willing to help out in any way possible. For example, my parents went up to Utah to visit family, like a week ago. And the car broke down. Some belt thing broke and took out the whole engine. So, guess who drove up to Utah in a Suburban so that the truck could be towed home? That's right. Jess. He's a great guy. And his wife, Cami, is super sweet. She's little bit quiet...but that just may be because I'm a little bit quiet. But I remember when I was really little - and I wasn't quiet at all - I remember thinking that Cami was the coolest person ever! She's a great mom, and is a new office manager at work. Way to be Cami! Woot woot! And their kids are super fun. And like super smart. Noelia, the oldest, has some mad piano skills. She might be better than me in a few years. I'm a little intimidated. Diego (yeah, the really white boy. with the Hispanic name.) also plays the piano. Which is awesome. He has a great imagination too. Isaac is just a silly little goof ball, and is a wonderful big brother to his sister Elena. And Elena is super cute. She has the cutest smile. She's also obsessed the Dora the Explorer. In fact, if in a Dora costume, she LOOKS like Dora.



Meet my sister Sarah. She's artsy and a great cook. And she and her husband James have incredible faith that I admire. There have been summers that I have stayed over at their house for a few days, and I've always loved it. James is crazy good with his hands. He can make probably anything. He built a little cabinet for my mom. He's built a hover craft. And he's just a super hard worker. Plus, with his sarcasm, he fits right in. And then Ryan, the oldest kid, is just super brilliant. He thinks super logically like his dad and I bet he's going to grow up to be a mechanical engineer. He's a percussionist in band. I'd like to think I influenced him in that decision. And then Jakob. Haha oh goodness, that kid is a ball of energy! And he's a big kid. Well, scrawny, but he has big hands and is pretty tall. He'll fill out one day, and I'd say he'd become a football player or a wrestler. Also, he's a wonderful artist. I bet he gets it from Sarah. (p.s. if I have a daughter, I'm naming her Sarah. I've ALWAYS loved that name. And Sarah has no claim to it. And, Sarah, sorry if the picture embarrasses you. But it's classic. I just had to show it.)



This is Christina. Stina. Crusty Tuna. Take your pick. She's the talkative one of the family. But it's a good thing. Sadly enough, she lives in Utah, and before that she lived in Chino Valley. So since she got married when I was like 7, I haven't seen a whole lot of her. But she's always willing to listen and help you with your problems. Then Troy, her husband, is a little silly. But he's a good daddy, and his four daughter absolutely adore him! And he's willing to serve anyone in any way he can. He'll drop anything in order to help a family member out. Noemi is their oldest girl. And she's super smart. Basically, all my nieces and nephews are brilliant. It's just our Root genes, I guess. She's a good big sister, and is getting baptized soon. Which I'm way excited for! Bekah is the next one and is a little sweetheart. She's a little conniving...but that's ok. That just means she's smart. Then there's Samantha. Also known as Monkey. She's the biggest ham ever! She's the cutest thing you will ever see and will flaunt it in front of any camera. And she makes me happy, because every time she would walk through my door when they come down to visit, she gets all excited and says "Hi Beth!" And then there's little Ysabel. I haven't seen her a whole lot, and haven't' held her that often. But she's adorable. I'm sad I don't get to see her grow up, or see her personality develop. But she has the sweetest smile.



This is Michael. Me and Michael, well, we have a special relationship. We used to fight. Like always. Over stupid things. But now, we get along really well. He's probably the brother I'm closest to. Michael is by no means a perfect guy. But neither is the rest of my family, and neither am I. But the thing I admire about Michael is his testimony. In every aspect of the Gospel I have ever heard him talk about, he believes so much. No, it's more. He knows. He's experienced. He's just a great guy, and he treats everyone with respect. One thing that I love: he gets so mad at Staci, his girlfriend, when she opens her car door before he can do it for her. Haha, he gets mad at me when I do that to. It just shows me how much respect he has for women. And it's just good to see that chivalry isn't dead yet. So, now, Staci. We're not related. Yet. But it will happen. She's already like a sister to me. She listens to me, which, as the youngest, honestly doesn't happen a whole lot. She'll just spend time with me. She'll play the piano, and I'll sing. I'll play the piano, she'll sing. She's just so wonderful. And the love she shows for my brother is amazing. She has such great faith, and I admire her a lot.

 

Mi hermano Seth. He also lives in Utah. And this picture is a little old. I, unfortunately, do not have any pictures of my brother's family with the newest addition, Faith. In fact, I have not seen Faith at all. I have not held her. Sad story. But, hopefully, soon. We'll just see. But Seth. He's like crazy good at the piano. He's part of the reason why I play the piano. He works very hard and is very persevering. He cares a lot for his family. And then his wife Joyelle. I haven't really gotten the chance to know her that well. But she loves her children very much. And, she has helped my family make some good changes. Like this whole saying "I love you" to each other thing. It was kind of a thing that was foreign to us just a few year ago. None of us are very good at expressing ourselves. But we all knew that we loved each other, so after we were like 5, we would just stop saying it. It gets a little harder to say as you grow up. At least for us, it was. But now, it's a common occurrence. As someone leaves we say, "Love you!" We get off the phone with someone, we say it. But only to family. Saying it to others, well, that's a different story. I can write it - it's easy to express myself when I write. But to say it to you, and you're not family, it's a wee bit hard. But that's one thing she's helped us with. And Buddy - or little Seth - is so cute. I haven't seen him very often, so I haven't really been able to form a relationship with him, but apparently, he loves the bean bags I made him for Christmas. Which makes me happy.



Well, this is Robert. You think I'm sarcastic? Well, you should get to know him. He was called the devil in high school. He's also part of the reason why I play the piano. Having two brothers who are crazy good just makes you want to try it, I guess. Robert is often called the dutiful son by my mom. He always does what he is asked with a willing heart. He's steadfast in the church. I can see him as a bishop, stake president, as a general authority. And I'm not saying I can't see my other brothers like that. Because I can. But Robert, with his dutifulness, just shows that he's willing to do whatever my parents ask of him, so surely, he'll do whatever the Lord asks of him. And Leigh, his wifey, is just awesome. These past few weeks, we've gotten closer. She's good at anything she attempts, whether it's cooking, sewing, crafts, or photography. And I know she's going to hate me for writing this, but Leigh is a convert to the Church. But, for this reason, I admire her and the choices she has made. In all honesty, I have no clue if I would join the church if I was a nonmember and my family weren't members either. Because my family has helped my testimony become what it is today. And then their kids are so, so, so cute. Joel, the oldest, is a beast. But a good beast. He's big for his age. But he's a little sweetie. He's such a good big brother and looks out for "Cuca" all the time. He's a happy child - for the most part - and has a huge personality. Seeing him often brightens my day, because I love to see how much he's changed and learned each time I see him. And Lucas, or Cuca, is just as cute. He's just this chill kid, with the greatest smile and the greatest laugh. Really the only time he gets fussy is if he's hungry and you're not feeding him fast enough. But he's great. I can't wait for those two to grow up.



Next is Lisa. Lisa is a hoot. She has the soul of a black woman - when she's singing, at least. (p.s. not meant to be offensive in ANY way. It's just, well, if you hear a black person sing, they've got soul.) She's the reason why I have a job. Which I am eternally grateful for. That job will be a college fund and is the reason for my recent start with voice lessons. She helps me a lot. She's super dedicated to anything she cares about. And Jared, he's just freakishly smart. He understands so much about the Gospel, and will ponder random things, because he can, and he understands them. He's a great people person and makes tasty food. Their daughter Taylor is wicked smart. She's only 14 months old, and she does things that no 14 month old normally does. She's clever and sneaky. It amazes me the things she learns and understands.



This is my little big sister, Amy. Little, because she is shorter than me. Sorry, Amy, but it's one of my few bragging rights as the youngest. Amy is kinda like my idol. Haha, just kidding, but Amy has been someone I can look up to. Always. Her strength and determination to do what's right is just awesome. Her testimony of Christ is one that I strengthen my own on. She's been through a lot, but she's still very happy. She's the one that I call when I need anything. When I need someone to talk to, when I need advice. And she always is willing to help. She'll edit that essay, though I know she probably doesn't want to. She gives me advice when I can think of nothing else to do. She's always there for me. About a year and a half ago, she got in a car accident up in Flagstaff. We didn't know anything about it except that is was bad. Really bad. I thought she was going to die. It was, without doubt, the scariest moment of my life. Actually, the fact that she didn't die is amazing, But that's another story. So, anyways, we used to fight like crazy when we were little. But once I hit junior high, she was the guiding light for me. She's a wonderful sister, and a wonderful example.



Well, I saved the best for last. My parents. They have done so much for me. Putting up with me. Leading my in the right direction. Now, I don't know what you guys think of me. But I know not a whole lot of you have seen me at my worst. Some of you have seen me pretty grumpy. But for the most part, I like to pretend I'm a whole lot better than I am. At home, though, it's kind of a different story. I'm not horrible all the time. I try to be good. Unfortunately, though, I can be a holy terror at some instances. But, my parents are patient and loving. They understand that's it's just a teenage phase. (At least they hope.) They have always been great examples to me. As much as I complain, even though there are things I wish they didn't do, or did do, or would allow, I know they are doing what they feel is right. They aren't out to make my life horrible. The opposite, in fact. They want to help me make the right decisions, help my life be the best it can be, to help ME be the best I can be. I'm hard on them sometimes. But through it all, though I don't act like it, though I sometimes forget it, I know they're doing what they think is best. They love me so much. I know they do. And I love them back!

 

This is a special place. Why? It's the place that my parents were sealed for time and all eternity. It was here that my parents made it possible for me to live with my family for forever. To be sealed to my brothers and sisters. If I have totally bored you with the randomness of this post and the decision to write about my family, then just remember this: Families are forever. Families are important. They are vital to Heavenly Father's plan. We cannot make it to the Celestial Kingdom unless we are sealed to a spouse. Yes, my family is not perfect. We have problems up the wazoo! But what family doesn't? We are still a happy family. We are still a forever family. I'm not going anywhere without them, and they aren't going anywhere without me.

This change thing isn't being my friend...

So, I know I've totally failed on the whole once a month, write about someone in my life who has integrity thing. Well, you're going to get two for this month, since May missed that post. And this one, well, this one is special. The first one for this month will be about one of my leaders. She is a very special person to me. And I know I said I didn't originally want to write about leaders, but, well, things happen. Circumstances change. And I want this leader to know just how important she is, not only to me, but to the rest of us young women of the Lazona ward. You see, this leader is none other than the fabulous Sis. Martineau. I would show you guys a picture, but I wanted one with both of us. And since I usually avoid the camera like the plague, I could not find any - or even recall any being taken!- of the both of us. Which is something that is going to be changed in the near future.

So, what inspired this change of heart and inspired this decision to write about leaders? Well, Sunday, Sis. Martinaeu gave us some sad news. News that kind of, once again, makes me resent the fact that change must happen. Sis. Martineau is moving. Not far, but far enough that she will no longer be in Lazona ward. Why is this such a big deal to me? After all, I should be used to it. I've had numerous amounts of leader changes. Well, Sis. Marineau has made a huge impression in my life. She's been in the Young Womens program just about the whole time I've been in it. She was put in it maybe a month after I turned twelve, and there was a short period that she wasn't in it, due to a cute little baby. So I've had this wonderful woman to look up to for just about 5 whole years.

So. Integrity. I asked a few friends what they thought of when they hear the word integrity. One said cleanliness, and personal goals to keep you clean. Well, Sis. Martineau is a wonderful example of this. Because when I think of Sis. Martineau, I think of the temple. She has stressed this importance of the temple so much. And the importance of being clean and worthy to enter into it. In fact, much of my testimony of the temple has come because of her. I mean, yeah, I always knew the temple was important. I never imagined being married in any other place. But I remember after a lesson she gave thinking, "Wow. The temple is awesome. There is no other place I would rather be. The temple IS the place to be." So I have her to thank for that.

Another said that they think of someone who stands for what they believe is right. Someone who isn't afraid of what people think, but instead cares only of what Heavenly Father thinks. Sis. Martineau lives what she believes. She is always steadfast and true. She will make her voice be heard if something needs to be said.

This next one is possibly my favorite answer. She said that integrity is doing what is right no matter what. It's taking knowledge and using it to better yourself by standing up for what you believe. It's applying everything learned in seminary, church, and home and then doing your best to BE your best. Another thing I think of when I think of Sis. Martineau, is Personal Progress. And what's Personal Progress for? Well...personal progress. The point of it is to bring together all your knowledge and apply it in your life. To make you a better person. To make you the best you can be. Sis. Martineau has made a huge effort to get us to realize this importance of doing Personal Progress. Not because we get a spiffy cool/pretty necklace when we finish, but because it makes us a better person.

You see, the thing about Sis. Martineau, is that I see all these things in her. And it's wonderful. But what makes the greater impression on me is the fact that she wants, so very much, for us to learn the things she knows. To be the best we can be. To reach our full potential. She lives what she teaches. And she teaches what she lives. Sis. Martineau has played a huge part in who I am today. Not only has she strengthened my testimony of the temple, but she has strengthened my testimony of the Savior. She's become someone I can look up to, that I can trust, that I can lean on. I repelled down a freakishly high cliff, terrified the whole way down, because of her. I have almost completed my Personal Progress - because of her. Heck, me playing the piano a whole lot more in Young Womens and stuff is because of her.

Sis. Martineau, you have been a wonderful example in my life. The day you leave Lazona ward will be a sad day for us, but a day for rejoicing for your new ward. You are such an amazing person. That you for being a light in my life, for being someone I could always look up to. And for all you reading this, if any of you feel I have helped you or made an impression in your life, there's a pretty good chance that this marvelous lady should be thanked. You have been a great leader, Sis. Martineau. Thank you so much. I love you!