Using Social Media for Good (10)

We live in a society where social media is everywhere. There are many popular sites that are used every day and so many different ways to access them. People all around the world use social media daily to share their thoughts, ideas, and to keep family and friends updated. Like most things of the

world, this can either have a positive or negative impact on those who are exposed to it. Although I don't necessarily like to point it out, I'm a strong user of social media. I believe that as long as one doesn't let social media control their life, than having those accounts shouldn't be looked down upon by say, the older generation that might not be accustomed to it. Elder Bednar addressed this same generation about social media and the influence that it has and can have on society in his talk entitled "To Sweep the Earth as with a Flood." This is the talk I'll be reviewing and adding my thoughts to for the remainder of this post.

Elder Bednar begins his talk by saying that we are blessed to live in a dispensation where technology is so advanced and easily accessible. He says that because of this time of "miraculous progression of innovations and inventions," the hastening of the Lord's work is now accelerated in a way that it has never been before. The church has taken advantage of this opportunity by creating hashtags like #BecauseofHim and #HeIstheGift, using pictures to display scriptures and General Conference quotes, and producing short, relateable videos that LDS members know as Mormon Messages. The church's use of social media is a powerful tool for not only full-time missionaries, but member missionaries as well. I personally saw the effects of the church's efforts during this past New Year's Eve. While watching Taylor Swift perform live in Time's Square on my t.v, I saw a huge advertisement for the church's popular video #HeIsTheGift behind her. Not only did I notice the ad, but some of my non-member friends did too and they texted me about it. I love that some of my friends were able to see the ad and that so many others around the world were exposed to it as well. It really testifies that social media can be used for good and for the hastening of the Lord's work. 

Due to Elder Bednar's talk being addressed to an older audience, he discussed the different forms of social media and how popular they are. The five forms of social media that he focused on were Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest. While he acknowledged that there are many other social media sites, Elder Bednar focused on the ones that are most popular and widely used. To further explain how social media can hasten the work, he provided five ways that the church has used it.

The first is the video, "Because of Him," which was shared by many people around the world, not just members of the church. The video testified of Christ and because of it, many people were exposed to the Savior's life and the blessing He is to the world. One of the other examples that Elder Bednar gave was the fact that the General Authority have their own social media accounts. I love and find it kind of funny that I can now "follow the prophet"...on Twitter! I love being able to see positive tweets that testify of the gospel on my newsfeed, especially when it's so easy for negative tweets to become more apparent. Whenever a member of the General Authority tweets something that really inspires me in that moment, I retweet it. It always amazes me when a non-member will favorite or retweet one of the church's tweets because I had retweeted it and they saw it through me. It's such an easy way to spread the gospel! Throughout the remainder of his talk, Elder Bednar goes more in depth on how we can hasten the work through social media. If you want to read more about it you can click on the hyper-link I provided at the beginning of this post! 

Although social media can have a harmful effect on society, it is also a wonderful way to hasten the Lord's work. I know that technology is advanced during the time we live in because sharing the gospel is even more important to do now. So whenever you post, tweet, pin, or make a status update, be sure that the message your sending is one that is uplifting in some way. I plan to take Elder Bednar's advice to use social media for good...do you? 

Carolina In My Mind (9)

Don't get me wrong, I love living in Provo and being at BYU. It's just that as I've racked my brain for blog post ideas, the same thought has persistently come to mind. I haven't been feeling homesick or anything, but lately I've just been thinking a lot about North Carolina. I guess it started when a co-worker asked me where I'm from - a typical question you're asked when you attend a school where people are from all over the world. When I told him North Carolina, it seemed to pique his interest and he proceeded by asking me to tell him "what makes NC what it is." I paused for a moment because I wasn't exactly sure what to say, I'd never really been asked that before. His question has made me reflect on home and what it is about NC that makes me love it so much. So for those of you reading this who have never been there, or even for those of you who have, here is a list of my favorite things about my home!

Hanging Rock State Park

One of the first things that comes to mind when I think of NC is the mountains. Some people might think they pale in comparison to how big the mountains here in Utah are, but for me that's simply not the case. I would take green over size any day. Whenever my friends and I would hang out and try to figure out what to do, you better bet I suggested hiking. Not only do I love hiking, but I also love being able to look out and see green for miles and miles. I've done countless hikes on Hanging Rock, Pilot Mountain, Stone Mountain, etc and they never get old. I don't really have an "accent," but

Pilot Mountain

one thing I have been told that I say weird here is "Appalachian." Everyone I've talked to at BYU says it like "app-uh-lay-shun" and they tell me that pronouncing it like "app-uh-latch-un" is not only odd, but incorrect. WRONG. The Appalachian mountains are on my home's side, you can correct me when they move to the west coast. ;)
"From the mountains...to the oceans," I love the outdoors. Perhaps my favorite thing about NC is that it doesn't just have mountains, the coast is just as beautiful. I've often contemplated if I'd rather live in the mountains or at the beach. But honestly, that's a tough decision so I'd rather just live close to both.

Senior Beach Week

Which is why I love the city I grew up in. I had the luxury of going hiking whenever I wanted and if I longed for the beach, the coast is just about a four hour drive. I think my favorite thing about our beaches is the sand. I've visited other beaches where the sand isn't really sand, it's just this sharp mixture of rock and broken seashells. I love the sand at NC beaches because it's so soft. At night, when the sand isn't hot from the sun, I love taking walks on the shore and seeing the way the moon shines on the ocean. It always amazes me, and kind of scares me, when I look out at the ocean and see how it goes on for what seems like eternity. There's so much about the sea that is unknown. I've never gone scuba diving, but someday I hope I get the chance to. If my description of NC beaches has fallen short for you, just rent any of the following chick flicks: Safe Haven, The Last Song, A Walk to Remember, or pretty much any of Nicholas Sparks' book-to-movie adaptations because they were all filmed in North Carolina. In fact, here's my mom and I in front of the house that was featured in Safe Haven.

Southport, NC

I wouldn't be myself if I didn't mention NC's food. I always knew that "southern food" was a well-known thing, but I didn't know that some of my favorite foods would be nonexistent to some people out here. The other day I brought up how much I wanted hush puppies and several people looked at me with puzzled looks. That might have just been a one-time thing because I feel like hush puppies are pretty normal. Cook-Out's hush puppies, however, are the absolute best! Another thing I've gotten confused faces from is collard greens. I thought they were a common vegetable, but maybe I was wrong because no one seems to know what they are out here. If you're one of these people, check them out! They're amazing. My favorite food ever, without a doubt, is barbecue though. Yes, I know you're probably thinking "hey, I know that one!" It's a very common food, I'm not discrediting anyone on this one. But I will say that you haven't had real barbecue until you go to NC and are asked if you'd rather have "Eastern style" or "Lexington style." Trust me, there's a difference, it's a real thing. I personally prefer Eastern over Lexington style, but they're both great. You'll just have to go and try it out for yourself! ;)
There are a lot more things I love about North Carolina that I haven't written about, but this post is long enough. It may seem like I'm biased since I've lived my whole life in the same city and that may be true, but who doesn't love where they're from? Even though I've mentioned a few of my favorite things in this post, my ABSOLUTE favorite thing about NC is my family. I love them all and I look forward to seeing them again! I guess you could you say that "I'm gone to Carolina in my mind."

Expect the Unexpected (8)

As I've mentioned before, I was very excited to start college. Especially since it would be at my dream school, BYU. Yes, I know...you can call me a typical Mormon kid for that! But I couldn't help it, I'd heard so many amazing things about BYU and the opportunities that come with attending. So when I received my acceptance letter, it took every bit of patience I had to focus on finishing high school and enjoying the summer. But what I wasn't expecting once I got here was how much I'd genuinely miss my little brothers.

Vegas 2014

Growing up we didn't get along very well, as most siblings don't. We fought over trivial things like who drank all of the milk, who got to choose the t.v. channel, and who had to sit in the middle on the drive to church. Along with the annoyance that comes with having two younger brothers, I always had the weight of "setting the example" on my shoulders because I was the oldest. I can't recall how many times arguments ended with my mom saying something like, "you're the oldest, you should know better." Of course there were good times too, which I realize now I took for granted. Now that I'm in college and far away from home, I see how much they've benefited my life. I love my little brothers so much! Even after all the years of feuds and arguments, I miss the times where we'd laugh until my stomach hurt, harmlessly team up against my parents, and the countless nights where we'd make s'mores during family camping trips. I wouldn't trade any of the moments we've had together, even if they weren't all the best of times. I can't wait to be reunited with them again soon! But for now, I'll tell you a little about these two crazies.

Hugging Sefa before my 1st day of school

My first younger brother, Sefa, is about four years younger than me. He is currently fourteen, which is crazy to me...and not in the way you'd think. Normally people can't believe how old their siblings actually are, but for me it's the opposite. I feel like he's older than that! I swear he has been fourteen forever, not just shy of a year. Sefa and I have grown a lot closer ever since he was old enough to be in Young Men's and then even more so when he reached the age for church dances. I love when he includes me in the aspects of his life, it makes me feel like I'm fulfilling my job as an older sister. One thing that I love most about him is his passion for the activities he's involved in. Sefa has a lot of love for playing sports, more specifically football. He's always had the heart for being a better athlete and team player. Along with that, Sefa is very smart...which is good because he also has an obsession with all things BYU. I was lucky enough to have him and my dad visit me this past October during BYU's homecoming. I loved being able to spend time with both of them and see Sefa's excitement for attending here someday grow.

Sefa's 8th grade graduation

Unfortunately, I didn't get to share any of my high school years with him, and I also won't have any overlapping years here with him either. Although I'll be serving a mission, Sefa will be too before coming to BYU, so we won't be here at the same time. But that's okay, I know serving a mission first will be best for him if that's what he chooses to do. I love my brother and I can't wait to see all the things he will accomplish throughout his life.
My youngest brother's name is Pelu. He is crazy! Well, in the best way possible. I actually remember the day he was born a lot better than I remember the day Sefa was born. It was December, I was a fairly new kindergartner, and I was confused as to why my neighbor was picking me up from school instead of my mom. As I got inside her car (don't worry, she was a well-trusted neighbor), she told me that my mom had a baby and that that's why she wasn't there to pick me up. When I got home, I was introduced to my new baby brother and that's where it all began! Between the two of my brothers, Pelu has been the one that has always butted heads with me the most.

Giving kisses to newborn Pelu

This has to do with the fact that we are completely different from each other, aside from our love of music. If you were to talk to Pelu for the first time, you would soon find that he is very goofy. He loves to crack jokes! I haven't always been very accepting of that because usually his jokes annoy me. But now, being away from his humor, I really miss him. Not only does Pelu find joy in making other people laugh, he also loves to create art, learn how to play musical instruments, and make YouTube videos. Lately, he's been very interested in making videos. So much so that for Christmas my mom bought him a video camera so he could continue making them. But also so that he'd stop using her phone to make videos which used all her memory up. Pelu has always been very creative, it's one of the things that I love about him. Even though he sometimes gets on my nerves, I miss him a lot. I know that he is a good kid - which "kid" might not be the best word to use seeing that he is bigger than me now. I know that he'll do a lot of awesome things in life and I'm interested to see where his talents will take him. 
I never thought that I'd miss my brothers when I left for BYU. Even though I miss them a lot, I'm actually glad I have this time to be away from them because it has opened my eyes to how awesome they really are. Dad, you were right, my brothers are my best friends!

Sefa, Me, and Pelu this past Christmas

Don't Worry, Be Happy! (7)

About two weekends ago, after coming home from church, I decided to look up some Mormon Messages. I always loved watching them when I was in Young Women's and I continue to love them now in Relief Society. There's just something about them that uplifts me and makes me have a better perspective on things when I'm feeling down - which is the whole reason the church has put out these messages! So I've decided to compile some of my favorite Mormon Messages and my thoughts on them in this post. I hope that they'll be able to strengthen you in the way that they have for me!
1) You Never Know How Much Good You Do - This is one of the longer videos (8:54), but it's also one of my absolute favorites. Although I'm not a mom (yet) like the woman in this video, and maybe you're not either, I still think that everyone can relate to the message. Sometimes you may feel overwhelmed by life and that you aren't getting everything you want done. But what you don't see is the positive impact your actions have on others. You're not a failure. You never know how much good you do!
2) Moments That Matter Most - In life, we're often busy with all the things that demand our attention. Sometimes because of our busy schedules we overlook the things that matter most. I love this video because it reminds me to remember things like my family, the blessing of this earth, and the little things that can bring me happiness. I know that when we keep the things that matter most in our mind we our brought closer to our Heavenly Father.
3) Reclaimed - It's inevitable that we all mess up sometimes. That's why we were given the power of the atonement. Elder Holland has said, "It is not possible for you to sink lower than the infinite light of Christ's Atonement shines." Even though you may feel that you've done something that you can't be forgiven for, that is simply not true! Heavenly Father loves you. You can always be forgiven.
4) Good Things to Come - Yes, life is hard. Trials will come for every one of us. But this doesn't mean that you should ever give up. Sometimes you may be clouded by the sorrow or hardship that comes from a trial, but Heavenly Father has good things in store for you. Never forget that!
After watching these messages, can you see why I love them so much? Pretty awesome, right? If you want to see more, there's literally over a hundred of them on the website I hyper-linked earlier. Plus, you can find them all on YouTube! I hope that you'll go to them whenever you feel the need to. I know that they're truly uplifting and I'm grateful to have them!

A Change of Heart (6)

Serving a mission was never part of my plan. The idea of leaving my family and friends for a year and a half to a place that I have no control over scared me. I also didn't think putting a pause on my life would be the easiest thing to do. But what I didn't understand back then is that that's the point! Missions aren't supposed to be easy. President Thomas S. Monson has counseled the following: "Missionary work is hard work. Missionary service is demanding and requires long hours of study and preparation that the missionary himself might match the divine message he proclaims. It is a labor of love but also of sacrifice and devotion to duty." If missions were easy, then we wouldn't be able to grow as a person by serving one.
I was 16 years old when the prophet announced the age change for missionaries. I remember some of my family members telling me excitedly that I had "only 3 more years" until I could serve. But even though the age change made a huge impact on missions, it had no effect on my decision. I still had no desire to serve and I didn't see that changing anytime soon. I wasn't even one of those "typical Mormon girls" who said they'd serve a mission only if they weren't married by 21, so why would I change my mind just because I was able to leave sooner? It was on my 17th birthday during fast Sunday, when I decided to bear my testimony in sacrament meeting, that things changed. I remember going up to the pulpit, something I don't do often if I can help it, and saying something that not only surprised my mom, but myself as well. I said, "I'm excited that exactly two years from today I will be old enough to serve a mission." This was news to me because I hadn't planned on going on a mission, let alone say that in my testimony. The Lord ALWAYS knows what is best for us and sometimes He has a funny way of showing us that. I know that by saying what I did in my testimony, Heavenly Father was letting me know that He knows what is best for me and to just have faith.
Flash forward to the present and everything has changed. Now I feel completely different about serving a mission. I can't wait to serve a mission! In fact, it's been kind of hard (in the best way possible) to see so many people opening their mission calls around me. I guess one of the "perks" of attending BYU is that there are so many people who are going to serve or have returned from missions. Seeing all these mission calls just makes me MORE excited to serve! Having a September birthday puts my mission a little further away from everyone else's, but I know that I just need to be patient because my time will come.

I love the gospel! I can't wait to share the happiness that comes from the gospel to others. I know that missions are hard. But I also know that it will be worth it not just for those I'll serve, but for me as well. I'm so grateful I had the experience that I did on my 17th birthday and that Heavenly Father knows what is best for me. So for now, I'll continue preparing to be the best missionary I can be! :)

#LifeGoals (5)

Today I've been thinking a lot about how relevant the scriptures are to our lives. I haven't always thought about them this way, but lately I've come to realize for myself that the scriptures can give us guidance and answers to our questions if we truly study them. While reading my scriptures tonight, my roommate and I bounced back and forth our insight and some scripture verses that are meaningful to us. So I decided to come up with a short list of scripture verses that I want to live by and make my "life goals." I've noticed, through Twitter and other social media, that the idea of #lifegoals or #relationshipgoals has become a popular thing. Although most aren't very realistic and can be pretty "of the world," I decided to come up with "real" #lifegoals from the scriptures. So here they are:

1) PRAY ALWAYS. Not just for myself, but for those around me. "Yea, and when you do not cry unto the Lord, let your hearts be full, drawn out in prayer unto him continually for your welfare, and for the welfare of those around you." Alma 34: 27
2) FEAST UPON THE WORDS OF CHRIST. "Angels speak by the power of the Holy Ghost; wherefore, they speak the words of Christ. Wherefore, I said unto you, feast upon the words of Christ; for behold, the words of Christ will tell you all things what ye should do." 2 Nephi 32: 3
3) BE THIS KIND OF MOM. I want my children to know that I have a testimony of God. "47 Now they never had fought, yet they did not fear death; and they did think more upon the liberty of their fathers than they did upon their lives; yea, they had been taught by their mothers, that if they did not doubt, God would deliver them. 48 And they rehearsed unto me the words of their mothers, saying: We do not doubt our mothers knew it." Alma 56: 47-48
4) FIND MORONI. I want to marry someone who strives to be or is as righteous as captain Moroni was. (#Relationshipgoals?) However, everything I'm looking for in a future spouse is something that I'm just as willing to be as well. "Yea, verily, verily I say unto you, if all men had been, and were, and ever would be, like unto Moroni, behold, the very powers of hell would have been shaken forever; yea, the devil would never have power over the hearts of the children of men." Alma 48: 17
5) OFFER WHOLE SOUL & ENDURE TO THE END. This scripture pretty much sums everything up. "And now, my beloved brethren, I would that ye should come unto Christ, who is the Holy One of Israel, and partake of his salvation, and the power of his redemption. Yea, come unto him, and offer your whole souls as an offering unto him, and continue in fasting and praying, and endure to the end; and as the Lord liveth ye will be saved." Omni 1:26

These are just a few of the MANY scriptures that you can relate to your life. I know that by reading the scriptures daily, you will see the Lord's hand in your life and be happier! I have come to love the scriptures and am grateful to have them. Read them, I dare ya. ;)

For the Beauty of the Earth (4)

One thing that everyone told me before moving to Utah was that winter would be almost unbearable. In high school, I had seen pictures of my older friends at BYU surrounded by what seemed like a ton of snow and I didn't know how I'd feel about it when I got here. So when I returned from Christmas break, I mentally prepared myself for a very cold semester. It pretty much started off as I imagined. I got off my flight and as I walked down the terminal I felt the unwanted cold air seeping in. Once I got to the point where I could see outside, I saw a thick (at least thick to me) blanket of snow. And although I'm not a fan of snow at all, I had to admit it was beautiful. Everything was coated with the purest white snow I'd ever seen. But it soon melted within my first week of classes and hasn't really made an appearance since. Well, aside from the snow on the mountains. Now THOSE are breathtaking!
Lately, the weather has been amazing and I feel like I haven't been able to stop talking about it! The past couple of days have been sunny and in the high 50's/60's. I haven't wanted to do anything but lay outside and soak up every minute of sun that I can! Which, as you can imagine, made enduring lectures cooped up in classrooms much less appealing. However, I finally did get to lay outside today! It was actually pretty funny because it looked like just about everyone in Helaman Halls was taking advantage of the beautiful weather as well. I don't think I've ever seen as many people outside as I did today. But I don't blame them because today was a beautiful day and an even more perfect day to spend a Saturday afternoon reading my scriptures. Which is exactly what I did!

These past couple of days have made me realize just how blessed we are to have this beautiful earth to live on. I mean really, do you take the time to look around you every once in a while and admire the world? I have been working on trying to do this each day. Eventually, I hope to not just recognize the earth's beauty on the days that it's sunny and warm. Cold weather during the winter (especially in Utah) is inevitable. So whether these past couple of days have just been a tease and snow and freezing temperatures are coming my way, I hope to be able to still enjoy it. The beauty of the world is such a blessing! Take a moment to admire and thank Heavenly Father for it sometime! :)

Covenant Daughters of God (3)

Since I've moved to Utah, I've been able to do a lot more things that I never really had the opportunity to do before. For example, before coming to BYU I had only ever been inside the Raleigh, North Carolina temple. I had walked the grounds of a few other temples, but I'd only ever actually done work inside the Raleigh temple. I didn't grow up with the luxury of various temples within the radius of a short drive, as it appears most Utahans do. But this past weekend, I had the opportunity to add the Provo Temple to my list. A couple of my friends and I walked to the temple Saturday morning and I loved every minute of it. The temple is a beautiful place!

Raleigh, North Carolina Temple

Another opportunity I had was being able to attend a session of General Conference...in the actual Conference Center! My friends and I were lucky enough to get tickets to the General Women's Session. We planned a trip to Salt Lake and I was able to walk around Temple Square for the first time as well. To be honest, the Salt Lake City Temple wasn't quite what I was expecting. I feel like in all the pictures I've seen, the temple was really white. Also, the Raleigh temple is made out of white marble so I guess I was shocked to find that the SLC temple isn't as white as I had originally thought. But still, it's so beautiful! I'm grateful that I got to go to Temple Square and I take every chance I get to go back.

Me with the Salt Lake City Temple

One of the talks that was given at the General Women's Session that I went to, was a talk by Sister Jean A. Stevens, the First Counselor in the Primary General Presidency. The talk that she gave was entitled, "Covenant Daughters of God." She begins her talk by recounting a time she attended a baptism where eight children would be making their first covenant with Heavenly Father. She emphasized that she saw each of them individually, just as God sees us. Sister Stevens explains how amazing it is that Heavenly Father holds a place in His heart for each of us individually and that by making covenants with Him, we can live with Him again. She says, "It is not only in making covenants but also in faithfully keeping these covenants that we are prepared to receive eternal life. That is our hope, our goal, and our joy." I was truly inspired by the story Sister Stevens gave of her parents' wedding. She said that her parents were married in the SLC temple without the usual celebratory flower arrangements, pictures, wedding dress, and reception. Just six days after their sealing, her father left for South Africa to serve his mission because back then, sometimes men were called for missionary service and asked to leave their wives and families. Sister Stevens bore her testimony of how important being sealed and having temple ordinances was for her parents. I admire the amount of faith her parents had and I strive to be able to make all the covenants I can with my Heavenly Father. I continually do everything I can to remain worthy to enter the temple and I am grateful for the blessing of temples. I know that the ordinances that we can perform within the walls of the temple are eternal and that because of the temple, I can live with my family forever.

If you'd like to read or watch Sister Stevens talk, which I highly recommend doing, here is the link to do so. Enjoy! 

https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2014/10/covenant-daughters-of-god?lang=eng