Knowing

Knowing. It is more than the phrase, "I think." I like to share things that I Know.

I know that every trial is sent to us to make us stronger. It may seem that trials come one after another, but It will be OK in the end.

I know that life is full of amazing opportunities. Partake of them.

I know that the Lord wants us to love all people. I'm grateful that I learned how to do that. :)

I know that our families are perfect fit for us.

I know that I was made compassionate for many reasons. I'm grateful for this.

I know that I love people with all my heart and it will never change.

I know that befriending people is worth a shot. You never know who you might meet.

I know that living each day to the fullest is the way I am supposed to live. For I don't know what tomorrow brings.

I know that a smile is a curve that sets everything straight.

I know that families can be together forever. It is a comforting feeling to know that.

I know that God and Jesus Christ loves us and knows what is best for us in our lives.

I know that music is what brings people from different walks of life together.

I know that I can't please everybody, but its ok. There is opposition in all things right?

I know that my brothers and sisters are perfect fit for me. I can't get enough of them.

I know that my parents love me.

I know that my friends accept me even though I have a upbeat "crazy" personality...lol.

I know that all of you are amazing and wonderful.

I know that laughter is the best medicine for anything.

I know that judging a book by its cover won't get you anywhere.

I know nature is a way that God tells us He is there for us.

I know that our loved ones are always there for us.

I know that LIVE LAUGH LOVE has a lot of meaning to me.

I know it is important to tell people that you love them

I know that I love all of you!

Love, Laurel

My Invisible Illness

You are probably wondering what I am going to write about. Just to get it out of the way, I don't want any sympathy. This subject has been on my mind for awhile. I felt I should write about it with high hopes it helps at least 1 person out there. Here we go.

I titled this blog, "My Invisible Illness," because I want to talk about my invisible illness. Now you may have some idea what I am talking about. Yes, I am going to talk about my anxiety and depression and what I learned throughout my journey since I've been diagnosed.

I want to say it was my 2nd year in college at BYU-Idaho. As I look back, I started to lose interest in everything I was interested in. I didn't like school. I wasn't motivated. I wasn't social like I used to be. I was VERY dependent on others. I didn't realize this all until I was told of how my body language was. On my off-track, my family suggested I get evaluated. I agreed.

When I was told I have anxiety and depression, I fell apart. I thought that my world was turning and that I was weak. For the longest time, I looked at anxiety and depression as a weakness. I felt that all my strength was gone. There were and are days where I wake up in the morning not wanting to do anything. My anxiety makes me feel really sick time to time. But no one knows that unless I make it known. I look fine on the outside, but in reality, my anxiety likes to hide.

As time went on, I tried many different medications to see what would work best for me. My life was like a roller coaster for quite awhile. By the time I went back to school, I was still new to this. My motivation was still gone in my school work. It got me into trouble with my grades. It came to a point where my BYU-Idaho days were over before I graduated. (No I didn't get kicked out).

I was then trying to figure out where I can finish my schooling. Was it going to be Utah State University or Utah Valley University? Nothing seemed like anything was falling into place. Then long story short, I got the answer to serve as a missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. It was very overwhelming, because I knew I needed/wanted to serve. My anxiety kicked in when hearing how hard and mental taxing missions can be. I got called to the California San Diego Mission. I was excited to return to my "home" state.

Between the time of receiving my mission call and entering the Missionary Training Center on September 19, 2012, I got lots of help from my therapist in preparation of dealing and coping with my anxieties and depression on the mission. I felt I was prepared for what was ahead. I was ready to go.

I was set to be in the MTC for 3 weeks. But they had me stay an extra week due to getting sick. That really sky-rocketed my anxieties. I had no medication with me at the time. I got to San Diego around mid October. My anxiety and depression got worse. I felt that I was a failure. I felt sick all the time. I got sent home 5 weeks later from when I got to San Diego.

I was home for 6 months to get on medication and more help from my therapist. I felt better than ever. I went back to San Diego to finish my mission. I had 16 months more to serve. Things were going so well. I was happy. Miracles were happening. Then I noticed things were starting to fall apart about 1 1/2 months after returning to the mission. My anxiety was getting worse. I didn't know why. I didn't notice any triggers. It was just there. I went home again from the mission after being there 3 months.

When I got home, I felt I was at the bottom of the pit. I was told in a blessing that I served all the time The Lord needed me to. It took me 1 full year to not feel guilty about not finishing my mission like I thought I would. Then, I learned a valuable lesson.

Anxiety and depression doesn't define who you are. Don't let it take over your life. I let it take over mine for awhile and it wasn't very pleasant. It doesn't make you weak. I learned it is all about our attitudes towards it. Let me show you. Since the letter "A" is the first letter in the alphabet, I will put a 1 next to it. Now where does the letter "T" fall in the alphabet? Do it for the rest of the letters.

A: 1
T: 20
T: 20
I: 9
T: 20
U: 21
D: 4
E: 5
________
    100%

As you can see, all the numbers add up to 100. Attitude is everything. I have learned that it helps to strive to be positive while having anxiety/depression. Some days are harder than others. Would I change having anxiety/depression? No. Why you might ask? Because it has helped me be the person I am today. It builds character. It gives me the opportunity to help others who may battle with the same thing. It helped me have more compassion and love towards everyone. That is just who I am. I wouldn't change all the hard times I went through. 

For those that might be reading this, know that you are loved and not alone. You are never alone. If you feel that you need help, allow others to help you. It will get better. You are strong. You are a fighter. Keep fighting.  Always remember that.

Love,

Laurel

Love and Happiness

A dear friend of mine taught me many things in life. The thing that she taught me most was that I am loved. I didn't believe her at first. I felt inadequate in many ways. As soon as I realized I had my guard up, I had to find a way to put it down. I had to humble myself and believe that I am loved by my family, friends, Jesus Christ and Heavenly Father. I want to pass on the love to whoever is reading this.

You my friend are loved. Many people care about you. You are smart, beautiful, talented, and fun to be around. You are worth it. Whenever you feel alone, there is always our loving Heavenly Father that is near you that will carry your load. There are always people around you that care about you and want to help. They will listen and help you in any way they can if you let them.

What do you think about when you hear the word Love? Some of you may think of your significant other, family, friends, or even chick flick movies. Whenever I think about this word, I think of loving people beyond measure no matter who they are whether I have met them or not. It changed everything for me, when this became a habit. I believe that this good habit will never leave me because its just who I am. I love all people. Its a beautiful feeling to love them because everybody is a Child of God. People are my drug. I am addicted and I love to be around them which creates my love for everybody in the world. That might sound strange, but its so true. Imagine what this earth would be like, if people started to spread more love to one another. I often imagine what it would be like, but until the contention is gone, I just keep smiling and say Life is full of amazing opportunities that we can be part of.  Life is short so might as well make it good and have love towards other people.

Next, I want to talk about happiness. I finally realized what true happiness really means. True happiness comes from serving those around you. Putting others before yourself. "Joy can be real only if people look upon their life as a service, and have a definite object in life outside themselves and their personal happiness." Being happy is something we all have to learn. It's a learning process.

"The greatest degree of inner tranquility comes from the development of love and compassion. The more we care for the happiness of others, the greater is our own sense of well-being."

Also, I  believe the first step to be truely happy is to first be happy with ourselves. I find it sad that some people are not happy with who they are and that they don't realize how much great worth they are. Yes, I will admit that I had a tough time for awhile being happy with myself. With the help with many people, they helped me realize that it is important to be happy with myself. 

This is one of my favorite quotes of all time,

"Happiness uplifts you.

Happiness fills your heart, your mind, and your soul

 Happiness gives you the strength you need

Happiness is a great feeling that

Enters your mind

Happiness takes the sorrow away

 Happiness fills you life with joy

Happiness makes you feel happy, excited,

And thrilled

 Happiness warms your heart

It gives you a sense of relief

 Happiness welcomes you

 Happiness can be seen by a smile

And in your eyes

Twinkling with shine

 Happiness is a very beautiful feeling

Which allows you to enjoy

Every day to the fullest"

Until next time,

Laurel

Happiness is...

Happiness is...

Seeing my youngest brother be the fan of the game at a Volleyball match.
Meeting new people and befriending them.
Going to sporting events/Playing the sports I love
Flowers of all kind
Seeing the first snow of the season on the mountain top
Seeing couples so happy around each other.
The ocean and how peaceful it really can be.
Long walks on the beach or hiking
Stopping and thinking of how I am truly blessed with everything I have
The love I feel from Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ
Watching the sunrise/sunset over the valley/ocean and reflecting on life.
Giving and receiving hugs
Laughing endlessly with my family.
Having a place to live
Finding joy in my journey through life.
Learning from inspired people
Smiling at strangers
Dancing in the rain
Snowball fights
Building igloos/Making Snow Angels
Filling the adrenaline rush from Roller Coasters. I love Six Flags.
Talking with friends and just listening to them
Accomplishing my goals
Funny jokes
Phones: So that we may talk with loved ones who live far away
Living each day to the fullest.
Loving and accepting people beyond measure!

*I can go on and on for days, but I won't. What brings you happiness?

Live, Laugh Love

God's Will For Me

So, I was called to the California San Diego Mission. I am so grateful I got to serve there. I was healthy up until a week into the MTC. I entered September 19, 2012. I had coughing attacks and a really bad cold. In fact, I left 1 week later to San Diego than everybody else did. I was a mess. I wasn't happy to stay an extra week. The Lord knew I would, but I was asking why. Why do I have to stay? Of course I was sick, but in God's will, he has sent me to help a district that was struggling. Talk about a very humbling experience.

 Having been sick in the MTC caused my anxiety to go on full force. I did the best I can to be the missionary that would make Heavenly Father proud. My anxiety caused my body to just ache and not feel good 24/7. I went to the doctor's and that kinda helped. A month later into the mission field, I was on a conference call with my doctor back home, my parents and my Mission President. I was very hesitant to be on the phone fearing what would happen. Would I be sent home? Would this be it?

I had many miracles with my 2 trainers that confirmed that I needed to stick it out and continue in the mission field. Sister Hudson and Sister Riggs really cared for me. I was happy that I got an answer that I needed to stay. Then about a week later, anxiety got the best of me. I prayed about whether I should stay or not. I got the answer I needed to go home and get on meds so I can be the missionary that Heavenly Father sent me out to do. So I went home on November 12, 2012. 

It was quite the transition. I felt pain and sorrow when I had to take off my badge. I was afraid of people questioning why I was home. I felt like I was a failure up until I realized that Heavenly Father doesn't send us to fail. I had the 100% desire to return to my mission. I knew I wasn't done. So I thought to myself, "What can I do to keep that desire there?" First off, instead of going to the singles ward, I ended up being in my home family ward. Then the 2nd day I was home, I got called to be a youth Sunday School teacher. I was so grateful. Then I got to spend two 12 hour days with the sister missionaries here in Logan, UT. Biggest blessing was that I was called to be a temple ordinance worker twice a week. I loved it so much. That alone has strengthened my testimony. There was a tough patch when I was home. I just got comfortable staying home and was thinking of going back to school. Every time I thought of school, I had a sick feeling to my stomach. So I knew at that point I needed to go back on a mission.

6 months has passed! Guess what, I got better and returned to my own mission. Boy was I thrilled. I made it through the hardest 6 months of my life. So I went back and saw missionaries that I served with. The reunion with Sister Riggs was one that I will never forget. Pure happiness. So I got two more companions. Sister Brown and Sister Bishop. I love them so much. They knew how to make me laugh and smile. They are heaven sent. I was finally feeling that I was the missionary that I was meant to be. Then about a month passed and my anxiety was starting to come back. I couldn't focus on the studies. I couldn't stay awake. I couldn't even stay asleep at nights. It was a real downer. Not going to lie on that one. I just went on. I made it through 2 transfers before I felt that something wasn't right. Little did I know the P-Day at Sunset Cliffs was going to be my last. We went there to say goodbye to other missionaries. Little did I know, I would be one of those. The weekend before I left, I felt impressed to call President Clayton. He had an impression that something was wrong too. I told him of what was going on then we came to conclusion that I my mission was done. I found out the next Monday that I was to leave on Tuesday. I held it together until I was at the airport to say goodbye to President Clayton and Sister Clayton. I lost it. I cried my eyes out. I was just heart broken and confused. I never thought I was going to be sent home at all in the first place let alone twice.

When I was released, my Stake President gave me a blessing and said that I accomplished everything that Heavenly Father has sent me forth to do. I was just thankful to hear that. When I got home, I said a prayer prior to take off my badge for the last time. I never felt so much peace, love and comfort from Heavenly Father. It is the feeling I will never forget. I accept that it is the Lord's will for me to be home right now. I am so humbled that the Lord truly knows our path in this life and what we need to accomplish to build up His Kingdom. As we come to accept the Lord's will for us, it will soon be our own will as well. That's when the puzzle is complete. As I look back at the trials and good times on my mission, I wouldn't change a thing. I am grateful for everything that happened. Heavenly Father knows us all and ways to become the sons or daughters of God we are meant to become.

Enjoy! My life in a very small nutshell.

Promise to not lie or erase any of these questions?Yes

Don’t tell me lies, so where’s your significant other?Don't have one

Last thing to disappoint you? I rarely get disappointed or mad

Think back to June. Do you remember who you liked? No

Do you still like that person?N/A

What do you do when you have a bad day?Listen to music

Do you care what people think about you?Nope, not really

Is it usually easy for someone to make you smile?YES

Are you planning on going to college? In the process of transferring

Are your friends just like you?Not exactly like me

Would you ever get a tattoo?Hmmm, better not. Don't like needles.

Spell your name without an A:Lurel

Do you like hugs?I love hugs

What are you listening to?The Vacuum

Has anybody ever told you that you have pretty eyes? Yes they have 

Anything you’re avoiding?No

Last time you were truly upset? Don't get upset often

Does everyone deserve a second chance?It depends on the situation

Honestly, do you hate the last boy you were talking to?No, I love my Popsy

Are you emotionally strong? Does not crying in movies or tv shows count?

Do you act differently around the person you like? No, just being myself

Are you one of those people who hate crying in front of others?Yeah

How would your parents react if you got a tattoo?They wouldn't be happy

Why did your parents last yell at you?I don't remember

Do you believe that there are certain circumstances where cheating is okay?No

Are you lying to yourself about something?No

Have you ever kissed someone with the first initial K?Nope

Are you happier now or three months ago?About the same! Life is good.

Can you have more than one best friend?Yeah

How many pairs of Converse do you own? None

What is the last non-alcoholic beverage you had?Milk

Do you have a bestfriend?I have several close friends.

Why are you happy?Because life is grand.

Have you ever gotten a 100 in a class?No

How’s your heart lately?Pretty good

If someone told you they’re interested in you right now, what would you say?It depends on who it is

Do you follow your head or your heart?Both mainly my heart then my mind

When was the last time you cried? I don't remember

Do you think the last person you kissed is amazing?Never been kissed...yup

If you could have one wish right now, what would that be? Go to San Diego and surf.

Your plans for tomorrow?Watch Conference

What's your midde name?Rose

Do you prefer Italian or Ranch salad dressing?Italian

Do you have an ex?Yes

Still miss them? No

Last time you saw snow?The other day

Who was the last person you were under a blanket with? My sister, slumber party

Do you like to cuddle?Yes

Do you like your life as of now?Love it

What were you doing 20 minutes ago?Filling this thing out.

Did you kiss or hug anyone today?Yes, hugged my lil brothers

What color is your hair?Brown with some highlights

Whats the last movie you watched?Some hallmark chick flick

Be True To Who You Are

Many people these days are hesitant and scared to be true to themselves. Some of the reasons may vary. They want to fit in with a certain group or they may be afraid that they may be judged.

You are created to be yourself. Not anybody else. You are the best person that can be yourself. You have 2 choices. You can either be the worst of somebody else or you can be the best you. Which one would you choose?

People just ask you to be true to yourself. Regardless of your lifestyle, religion, personality, your goals etc... They love you for being you. By showing your true self may be the answer to somebody's prayers. You have the talents and gifts that can help people here on earth. That is why you are so important. You are worth it. Don't let people have you think otherwise. Keep smiling, keep shining and be true to who you are.

Since I love music so much, here are lyrics to one of my favorite songs. This pretty much sums up everything.

Who You Are by Jessie J.

I stare at my reflection in the mirror
Why am I doing this to myself?
Losing my mind on a tiny error
I nearly left the real me on the shelf
No, no, no, no, no,no

Don't lose who you are in the blur of the stars
Seeing is deceiving, dreaming is believing
It's okay not to be okay
Sometimes it's hard to follow your heart

Tears don't mean you're losing
Everybody's bruising
Just be true to who you are

Who you are, who you are, who you are
Who you are, who you are, who you are
Who you are, who you are, who you are

Brushing my hair, do I look perfect?
I forgot what to do to fit the mold, yeah
The more I try the less it's working, yeah, yeah, yeah
'Cause everything inside me screams
No, no, no, no, no

Don't lose it all in the blur of the stars
Seeing is deceiving, dreaming is believing
It's okay not to be okay
Sometimes it's hard to follow your heart

But tears don't mean you're losing
Everybody's bruising
There's nothing wrong with who you are

Yes, no's, egos, fake shows like whoa
Just go and leave me alone
Real talk, real life, good luck, good night
With a smile, that's my home, that's my home, no
No, no, no, no, no

Don't lose who you are all in the blur of the stars
Seeing is deceiving, dreaming is believing
It's okay not to be okay
Sometimes it's hard to follow your heart

Tears don't mean you're losing
Everybody's bruising
Just be true to who you are
Yeah, yeah, yeah

Journey back to my Mission

Some of you may know that I was sent home from my church mission quite early. I only served 2 months out of the 18 months before I was sent home. The reason being was due to health issues. I was too sick to be a missionary. I tried to be on my mission as long as I could until I couldn't do it anymore. I have my 2 trainers to thank, Sister Riggs and Sister Hudson for helping me stay out in San Diego for as long as I did. When I arrived home, it was a start of a whole new journey.

When I arrived home, I had no idea what was going to happen. I feared of what people would do or say when they found out I came home. It wasn't easy. I have great leaders, family and friends to support me to get back on my mission to San Diego. The second day I got home, I got a calling in my ward. I was called to be a Youth Sunday school teacher for 17-18 yr olds. I was at first skeptical about it, but I loved the people I taught. I loved every minute of it.

I was instructed to simulate the missionary schedule as close as possible when I came home. It was easy for the first week, then things started to change. Not going to lie, it was super hard to be home. I just wanted to go back to the mission. I doubted and questioned myself whether I would be able to handle going back on the mission. I was lost and confused. I then realized that I didn't have a lot of faith. For Faith and fear don't mix at all. Then that's when I knew I had to work on having faith in Jesus Christ and let Him guide me towards the right direction. For Jesus Christ knows the way and knows better than me.

I have been blessed in working with sister missionaries on the USU campus. I helped teach people about the Gospel of Jesus Christ and see how people came closer to Christ. When I helped the missionaries, it regained my desire and "fire" to go back on the mission. It really has been a blessing from Heaven to work with Sisters' Wunderli, MacMillan, Kruetzer and Campbell. All of them have become really close friends. I can't thank them enough.

I also got the calling to be a worker in the Utah Logan Temple. The feeling to be inside the temple is incredible. That is when I feel the closest to Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. That has been the biggest blessing of all for me.

As I was contemplating whether I wanted to go back on the mission or not, I thought of my vision statement of the kind of missionary I wanted to become. My vision has to do with Live. Laugh. Love.

Live: Live in such a way that is pleasing unto God. Live for the people that you are teaching so that they may feel the Holy Spirit testifying to them the truths that are being taught.

Laugh: Laughing is the best medicine. It relieves stress and pain.

Love: Love your mission companions, other missionaries, Mission leaders, the Lord and those people who you come in contact with. Love others so that they may feel the love of Christ through you.

The past 5 months have been quite the learning experience. I learned how to rely on Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ in all things. I learned how to fully humble myself. I learned how powerful the Atonement really is. Let Jesus Christ enter into your life. Let others help you. For no one can go through life alone. I know that Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ loves your with an infinite amount of love. He loves us all equally.

And I am happy to say that I will be returning to my mission within several weeks. No set date yet. I got my clearance from both of my doctors and church leaders to return very soon. I love the feeling when I triumphed over the hardest trial I experienced.

Live. Laugh. Love.

Love,

Laurel Greathouse

It Will All Be Worth It

Hey everyone! Welcome! Some of you may know that starting tonight, my life will change. A start to a new chapter in my life. Tonight, I will be set apart as a full-time missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. I am set to serve in the California, San Diego Mission for the next 18 months to share the message of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Yes, I am nervous and scared, because this is something out of my comfort zone. But I am excited for the new adventures. It will definatly be a sacrifice. I won't be able to see any of my family and friends throughout my whole mission, but I know blessings will come in my life through my service and sacrifices.

I can't thank my family and friends enough for what they have helped me with to get to this point in life. They are my life saviors. I wouldn't be the person I am today if it wasn't for the examples they have set for me. They have lifted me up when I was in a deep hole of despair. They have shared all my joys with me.

Nothing brings me greater joy than knowing soon I will serve the people who reside within the San Diego Mission. But most importantly, I am excited to serve the Lord by doing His work which is to share His gospel. I know that this experience will make me a better person. Yes, there will be up and downs, but in the end, It will all be worth it. Until we meet again. Love you all.

Love,

Laurel Greathouse

LIVE LAUGH LOVE

Happiness in Family LIfe

The family is important not only to society and to the Church but to our hope for eternal life.

(Preach my Gospel page 32)

It says in the proclamation to the World:
Happiness in Family Life is most likely to be achieved when founded upon the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ. Successful  families are established and maintained on principles of faith, prayer, repentance, forgiveness, respect, love, compassion, work, and wholesome recreational activities."
I would like to talk about some of these principles that contributes to happiness in the family.

1. The first one is faith. Faith in our family begins with trusting our Heavenly Father and His promises.
 Elder Dallin H. Oaks says, "As children of God, knowing of His great love and His ultimate knowledge of what is best for our eternal welfare, we trust in Him. The first principle of the gospel is faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, and faith means trust."
Act with faith; don’t react with fear.

2. Second is prayer. D&C 10:5

 President Thomas S. Monson states, "
Perhaps there has never been a time when we had greater need to pray and to teach our family members to pray. Prayer is a defense against temptation. It is through earnest and heartfelt prayer that we can receive the needed blessings and the support required to make our way in this sometimes difficult and challenging journey we call mortality."As a people, aren’t we grateful that family prayer is not an out-of-date practice with us? There is no more beautiful sight in all this world than to see a family praying together. There is real meaning behind the oft-quoted ‘The family that prays together stays together.’

*I have a funny experience to share. So when I was 13 yrs old, my family were headed back home to California from our vacation. We were around Baker, CA when we had to fill up the gas tank. My parents didn't want to pay like $2.50 in Baker, so they kept on driving towards Barstow, CA. They were hoping we would make it to the next gas station. It didn't happen. The gas tank was empty. So here we are parked on the side of the freeway in the heat. So my parents decided to say a prayer. I remember my mom started to say the prayer and she busted up laughing just because of how bizarre the situation was. I just remember sitting there waiting to find out what we were going to do. And all I remember was just playing the Gameboy and hearing one of my sisters complain about how she was going to miss American Idol on tv. She didn't care that the gas tank was empty. So my dad and I started to walk along the side of the freeway towards the nearest gas station. With big semi-trucks zooming past by within 20 feet of me and dad. This whole time I was having a prayer in my heart that I wouldn't get hit. We walked about 50 yards before a man pulled over on the road and gave us a ride to the gas station. Just from this experience I know prayers are answered.

3. Third, love in the family. President Dieter F. Uchtdorf states: "
Because love is the great commandment, it ought to be at the center of all and everything we do in our own family, in our Church callings, and in our livelihood. Love is the healing balm that repairs rifts in personal and family relationships. It is the bond that unites families, communities, and nations. Love is the power that initiates friendship, tolerance, civility, and respect. It is the source that overcomes divisiveness and hate. Love is the fire that warms our lives with unparalleled joy and divine hope. Love should be our walk and our talk."
Always tell your family you love them. Don't assume that they already know.
John 13:34-35
The greatest joys we experience are in family relationships. The joys come from putting others first before ourselves. That is what love is.

4. Fourth is compassion. Compassion means to feel love and mercy toward another person. It means to have sympathy and desire to relieve the suffering of others. It means to show kindness and tenderness toward another. The Savior has asked us to do the things which He has done, to bear one another’s burdens, to comfort those who need comfort, to mourn with those who mourn, to feed the hungry, visit the sick, to succor the weak, lift up the hands which hang down, and to ‘teach one another the doctrine of the kingdom’
When life seems tough, home can be a place where we
find love, compassion, and warmth. Within our family, we feel reassured that someone understands and cares how we feel. And the compassion we witness and experience at home inspires us to be more compassionate to others.

5. The fifth one is doing activities together. Families that play together stay together, especially when their play is uplifting and wholesome. Family vacations, holidays, birthday celebrations, and other activities build strong bonds within the family.

*I know the saying, Families that play together, stay together is true. There is another family memorable moment I like to share. When I was about 6, my family decided to go camping for a mini vacation. I remember being really excited to go. We set up the tent and then it  started to rain the whole time we were there. My excitement just dropped, because I loved to explore. I didn't like being in the cold. So I remember playing Uno with the family majority of the time in the tent. And my mom kinda demanded my sisters and I, "You will enjoy our time here." This camping trip was one to remember. Even though it rained the whole time, spending time with the family made it a whole lot better.
Nothing is better than creating great memories with our own families. Those are the times where we can grow closer as a family unit.

Elder Robert Hales said,

Strengthening families is our sacred duty as parents, children, extended family members, leaders, teachers, and individual members of the Church. Make our homes a safe place where each family member feels love and a sense of belonging. Realize that each child has varying gifts and abilities; each is an individual requiring special love and care.
 He then listed some ways oh how we can strengthen our families like serve together, pray together, read the scriptures and having family home evening.
I believe the key to strengthening our families is having the Spirit of the Lord come into our homes. The goal of our families is to be on the strait and narrow path. 2 Nephi 31:18. How great are the blessings we may receive by being on the strait and narrow path.

The word, "Family" means a lot to me. Being part of a family is wonderful. It means you will love and be loved no matter what may happen in life. Families are always there for each other. They are there to lift you up with the hard times and share the joys you experience while here on earth. Families grow together and stay together. Families are forever.

A Family Is Like
© Nicole M. O'Neil
A Family is like a circle
the connection never ends
and even if at times it breaks
in time it always mends
a family is like the stars
somehow there always there
families are those who help
who support and always care
A Family is like a book
the endings never clear
but through the pages of the book
their love is always near
A family is many things
with endless words that show
who they are and what they do
and how they teach you so you know
but don’t be weary if it's broken
or if through time its been so worn
families are like that-
they're split up and always torn
but even if this happens
your family will always be
they help define just who you are
and will be apart of you eternally

TESTIMONY
I love the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I know The Book of Mormon is true. I know families are eternal and can be together forever. I know that Heavenly Father has prepared a way for us to return to live with Him again. I am grateful for my own family who have helped me to get to this point in life where I will become a  missionary. Nothing brings me greater joy than knowing that I will soon serve the people in San Diego and be an instrument in the Lord's work. I have a testimony that the Atonement is real. I know Christ lives. With Jesus Christ and Heavenly Father in our lives, there is no need to fear. I know Thomas S. Monson is a prophet of God and what he says comes directly from the Lord.