Beautiful.

My dear friends,

I would first like to apologize for not writing for the last year, and also for the lack of communication via social media. I am not sure how many of you will read this since it has been so long since the last time I posted anything, but for those of you who were curious enough to click on this link: welcome, it is wonderful to see you again.
Now, my friends, I believe I owe you an explanation.
Over the past year many things have happened, and I am hoping I can bring you up to speed. There was the normal: graduating, finding a job, preparing to move out, saying goodbye to some friends, and hello to others, etc. Although, there were things that were wedged in between each of those; some that were good, yes, but others that tore a hole in my heart. I have seen the darkest side of those that I trusted, and in the end, taken some of their darkness with me. I fell for a guy who lied, and accepted him back a second time. I have seen the aftermath of a broken friend being surrounded by those that don't understand, and I have cried a thousand tears at the realization that I was numbered among them. I have sat and listened as one explained why life wasn't worth living, and held onto another as they crumbled to pieces in my arms. I have cried with others that couldn't give up drugs, bottle popping, porn and alcohol, and if you ask me what I learned from this last year, it would be:

Life. Is. Beautiful.

It is true my friend, this life that you are in, no matter how hard, broken or confusing that it might seem, it is the most beautiful creation in the entire universe. It is the most precious gift that we could be given, and in it we will be dealt with times that try us and test our faith, but we will also be dealt with times that reward us for our strength.
It is my hope and prayer that you will never forget the beautiful creation you are, and never stop grasping for that light in your life. Take care, and know that you are loved.

A Testimony Worth Sharing

While contemplating what I could write on this new years day, I have a tradition that I have carried out for the past few years. On the first day of each year as I am writing my first journal entry, I always end my time with looking back at the first entry of the previous year. What I found when I turned back tonight touched my heart, and while a journal is a very personal and sacred item, I wanted to share it with you.
Hope all is well.
Remember who you.

-Abby





January 1, 2014

Like I have written at the beginning of each year: man, that feels really weird to write. Anyway, a Happy New Year to you all out there (or to whomever is reading this)! Hope it will be a year to remember.
Today was wonderful. I didn't go anywhere, but today was the day that I finally got it.
Today was the day that I turned the last page in the Book of Mormon, got down on my knees and truly asked.
I asked if it is true, that these thing would be manifest unto me. I asked that if it is true that I might be able to gain a better testimony of it, that I might be able to go out there someday and teach it. 
After many minutes down on my knees I got an answer. I can't tell you how powerful the feeling was that came over me. It didn't come all at once, but kept building as I got to the end of my prayer. After closing my prayer I picked up my scriptures one last time, and after reading the verses in D&C 121: 7-10, I got the strange desire that I wanted to share it. All of it. Someday I want to go out there and tell people of what the Lord has given us. We are here right now, but in every way, we are not alone. We can be with our families forever. We can live in happiness, and all because of what one man suffered 2 thousand years ago.
Oh, the things I have taken for granite in my life, the people . . . Even the words of a book.
The events of today have also led my to finish all the requirements to receive my Honor Bee.
I am so very grateful for these things in my life. I know that I have been blessed beyond measure. 

-A