why do bad things happen to good people?

We all face trials, some larger than others. They are our personal trials, meant for us. They are to teach us something. Sometimes I have no idea what I am supposed to learn from my trials. I know that we grow through our trials. 2014 has been a weird year for me. It has been so great. But also so hard. Heavenly Father has tested my patience. Some little dumb things have happened, mainly bad luck and me being dumb. Others are larger. No matter what it is, these things happen to us for a reason. This past devotional was great and I felt like was meant for me. Brent H. Neilson spoke about learning from our trials. Here are some notes I took from Tuesday that I would like to share:

"your happiness comes from freeing your past sins"
"He is standing at the door knocking"
"the savior has paid the price"
"embrace your trials"
"move forward with faith not fear"
"be patient and cheerful"
"you do not need to carry your load alone"

I feel like a lot of the devotionals this semester have been about being happy, repenting, and forgiveness. I really like what Brother Neilson had to say. During our trials it can seem very hard but we need to be "patient and cheerful". When someone treats you poorly all you can do is move on and forget about them. Be the bigger person and forgive. I found this quote I liked, "Forgiveness doesn't excuse their behavior. Forgiveness prevents their behavior from destroying your heart." Move forward with peace.

"Brothers and sisters, there is enough heartache and sorrow in this life without our adding to it through our own stubbornness, bitterness, and resentment.

We are not perfect.

The people around us are not perfect. People do things that annoy, disappoint and anger. In this mortal life it will always be that way. Nevertheless, we must let go of our grievances. Part of the purpose of mortality is to lean how to let go of such things. That is the Lord’s way."

-Dieter F. Uchtdorf

I love this. Keep your heads up and listen to christmas music.

Okay one last quote:

"Blame keeps wounds open. Only forgiveness heals." -Thomas S. Monson

And if you know me I like pictures more than words so here is a random picture that makes me happy :)

falling for fall

I can't believe this semester is already halfway over. It definitely has been a different semester. All my friends are pretty much gone but I love hanging out with the boys and maddi. I feel like I have learned a lot this semester. I learned I only need two more semesters after this one to graduate! So crazy! I don't feel old enough. I have no idea what I will do after I'm done. But I have a while to decide. Lately I have been thinking about what it means to be happy. Honestly I never think about this because luckily I'm normally always happy. I know what makes me happy. It is the gospel of Jesus Christ. I'm a person who likes to go out and do things. When I don't have anyone to go out and do things with I go crazy bored and get lonely. We are never alone though. I'm so glad I have my Heavenly Father. He has taught me so much and I am so grateful for the people he puts in my life. It is the simple things we do everyday that makes us happy. We can't wait around to be happy. Decide to be happy and be positive. If someone screws you over, forget about them. They aren't worth it. Put your head up and move on. I'm so lucky to have great roommates and friends. Hopefully a man will fall into my life soon but for now I am happy. We can't rely on someone else to make us happy. Choose what makes you happy. I love fall so much. I love the yellow leaves, pumpkin carving, sweater weather, hot chocolate, and scary movies. To sum up my semester so far...

-Scoops Ice Cream

-Civil Defense Caves

-Slack Lining

-D.I.

-Taco Bell

-Jeru Crew

-Weddings

-Pumpkin Patch

-Pumpkin Carving

-Soccer Games

-R Mountain

-Hot Springs

-Sammy's

-Kelly Canyon

-Apple Picking

-Greasers

-Halloween Parties

-Hocus Pocus

-Caramel Apples

-Karaoke

-G's Dairy

-Walking Dead

-Soda Vine

-Mcdonalds Sunday Nights (after midnight)