How to be Happy According to Nephi {Guest Post for Eden}

Hello fabulous readers! I just wanted to share the link for the guest post I did for Eden. She posted over here a while ago and it was great!

This post is kind of a follow-up to my post about why doing hard and/or strange things makes me incredibly happy.

Here's an excerpt from part 1:

"I promise you. I choose to do all of this 100% on my own.
So why? Why oh why? Why why why?
Because it makes me so incredibly happy. Giddy really. Overjoyed. Elated. Can't wash the smile off my face kind of happy."

My guest post talks about how Nephi and his people lived "after the manner of happiness" and how we can acheive that today. It's a fool proof recipe for happiness straight from a prophet of God! How crazy amazing is that?

read it here.

Have a wonderful day and don't forget to check out my latest post on Eden's blog!
-Shelby

Why waking up at 4:30 am and being a bit peculiar makes me incredibly happy

Everyone says they are weird. It's the norm. While it used to be the "cool thing" to be normal, now people find pride in saying they are weird. Crazy how the world is always tossing, flipping, and mixing things up, huh?

I'm not going all the way and saying that I'm weird, but trust me when I say I'm not your average teenager. Sure I like to text, I have an instagram, I try to look decent, and I'm a fan of food, but here's where it gets a little....different?

• I leave my house at 5:30 every morning so I can get to church on time for 6 am scripture study before school.  
• I try to learn about my ancestors so I can help them on their path to salvation because they've done so much for me. Yep, I do genealogy. It's not just for old people. 
• I love to babysit my younger siblings and spend time with my family. Some teens think their parents and siblings are lame. Not me. I think they're pretty much the bomb.com
• Ummm, I blog. What teenagers do this? I know of a few who are pretty awesome people. While it might be a little strange it makes me so happy. Even though a lot of people don't realize it blogging is actually pretty cool;)
• Aside from waking up early I try to read the scriptures on my own. I choose to read the King James version which can be pretty confusing. But I do my best to understand and keep reading because I love the peace and happiness it brings. 
• Once a month, on the first Sunday, I fast. I skip 2 meals without food and water for a special purpose. 
• I choose to use clean and uplifting language. I don't cuss and I do my very best to make all my words kind. 
• I've never tasted coffee in my life. I choose to keep my body the way Heavenly Father created. Really the best energy giver is sleep. 
• While I don't make a lot of money, I give 10% of what I earn to help build church buildings, temples, help those in need, and support missionaries.  
• I choose to listen to uplifting music. It really stinks when a song is ruined by a dirty word. 
• My biggest dream is to get married in the temple, have a family with a few kids, and be a mom.

Now don't get concerned. I promise I'm not sick:)

And I don't say all of this for praise or to sound like I'm awesome. Because while I do these things I don't do them perfectly. I try to but it's impossible. 

I do all this because I am a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. 

I don't get punished when I don't do these things. My mom doesn't make me. I'm not forced or required to do any of these things. It's definitely not a social norm I've decided to fall into. 

i promise you. i choose to do all of this 100% on my own. 

So why? Why oh why? Why why why? 

Because it makes me so incredibly happy. Giddy really. Overjoyed. Elated. Can't wash the smile off my face kind of happy. 

I might want to fall over because I feel like I'm drowning in school and seminary came quite early. It would be easy to pocket that extra 10% that could bring me closer to that fancy camera I'm yearning for. One bite of a cookie on the first Sunday of the month wouldn't kill me. And that cup of coffee that everyone claims to be gold could probably help me stay up just a bit longer. 

It would be easy as pie. But I honestly don't want to. 

This gospel gives me so much purpose. Reading my scriptures and writing this little old blog of mine has filled my time along with endless church activities. What purpose would I have without the gospel? I honestly don't want to think about where I would be without it. Would I still want to do good? Would I still try to be kind? Would I still work hard? Would I have friends who were good influences? Would my language be littered with curse words or scriptures I'm trying to memorize? Would I understand who I truly am? Because all of this plays such a vital role in who I am. 

The gospel brings me peace and joy and so so much goodness. I really can't describe the feelings I get. When I think about where I would be without it my heart starts to beat furiously and my face twists with worry. When I think about where I am with the help of my Savior my heart fills with so much joy and peace, I can't help but smile and I just want to hug and love everyone. 

While I've never become inactive or committed a humongous sin I have seen in my life where I have slacked a little. I started caring a little too much about what the world thought. I wanted to reach that goal but it was unattainable. I was not very happy. I just wanted to be enough. During that time I started and continued writing my blog. And so many wonderful things have happened since. Since I've poured my heart into the pages of the world wide web. Since I've read my scriptures and realized who I am. Since I realized it's about anything but me. Since I've realized how good kind feels. 

I don't think I can say it enough. I am happier than I've ever been. 

I'm still your typical teenager in the sense that I'm so helplessly imperfect. I mess up constantly. But I'm doing my best to come unto Christ so He can help me become as perfect as I can. 

So try it out for me.... live your best. Dedicate yourself to things that really matter and live happy. Because it's such a glorious thing when you make that leap of faith. 

come be inspired

I highly encourage EVERYONE (Mormon or not!) to tune in tonight and listen to the Women's broadcast! I promise you will leave feeling uplifted and inspired! It is amazing!

I admire these women (and men) who speak. I admire their courage and strength and the way they give up parts of their life to serve others. I hope I can be as amazing as them someday!

Busy tonight? That's ok! You can watch it later on lds.org.

Only 3.5 hours! Ahhhhh! I am so excited!
Please watch it, I promise you will be blessed!
-Shelby

Keep #embarking

Today in church we were asked to write down our best advice to someone who was embarking (is embarking a word?) on their journey to become more Christlike, here is my advice: 

The Savior lives and he loves you. No matter how dark life seems or how imperfect you feel, He is there. It is impossible to be perfect by ourselves, but we can become perfected through Christ. As we strive to come unto him and become more like him we will feel his love and the joy and peace that accompany it fill our hearts and lift our souls. He loves you no matter what. He is your best friend, your biggest cheerleader, your Comforter, and your Redeemer.

#servingothers2015

I recently read about a project some of my favorite bloggers are doing and I thought it would be awesome to link up!

I love the idea of trying to be kinder and more giving. As I wrote about in this post, I really want to become better at serving and truly giving of myself, but I have struggled to find ways to serve because I really want to make an impact, as I teen who isn't old enough to drive and doesn't have much money, this can seem hard to do. I will admit, I spent awhile in the well-I-guess-I-can't-do-anything phase, but I am ready to jump up and do what I can right now! I wish I could travel to a third world country, buy a bunch of things for orphans, and serve them for at least a month, but that is just not an option. So for now I will stick to opening doors and doing random acts of kindness:)
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We all know that person.

The one who is seen as annoying or hard to work with. The one who is mean or constantly
 brags. The one who drives us slightly crazy.

We try so hard to get along with them, but sometimes it seems impossible!I feel like a am a pretty nice person, I try my very hardest to be kind and patient with everyone, but some people just get under my skin!

So in my journey to embark on "serving with all my might, mind, and strength," I am striving to learn to love these people. To see them as Christ would.

And if you really look at these people, really trying to understand; a lot of times they really just need to know some one cares. They need to know they are gorgeous, smart, and destined for great things.

So this month (or I guess how ever long..), I will be making some nice little notes to put in their stuff when they aren't looking. I will also be striving to be more patient, but I think it would make me so happy to find an anonymous note in my pencil pouch telling me how amazing I am:)

I was going to make some cute printable, but I think a message typed in word (so the handwriting is unrecognizable) will be more mysterious and more personal than a cute printable that anyone can find online.

To the people who feel like no one cares, I want each of you to know that you ARE loved. I know with all my heart that there is a loving Heavenly Father who loves each and everyone of us beyond comprehension. There is a Savior who suffered for us and made it possible to repent and live again. Each and everyone of you was made for a divine and glorious purpose, you were created by The All Mighty. Ignore the world, they don't know what true beauty is. Focus on shining, coming unto Christ, and being filled with love and you will glow. Who ever you are, you are amazing and you are loved.

Happy Valentines Day!

Happy Valentines day!

I love the idea of having a holiday that focuses on love. Love is the essence of becoming Christlike. Christlike love is one of the most desired traits that makes us shine the brightest.

I really hate how Valentines day has become more about who is dating who and are you single or dating and let me spend a bazillion dollars on candy and other things that will probably make you gain some weight and put a small dent in my finances.

Don't get me wrong. I understand these people are trying to show their love. I am just more of a fan of homemade valentines cards with a small dollar store gift and a cheesy pun,

But I mainly want to focus on one of my biggest pet peeves.
Have you ever been walking down the hallways and you see what seems like 50 bazillion couples hugging and saying goodbye with teary eyes? And then you check instagram on a Monday or Wednesday and see 100 million #mcm or #wcw?

Yeah. That slightly annoys me. It bothers me how much worth the world puts on if you are dating or not. And this is only in middle/high school! Really there is no need to date so early! That does not determine your worth!

In the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints we don't believe in steady dating while you are in High School. We believe in getting to know a lot of different individuals so you can find out what you like and don't like in a person.

But some people get caught up in the whole lie that you are worthless if you aren't dating.

To those people who are dreading Valentines day because you are single-

You do have someone who loves you. The Savior is always there for you. No matter what. He loves you and that never changes.

I love this print from He & I blog:

“Your Heavenly Father loves you…that love never changes. It is not influenced by your appearance, by your possessions, or by the amount of money you have in your bank account. It is not changed by your talents and abilities. It is simply there. It is there for you when you are sad or happy, discouraged or hopeful. God’s love is there for you whether or not you feel you deserve love. It is simply always there."

So if you are alone tonight, watch a funny romantic movie, eat some chocolate, maybe a little ice cream? Snuggle up in a cozy blanket. And go to bed happy.

Because there is someone that always loves you.

Perfection

Becoming Perfect can be tricky.

There is so much to do!

You have to be kind to everyone, pray every day and night, read your scriptures, complete personal progress, attend church each Sunday, do family history, include everyone, share the gospel, index, get all a's, never be late, spend hours getting ready, etc

Whew! I'm tired after just typing that!




I love a recent new era articles comparison, "trying to become perfect all at once is like trying to up a mountain while riding a unicycle and juggling.


 Impossible.




The end goal of everything is to become perfect, but we don't have to do it all at once. That can lead to frustration and giving up. Those are two of the adversaries favorite tools.




You read about these on popular women's blogs. But I don't think that people realize how much it effects youth. We can feel the pressure of "being perfect" because we are the rising generation. The world is dark and taunting. The halls of school bring this to a peak. It can be a lot of pressure to be the one who has to stand up.




The rest of this article was amazing so I'll let you check it out here.
Please read it!


What was your favorite part?




Hope you have an amazing fantastic day!




PS: I wrote about this a little bit before..... You measure up!
PPS: Sorry about the crazy header.... I'm trying to redo my design but it's kind of messed up right now.

Guest Post for Whitney

Hello Blog World!

I recently (it was actually a while ago but I've been behind on blogging ...) had an opportunity to do a guest post on Whitney's Blog!

Remember when she did an amazing guest post here? Yeah..... She's pretty awesome!

Anyways, I'd love it if you went and checked it out!

Have an amazing day!

Just a Little Preview......

Keep Going

I saw this on pinterest the other day and loved it! I have used it as my wallpaper for my phone and it is so cute!  Click here for the original source.

 

It is so important to never give up! Just keep moving forward!

Another great quote on this topic:

(via)

 

Even when you feel like you cannot take one more step, when life seems so dark you feel as though you won't ever see light again- keep moving forward. Don't get discouraged, keep trusting, keep believing, kneel as much as you can, cry unto God. Do anything you have to, just don't quit. You are worth an infinite amount and God has a plan for you. You are not destined to fail,  but to succeed gloriously. He will not leave you in the dark.

 

Good things WILL come, I promise.

 

 





Because of Him

Because of Him we can have peace.
Because of Him we can be happy.
Because of Him we will live again.
Because of Him death has no power.
Because of Him we can be saved.
Because of Him we can live with our Heavenly Father again.
Because of Him we can see our love ones who have passed.
Because of Him Satan has no power unless we give it to him.
Because of Him we can regain perfect bodies after our death.
Because of Him we can live joyously.
Because of Him we can do great things.
Because of Him we have hope.
Because of Him we can change the world.
Because of Him we can leave behind regrets.
Because of Him there is no lasting pain.
Because of Him wrong is made right.
Because of Him all unfair things can become fair.
Because of Him we have Salvation.

It was the ultimate expression of love.

I have made to many mistakes to count, do I wish I could redo my life at times- certainly. But do I have regrets- no because I know that once I have repented The Atonement has made it right. I think the key is to feel sorry, make it right, repent, learn from it and move on. Don't spend valuble time regretting your mistakes. They can be made right through The Atonement. I know without a doubt that The Atonement is real. I know that our Savior loved us enough to die on the cross for us, beaten, bruised, and spit upon. He loved us that much. He loves us beyond comprehension. I know that The Atonement makes it possible for us to return to live with our Heavenly Father someday. I know that everything stated above is true. We can have peace and hope and joy and salvation. If we will just believe and accept this glorious truth! I am so thankful for the Saviors amazing gift to us.

This past year I have learned so much about The Atonement. My faith has been strengthened beyond measure. I love the come follow me curriculum and everything it teaches. I think one of the most powerful atonement lessons I have learned is the 3 principles of The Atonement.
                  1)All that is unfair can be made right through the atonement
                  2) Love
                  3) Through The Atonement the natural man can be overcome.
I know with out I doubt this is true.

-Shelby

#becauseofhim

      

"Jesus is the Son of God, our Savior and Redeemer. Because of Him, death is not the end, and life takes on new meaning. We can change, we can start over—and we can live again with God. This Easter, celebrate His life and discover all that’s possible because of Him."

                                                                                         -Mormon.org 

Please, oh pretty please watch this video! It is so true! The atonement is amazing! Because of him so much is possible.

I add my testimony that everything in this inspiring video is true.

-Shelby
PS. While you are at it please check out this page on mormon.org!

You Measure Up!

There is a lot I want to do in life. My bucket list is getting quite long... not to mention my list of hobbies to try & traits to develop. I want to become better at photography and eventually do it to learn a little money. I want to learn more about videography and become better at handlettering. I'd love to be a better blogger and I'd love to travel more. I wish I was a lot better at painting and playing the guitar. 

As I try to work on these things I love looking up tutorials and things that the pros have done to inspire me.

But sometimes you read a watch a video and the person who made it went to the coolest place and got the lighting just right and picked the perfect music and everyone in this perfect clear as day video with perfect colors looks so happy. And then you read a blog that posts every single. day, multiple times a day. Oh yeah, and every single picture they post is perfection. I'm so grateful and amazed at the hard work people do to put goodness out in the world. But sometimes I get a little discouraged because sometimes I go weeks without posting on my blog and even though I should be posting on my instagram daily.. I'm just not. Sometimes I have no clue what to film or photograph because I don't travel that much. 

These examples have to do with hobbies and skills, but I've felt this in so many areas of life! I think a lot of people struggle with it. We have to stop being so hard on ourselves! 

It has taken this person quite some time and a lot of hard work to get where they are. We don't ever know what exactly they've been through to get there. So let's cheer them on. 

You can’t compare a baby’s skill to an adult’s. That's just not fair. Just because an adult can talk better than a baby can it doesn’t mean the adult is better than the baby. We are all in different stages of life, the baby just needs more practice. Right now not all my pictures are crystal clear and the lighting is a bit funky in some of them. Right now I'm not the most dedicated blogger or instagrammer. But guess what? That is totally okay.

I know that one day, if those continue to be goals of mine, I will get there. And in the meantime I'm going to keep working and trying, but I'm going to have fun with it! I'm going to live my life happily and doing what I want to do instead of comparing myself to others. Because you know what? I measure up, you measure up, we all measure up! 

And if I'm being totally honest- we shouldn't even be measuring ourselves! The only person you should measure is your present self to your old self and try to grow a little.

So tell yourself right now:

I am amazing and wonderful and Heavenly Father is proud of me. I'm doing my best and that's all I can do, but as I keep trying and failing I WILL REACH THAT GOAL. I won't give up and I won't stop because I can do it. 

Wherever you are in life, don’t feel bad about not being perfect. Don’t worry about being as amazing as the seemingly perfect (even though I promise you they aren’t) person you admire. Because Heavenly Father is proud of you this very minute. He loves you and he appreciates every good, tiny thing you do. He knows that you are trying SO hard and you often get frustrated, but he wants you to keep going. He wants you to know that you are enough! He wants you to know that no matter what you do you will always be enough for him!

 He wants you to know that you measure up.