making the best of (maybe even enjoying) school

so... it happened.. the dreaded school started. #isurvived1stquarter

and we've officially survived. whew. i think most people have been in about a month but i just finished my first quarter since we started way back on august 10th. whaat? september's over? it's crazy how time flies when you're having fun (????)

I definitely don't hate or even totally dislike school but i'm not sure it's 100% possible to look forward to the start of school after so many months of late nights, late mornings, friends, adventuring, and doing what you want.

all that said, i definitely 100% beleive that it's possible to be happy at school & not die, maybe have a little fun, laugh, and not totally dread waking up in the morning (i know leaving your warm sheets is pretty much the worst thing ever but after that it's not so bad right? especially if you have some rad jams to listen to while you get ready. (i have a ton for you right here)

i'm definitely no expert but here's the best tips i've got. & i've officially survived a quarter of this school year without being overly stressed and being pretty happy with my life so i'm pretty sure they're legit:)

1. Don't stress
Stop it right now. School pretty much equals stress but please try not to fret the little stuff. Yes, you should probably start working on your 5 page paper that's due tomorrow but don't stress about that the whole day when you can't do anything about it because all that's going to do is ruin your whole day. After a big test try really hard not to worry about what you got on your test because it's done, as sad as it might be you can't change the score now so really try not to worry about the outcome. And then when you get the test back and maybe you didn't do as well as you would have liked try to set a goal for next time & move on with your life because why stress about what you can't change.

2. Don't stop adventuring
Let me clarify what i define as an adventure. To me an adventure is anything that is a little out of the ordinary and might be a little exciting. When I think of summer i think of lots of small adventures. Late night fires, playing basketball until late at night with my brother, watching the stars, daytime hikes, silly times with your friends, staying up late and watching movies, kayaking, swimming, trying something new, learning how to do something new. s'mores, jamming out, driving with all the windows down and feeling the wind in your hair, spontaneous outings. Obviously big adventures are tons and tons of fun, but i think that these little adventures are what makes life so worthwhile. So keep on adventuring. Make good choices but decide to stay outside and look at the stars, get ice cream spontaneously, watch a funny movie, take a random dance break in the middle of your homework, stay up late talking about something deep, keep laughing, and keep having (responsible) fun. I mean i stayed up until 10 last night watching Legally Blonde so i'm obviously living the party life...haha:) but really don't let all the summer magic wear off!

3. Grow your circles
I was horrible at this last year but try to find a small group of friends in each class. Someone to text if you need help with homework or to group up with if you have a project. i know it's so much easier to just keep to yourself and hide behind your phone, but once you get past that little bit of awkwardness school will be 10x as fun! they don't have to be your new besties or anything, just some fun people to joke around with ya know? people can totally surprise you. i've had classes in the past where i got sat by someone who i thought was "popular" or mean or something else but most of the time i'm totally surprised and we become great friends.

4. Try to keep up some good habits
I definitely wasn't ms. perfect this summer, but there were several good habits i finally sort of mastered. scripture study was one of them, i've always loved the scriptures but haven't been the most consistent. i was finally able to read daily for a few months and i don't want to lose that habit! Choose one or two good habits to keep going with & it will make the transition easier, plus you'll have a few new awesome good habits and who doesn't want that?

5. Seminary (!!!)
ah man i could write a book about how much i love seminary! (please consider that i leave my house at 5:30 am so i can get to seminary and then think about how awesome it must be) seriously, go. to. seminary. it is the best thing on the planet. it's such a huge spiritual boost for your day! i love getting to start my day with the scriptures, awesome people who help me become better, and then getting to school already awake and most of the time pretty happy cause of my awesome morning. it's the best!

6. Make memories
The homework can wait, sleep is overrated, and high school is short. you're only going to be young once so make good choices but live it up! Choose to hang out with your friends one night, don't skip mutual for homework because you'll definitely have more fun at mutual, don't skip family game night for more sleep cause sleep will always be there but before you know it you're going to be packing up and leaving your dear fam. I figure that everything will fall into place when you put what needs to go first first.


(i would add don't procrastinate to this list but i honestly haven't mastered this...like at all...so i can't write about it from experience.. but i've heard that actually starting assignments before the day before they are due or you know, the morning they are due works wonders though haha)

so i guess i'll just wrap this up with a huge good luck cause you're gonna rock this school year. high school isn't forever so live it up while you can, but also don't die when you do something embarassing okay?

best of luck!
-shelby

june 2016

(playing a little bit of catch up & sharing a few memories from June)

june was a really really great month. It was pretty crazy busy with a lot of good things but it flew by. (looking back it seems super long compared to july) 

June started off with a bang because the June 1 was the last day of school. The last day was filled with goodbyes and hugs and pretty much doing nothing and then in one last flurry of gathering papers, pictures, and hugs freshman year was over just like that. It's kind of crazy that a year could go by so stinkin' fast! It makes me a little scared because wow, high school is gonna fly! It's also a bit weird because soon I'll be doing  all the stuff you see in movies and think about as a little girl, prom, driving, ya know- all the classic high school stuff.

Other exciting things that happened in June:
+I attended my first graduation
+End of the year seminary party (seminary was really one of the best parts of this year & the end party was pretty great. A mystery old testament dinner, an auction - we got points to spend throughout the year-, and a lot of basketball)
+ Celebrated 2 of my friends birthday's with really fun surprises.
+Worked on a pretty exciting project I'll be announcing soon
+ 1 stake dance. A luau which barely anybody showed up to but was still pretty rad. our wards bought leis & we all matched #winning.
+babysat & mowed lawns (i don't have an official job this summer since I can't drive but i still need to make a little bit of money)
+finished the PARTY PATIO! Whoop whoop. A ton (like a lot) of work went into this project and it's pretty much done now except for the bug table. i'll have to share some pics once we finish that.
+lots & lots of bonfires. most nights were spent outside sitting around a campfire just enjoying the stars. Most of the time just with our fam but sometimes with friends. It really was perfect summer bliss just listening to the fire pop. the crickets chirp. and the quiet buzz of good conversation and laughter around the soft glow of the fire and the hundreds of stars above us.
+setting off a bunch of lanterns.. pretty much just like tangled;)
+  lots of bike rides on back country roads (me & nate's fav excersise)
+yakking (kayaking) we went on some pretty fun runs this month. my fav was the river that had a bunch of rapids. the thrill of being pushed by the current and the water splashing in your face is the best feeling.
+fathers' day. i'm so grateful for my dad and all the sacrifices he makes for our family. He teaches me how to work hard and takes me on adventures all the time.
+lots of journaling. i wanted to become better at journaling this summer & i'm pretty proud of myself for actually somewhat keeping this goal.

gratitude list (really trying to start doing this every night, obviously didn't do very good in june & july wasn't my best month... maybe august will be the month?)

6/15- yummy food, Emma's birthday, gold streamers, surprises, storms, & birthdays

6/16- cute movies (finding dory), mini piñatas, confetti, Natalie' birthday, chilling with siblings 

6/17- progress on the patio, competitions with Nate, pretty weather outside 

6/18- lake, kayaks, gorgeous nature, movie nights, late night Father's Day prep, jumping off rock @ the lake

6/19- my wonderful dad, Sunday afternoon naps, late night fires, church, Sunday dinners 

6/20- great memories, cheesy movies, satisfying feeling after you get a bunch of little things done, really pretty sunshine

6/21- planning hefy fundraisers, chickfila agreeing to sponsor, tea party with bella this morning talking the whole time in accents about our crazy French life in the fashion industry (haha it's the little things right?)

here are some of the highlights of my instagram. check it out here.

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

Thoughts on the Atonement// Articles of Faith 3

*The following is from a talk I wrote and gave a while back. I know the Atonement is real and the Savior and our loving Heavenly Father know us and care about us more than we can even comprehend. Please keep this in mind throughout the week! Happy Monday!*

We believe that through the Atonement of Christ all Mankind may be saved by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel.

It was the ultimate expression of love.

The key to peace, joy, and happiness in this life and the life to come.

The Atonement plays such a vital role in each of our lives. “(Alma 34:9).... according to the great plan of the Eternal God there must be an atonement made, or else all mankind must unavoidably perish;  Bruce C Hafen said, “Christ’s Atonement is at the very core of this plan. Without his dear dear sacrifice, there would be no way home, no way to be together, and no way to be like him”

Without the Atonement the gospel is pointless. We can never become like Christ and we can never return to live with our Father in Heaven, so why try? Living the gospel. without applying the Atonement is useless. We will never be perfect on our own, we will never overcome the Natural Man without the guidance of the Spirit we can get when we have repented, and we can never truly repent without Christ’s unimaginable sacrifice of taking our and other’s pain upon him.

The Atonement encompasses so much of our life. There are 3 principles of the Atonement:

1. Love.
1. The Atonement is the ultimate expression of love. The Savior was willing to suffer unimaginable pain and humiliation for our, yes mine and everyone else’s in this room and in the world, salvation. If you feel like no one cares, I want each and every one 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. A Father who was willing to send his Beloved Son, who had done no wrong and made no mistake, to suffer.
2. All things unfair can be made right through the Atonement.
1. Many things in this life are unfair. From simply being let down, to terrible shootings the age old saying “life’s not fair” rings true as ever. But why does our Father in Heaven allow this to happen to good people? Dallin H Oaks explains it best, “Our needed conversions are often achieved more readily by suffering and adversity than by comfort and tranquillity.”7 While we know that unfair things happen for a reason, it doesn’t always make it easier. The precious Sacrifice of The Savior allows us to press forward through trials and forgive those that have wronged us because our Savior has felt our pain and has payed the price for other’s mistakes. "And he shall go forth, suffering pains and afflictions and temptations of every kind; and this that the word might be fulfilled which saith he will take upon him the pains and the sicknesses of his people…..(12) and he will take upon him their infirmities, that his bowels may be filled with mercy, according to the flesh, that he may know according to the flesh how to succor his people according to their infirmities."(Alma 7:11) The Atonement allows the Savior to fully comfort us and stand beside us, carrying us when we are too weak to walk, and whispering peace into our hearts when we are worried and overcome; because he knows exactly what we are feeling. The night in Gethsemane allowed The Savior to overcome every unfair thing in this life.
3. You can overcome the natural man through the Atonement.
1. So what is the Natural Man? According to Mosiah 3:19, where King Benjamin is talking, “The natural man is an enemy to God, and has been from the fall of Adam.” King Benjamin warned that in this natural, or fallen, state, each person will be an enemy to God forever “unless he yields to the enticings of the Holy Spirit, and putteth off the natural man and becometh a saint through the atonement of Christ the Lord, and becometh as a child, submissive, meek, humble, patient, full of love, willing to submit to all things which the Lord seeth fit to inflict upon him, even as a child doth submit to his father.” The ultimate goal of our time on earth is to become more like Christ. But we can’t become like him on our own. It’s simply impossible. We are all human and imperfect beings learning and striving to be our best and we will all slip up and make mistakes at one time or another.One of my favorite scriptures, which happened to be the youth theme in 2014, states, “Come unto Christ, and be perfected in him, and deny yourselves of all ungodliness” (Moroni 10:32).  This scripture reiterates the fact that we are all imperfect beings that rely on Christ. We can’t do it without his help. We have to depend on the Atonement to overcome the Natural Man inside of us. While it is easy to become frustrated on our mortal journey to our lofty goal of perfection, a New Era article puts it best, "trying to become perfect all at once is like trying to climb up a mountain while riding a unicycle and juggling, Impossible.” But as we learn to apply the Atonement to our lives, day by day, minute by minute, we learn a fundamental truth taught by Quentin L Cook “The enabling power of the Atonement of Christ strengthens us to do things we could never do on our own.”

The Atonement can bring us the peace we so desperately seek in this world of turmoil and contention. Quentin L. Cook said, “The Savior is the source of true peace. Even with the trails of life,  because of The Savior’s Atonement and His grace, righteous living can be rewarded through personal peace.”

The last part of this Article of Faith is key to our Salvation. “By Obedience to laws and Ordinances.”

The Atonement is not a magic wand. It doesn’t clean up and fix everything magically. We must do our part by living Christ’s word and desiring to become clean and pure. We must desire and try our very best to live according to the teachings of the Gospel.

Linda K Burton gave an amazing analogy to The Atonement in the 2012 Conference, “A woman walking along a road fell into a pit so deep she could not climb out. No matter what she did, she could not get out by herself. The woman called for help and rejoiced when a kind passerby heard her and lowered a ladder down into the pit. This allowed her to climb out of the pit and regain her freedom”

Luckily, we don’t have to wait and wait just hoping that someone will throw down a ladder. Christ has already paid the price of buying the ladder, which allows us to climb out of our pit of sin and come unto the vast beautiful world of righteousness and salvation once we truly desire to get out. Then we must do our part by actually climbing the ladder.

I have made too many mistakes to count, do I wish I could redo parts of my life? 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 valuable 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 so we could live again with him by becoming clean of our sins.. 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 Christ lives and loves us no matter what. He is your best friend, your biggest cheerleader, your Comforter, and your Redeemer. He knows we are imperfect, and walks beside us, helping us become who we are destined to be and fulfilling our Divine Inheritance as sons and daughters of a living Heavenly Father. Since he has faced such devastating pain we can find peace and comfort knowing that he always stands beside us. He will lift us up and carry us through times of strife, darkness, and hurt. He is there. He loves us. He added purpose to our mortal ministry no other could. I know will all my heart the he broke the chains of death, freeing us from it's bondage. We can have peace and hope and joy and salvation. If we will just believe and accept this glorious truth! It was the ultimate expression of love. The key to peace, joy, and happiness in this life and the life to come.I am so thankful for the Savior's amazing gift to us.

In the name of Jesus Christ Amen,

We thank thee O God for a prophet!//Amos 3:7

A few days ago I was in charge of the seminary devotional. If you're unsure what that means it's pretty much the opening spiritual thought for early morning bible study. We had to draw scriptures out of a bucket and I happened to pull out Amos 3:7. At first I have to admit I was a little disappointed because it isn't super duper close to conference, but then I realized it was our dear prophet's birthday recently (I actaully ended up giving it the day before his birthday...) and I couldn't help but think how stunningly perfect the timing was for me to study about prophets. Isn't it just amazing how everything always works out?!

Amos 3:7 says.......

 "Surely the Lord God will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets."

After looking at the foot notes I loved the Joseph Smith translation. It tells us the word but means until, so here is what it is really saying....

 "Surely the Lord God will do nothing, until he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets."

(As a side note secret means vision or revelation, not some kind of sneaky thing.)

I thought that was pretty cool. There is so much changing in a world where wicked is becoming the norm. There is so much we need to be prepared for. And we can, We can be prepared for those things that knock us off our feet and take us by surprise. Those crazy disasters and confusing society shifts.

Here are a few recent examples.....

• We were counseled to get food storage prepared. Since then the economy has dropped, jobs are harder to find, and countless natural disasters have taken place. Countless people have been  less hungry for following this inspired counsel. 
• In 1995 The Family a Proclamation to the World was announced. Since then laws have changed, divorce has increased, gender is being questioned, and countless priorities have tried to overtake our few hours of family time. By listening to that advice so many years ago and strengthening our families many latter day saints have been prepared to face these strong attacks on the family. 

I just wanted to wrap this up with one more quote:

{source: lds.org}

I am so grateful for the profound influence prophets have had on my life and the comforting knowledge that I never have to be taken by surprise and unprepared if I will just listen to the prophet.

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. 

Increasing your Glow// Guest Post by Eden

Good Morning lovely readers! Nice to see you again! It's been awhile and a lot has happened since we last talked. School has started, I've been on a few adventures, and I leave bright and early each morning for seminary (which I love by the way...). But all of that can wait because for now I have a guest post from the lovely Eden! I'm super excited to have her over here today! I'll be posting over on her blog later this week so be ready for that too! Edens blog is wonderful so you should definitely go check it out! Now... a drum roll for Eden!
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Hello everyone! My name is Eden. I'm the girl behind the blog We Are Worth Saving. I am super excited to be on Shelby's blog today. She's such an amazing writer, and she is so creative and fun! I am 15, a lover of food, and a can't-stop-smiling type of girl. Oh, and teenage bloggers ... UNITE! Shelby is writing a guest post for my blog, so stay tuned for that!

This is me, in the middle with the black shirt. If you're wondering, yes, we are in fact holding crawfish...yum!

So for this post I'll be writing about how we can increase our light. This post is sort of a part 2 to the post on my blog here. I definitely recommend giving it a read to gain a little back-story for this post.

As I was reading some articles online, I found a study that HuffPost did where they looked up various religions using Google autocomplete suggestions. I decided to conduct my own search so it would be more recent. This is what came up:

A lot of non-members of the LDS church have noticed something different about the appearance of Mormons. I was surprised by this, but apparently it's true. These are a couple of screenshots I found online:

This really interested me. There was even scientific studies that proved it. According to several general authorities, someone accompanied by the Holy Ghost glows. It's a SPIRITUAL attractiveness. So, in this post I will share some ways that you can increase your light.

The way to increase your light is to come closer to Christ. This quote perfectly tells you how; "Consecrating one's life to the Savior, Jesus Christ, increases one's light."

Image Source

So, how can we become more like Christ, and come closer to Him?

We can do it by developing our testimonies and having faith in Christ. Focusing on Him will bring us closer. The Lord said, "I am the true light that lighteth every man that cometh into the world." And guess what? We were created in the image of God. We have the Light of Christ in us, whether it be a small sliver or a bright, blinding light. Our divine worth is so amazing. Unfathomable. We can be bearers of this glorious light. Let the sunshine that is in your heart show in your face.

I am constantly trying to be more like Christ, but it is hard. Temptations arise, and there are a lot  of worldly things out there. Like when I get upset with my siblings, I have to remind myself that I'm not being Christ-like. For me, it is something I work on a lot. Even constantly.

Here are 10 traits of Jesus Christ, and some ways to work on them. I invite you to choose one and work on it. Maybe even use it as a Personal Progress experience!

1. Faithful. We can do this by keeping the commandments.
2. Forgiving. This includes ourselves as well as others. This can be one of the hardest for some people. Thankfully, I am downright awful at holding grudges. No joke. Even if I try.
3. Giving. Try to serve others everyday, even if it is just holding a door open or smiling at someone. It will most likely make their day.
4. Prayerful. Pray daily and give thanks. Really try to communicate with God. He is our Father and He loves us. He wants to listen.
5. Wise. Study the scriptures and be willing to learn.
6. Virtuous. I can't begin to express the amazing thing that virtue is. A virtuous woman's price is "far beyond rubies." It really does shine. Maybe evaluate the entertainment or music you listen to. For me, sometimes I stray from this and listen to music that probably isn't the best thing to be listening to. I'll say, "Oh, but it's catchy." But let me tell you, there are some amazing artists out there with catchy music that doesn't have curse words or suggestive lyrics.
7. Humble. Do His work, and trust in Him. Try not to be prideful.
8. Charitable. Try doing little acts of kindness, and share Christ's pure love.
9. Patient. I have trouble with this one the most I think. This includes others and with ourselves.
10. Obedient. Make good choices and follow His commandments.

Lastly, CHOOSE to be happy and you WILL shine. "Nothing is more beautiful, none more inspiring than a lovely daughter of God who walks in virtue with an understanding of why she should do so, who honors and respects her body as a thing sacred and divine, who cultivates her mind and constantly enlarge the horizon of her understanding, who nurtures her spirit with everlasting truth."

James E. Faust said, "I see the light shining in your faces. That light comes from the Lord, and as you radiate that light, it will bless you and many others." Check out one of his amazing talks here!

Thanks again Shelby for letting me guest post on your blog! Come and check out some of my other posts on We Are Worth Saving!

CTR Super Heroes

Superheros have been on my mind a lot lately.

I've been working my way through the Avengers movies. I saw Avengers 2 a few weeks ago and decided after seeing that one I should probably see the ones that came before. I knew literally nothing before I went to see it. If you want to know how clueless I was I thought superman and spiderman would be in it. Whoops... I know better now. Haha:)

A while back me and my youth group did a 5K (Which I wrote about a little right here.) It was a superhero one and it was pretty awesome. It rained SO hard that day and I don't know if I've ever been wetter, but it was still a great experience.  I learned a lot about dedication while I prepared for it and it was such a great missionary opportunity.

Our team name was the CTR League.

And we got so many questions about what that meant. Were we the choose to run league? Were we the cumberland trace running club? What does CTR mean?

Choose the Right. 

Wow, that's pretty straight forward. But so tricky at times.

And it really stands out to people.

We had an old man come up to us and tell us how much he loved the message and what we are standing for. People will notice when you get a group of teens together who are kind and fun, but not crazy and disruptive. Teens who are smiling and laughing with out cussing or doing anything inappropriate. Teens who are happy for others. Teens who are respectful of others. (The other day I saw some teenage guys at sonic steal the enter sign. Like they took the front panel off- let's just leave it at the manager very clearly was unhappy and then we left because it was not a G rated scene;)

So stand for choosing the right. And make it known. Through your speech, actions, and everything you do. People WILL notice and it will impact them!

Choosing the Right can be your superhero. It will save you and keep you out of bad situations. It's the most awesome superhero because it saves you before the situation even occurs. The CTR Superhero is pretty cool because it is up to you to use it. You don't have to hope it rushes to your rescue- you know it will always be there as long as you let it!

What's your favorite superhero?

Have a great day!
-Shelby

I'm dreaming of the beach...

I am in full countdown to the end of school mode. It's almost over!!!!! Ahhhhhhh! So as I daydream of things to come and think about trips past I want to share some pics. I barely posted anything about any trips over the summer, but I just uploaded all my phone pics so now they are super easy to get to. So yeah, there's not much more to it. I don't know if anyone will be interested but I want a distraction from homework to visit a little bit of memory lane.

So first up on the docket: Rosemary Beach Florida, Fall Break 2014

All iPhone pics because I forgot my camera. SERIOUSLY SHELBY?!? You forgot your camera on vacation?!? yes I will admit it. Actually thinking back I could have brought it but the sand made me so nervous! So thanks for being there for me old iPhone..... And don't worry most of these pictures are pretty ok. I've weeded it down a lot!

My dad grew up playing baseball and my brother is a baseball addict. And I guess it's some rule that you should bring your baseball glove to the beach. Whoops I forgot mine.... but it's probably okay since I haven't touched it in like 3 years or something like that;) Anyway we were stopped at a gas station after a few hours of driving and they went to edge of the parking lot and starting tossing. 'Cause like what else would you do?

 This was me pretty much everyday (except usually in my bathing suit and coverup) We rented bikes which was super fun. Also those sunglasses were my favorite. These are my only pair now- summer goal get some more;) These are like my favorite ever and they were a super deal because I got them for like 3 dollars. Idk if they actually protect from the sun, but they look cute and haven't broke so they work in my book;)

 Beach volleyball is my new favorite. Just not sure how to move the beach to ky haha. Anyway it was super fun because you could dive and it doesn't hurt at all. I look really unprepared but I promise I got that one:)

 The sunglasses again....take me back to the beach!!!

 Fall break fell over conference weekend (posts about past conferences here) so we got to listen to it on the beach! It was so spiritual to hear God's prophets surrounded by the beauty of nature. The beach was pretty empty that Sunday morning so it was mostly the sound of the waves and seagulls, warm sun, and spiritual goodness.

 This was the coolest pathway thing. It was so cute. I should have gotten a better pic, but I took this while riding my bike past so I consider it pretty good;) I got teased a tiny bit for "texting and biking" but really I'm only addicted to pictures not texting haha

 I think this is what I looked like.

 "Let's touch all the palm tree plants while we bike! Can you do it B?)

 Perfectly lined up palm trees. This makes me happy. Took it while biking...I've got skill ;)

 We biked to this donut truck that was adorable!

 The sun was really in our eyes.

 Sorry about my finger. But color makes me really happy so these blue chairs and everyone playing in the distance brought a smile to my face.

it was pretty adorable and yummy and how can you not take a picture infront of it? Especially when you are on a bike and have on pink sunglasses? 

 This was the ceiling in a tent/store thing and it was so cute! The adorable garland thing is made of string with ribbon tied around it! When you go there you can tie a piece on and it is so cute! Totally on my bucket list!

 Sorry for this super blurry picture but it only lasted a second and it was super fun. I absolutely love renting one of these and trying to stand, riding the waves, and going out super far. We started to go out to this sandbar thing but then we started seeing weird things and chickened out:)

Little girls in tutus on bikes in cobblestone streets. SO. MUCH. CUTENESS!

 The last pics are super blurry but we went to the beach one last time. And it was exhilarating to go at night. The wind was blowing my hair in circles and the ocean was pounding in majestic power. It seemed to go on forever and ever. As we said our last goodbyes you could feel the power that nature held. It was almost sacred in a way. On both sides as you looked along the coast you could see millions of tiny lights. But as you looked out at the ocean it was pitch black. A never ending darkness. Crashing and roaring. Under the peaceful and tiny, yet peircing light of billions of stars. It was indescribebale. The power of nature and it's creator stood out to me and made me feel tiny in a glorious way.

 The next morning we left. We left the ocean and the sun and the beach. We left their power and their peace and the joyous memories they bring. We left a little bit of the wonder, wimsy, and laidbackness you save for the beach each year.

(I think I'm going to end this like you would end a book. it just sounds kind of dramatic but I like it:)

And we returned to this. A different kind of beautiful. An ordinary beautiful filled with vibrancy and the fabric that makes life life. A this filled with happys and sads and frusterations and joys. But a this that was amazing still the same. A this that we tried to find the happy in. A this that was normal, but good. A this that seemed to become dull but then threw surprises like crazy. I this we sometimes hate but really love. A busy this. A crazy this. But we brought some wonder back. We brought some happiness back. We brought some amazing memories back.

And all of that from every trip, everyday, every little thing, is what makes my now.

And I love it

Good Music

I am so excited because I recently bought a writing tablet, but it is taking a while to get the hang of it, so please bear with me! 

I am always on the hunt for good music. I hate listening to the same few songs over and over and I have been trying to find a good mix, It is so stinkin hard to find good clean music! I thought I would share some of my recent finds: (in no order)

1. Carmen Rasmusen

This was a more recent find, but she is a Mormon singer and some of her songs are super cute, Some of my favorites include Shine, Your Love, and Happy. (I couldn't find the official videos for some of them, but they are the same lyrics/music so I thought it was ok)

2. Madilyn Paige

I haven't listened to her new(ish) album yet, but I listened to the songs she sang on The Voice and they were beautiful! She has such a pretty, powerful voice! I also love that the focus of her album is self worth and confidence, which everyone needs a little bit of.

3. Beyond 5 Faithful Album

If you are looking for some good Sunday music these are pretty amazing, I couldn't find a good youtube video, but you can listen to the full album on their website! Also for an interview with them check out this awesome post on Sarah's Blog!


4.LDS Youth music

This is FREE. I know I have mentioned this before, but all the music is so uplifting! It has the perfect mix of calm and peppy and it is never ending so no annoying switching from song to song, I am actually listening to it right now!

5. Start a Fire by Unspoken

I love inspiring music that calls you to action, This leaves me feeling like I can conquer the world. It inspires me to act. One of my favorite parts of music is how it makes you feel. This makes me feel awesome:) I started listening to some of their other songs and most (at least the ones I heard) were clean. I also like Good Fight.

This weekend I went to my school's musical and it was AMAZING! It reminded me the power good music can have. It edifies, uplifts, spreads goodness, and fills you up. So lets support good music? Ok?

Have a happy monday! (or as happy as a monday can be;)  <----- Just kidding, mondays can be awesome too:)

-Shelby

Happy Easter!
I know that my redeemer lives, what joy this sweet sentence gives. He lives He lives who once was dead! I know that my Redeemer lives! 

What joy this sentence does give! I know that Christ lives and loves us. I know he suffered unimaginable pain and sorrow so we could live again with him by becoming clean of our sins. He knows we are imperfect, and walks beside us, helping us become who we are destined to be and fullfilling our Divine Inheritance as sons and daughters of a living Heavenly Father. Since he has faced such devastating pain we can find peace and comfort knowing that he always stands beside us. He will lift us up and carry us through times of strife, darkness, and hurt. He is there. He loves us. He added purpose to our mortal ministry no other could. I know will all my heart the he broke the chains of death, freeing us from it's bondage.

"He lives, and while he lives I'll sing!..... He lives to grant me rich supply.

He lives to guide me with his eye.

He lives to comfort me when faint.

He lives to hear my soul's complaint.

He lives to silence all my fears.

He lives to wipe away my tears.

He lives to calm my troubled heart.

He lives all blessings to impart.  He lives! All glory to his name!

He lives, my Savior, still the same.

Oh, sweet the joy this sentence gives:

"I know that my Redeemer lives!"

He lives! All glory to his name!

He lives, my Savior, still the same.

Oh, sweet the joy this sentence gives:

"I know that my Redeemer lives!"