I love Sunday's

This morning I got an email from one of my favorite girls from Girl's Camp, Kara Pittson. Her first year at Girl's Camp was my first year as well. She was an incoming 7th grader when I first met her and I was an incoming freshmen. She was one of my friends secret buddies but, we all kind of decided to be her secret buddy. She is BEAUTIFUL! We were all amazed of how beautiful she was, especially for being so young. She has the spunkiest personality ever, super sweet, gorgeous, beautiful smile, funny, and easily likable. We ADORED her! The summer going into my senior year, my friends and I were the YCL's for the 4th years. The 4th years were incoming sophomores and Kara was part of that group. Us girls wanted to be YCL's for the 4th years because we loved Kara and the other girls. I personally wanted to be a 4th year leader because of Kara. Because she is such a beautiful girl, I knew that high school was going to throw a lot of tough trials at her. Especially since she was about to start sophomore year, I reflected back on my sophomore year and that was when all the peer pressure began for me. I wanted to be one of her leaders so I can help prepare her for what was to come.

Well, she just came back from EFY and has that fire that everyone has when they come back. She told me how she wants to start reading her scriptures more, try not to do anything on Sundays, and dress more modestly. I've talked to her before since Girl's Camp and she would tell me how hard high school was and following the standards. It honestly broke my heart to know that she was struggling so much. But now, she wants to change and to be better and it brings such joy to my heart. I love that girl to death. I would do anything for that girl. She almost didn't go to Girl's Camp her 4th year when I was her YCL because she already had Cheer Camp and couldn't figure out a way to afford it. The second she told me her circumstance, I drove straight to the bank and was ready to withdraw $250-300 dollars (whatever it was) to pay for her to go to Girl's Camp. She ended up figuring it out with her mom but I knew that she had to be there. I knew I was suppose to be her YCL and I knew that if she didn't go, everything that she has already faced now would of been a lot more harder. If I had to pay in order for her to be there, I was ready to do it instantly. There is something so special about her and I see so much potential in her. I really look at her as like my daughter! I want the best for her because she deserves it. I know her Senior Year is going to be a challenge but I pray that she can do it. I honestly can't explain in words how much I love her. I want her to come visit BYU-Idaho in the Fall so I can convince her to come here over Provo. I want her to be here with me so I can help her out :) Gosh, I love her!

Today I gave a lesson in Relief Society about following the commandments and turning to the Lord. I don't know why but I get so nervous when I give lessons. I can sing in front of my whole school and giving talks are a piece of cake but giving a lesson...is soooo difficult! You are given about 40 minutes to teach a room full of people about the gospel. You have to figure out ways to include them in the lesson so they don't sit there in boredom. You have to stand in front of them during awkward silence moments, especially the moments when you ask a question and not many people share their insights. It is very intimidating!

We have this thing we do in our Relief Society where we have a bag with note paper and a pen and whoever wants to send someone an anonymous note, they can write one and put it in the bag. Later, they figure out where the people live and drop the notes at their apartment. Today, I got about 7 notes! One of my roommates must of walked into my room when I was sleeping cause I woke up to a pile of small notes right next to my pillow. I read the notes and they were so encouraging! Some mentioned how I was a great example to them, how I was an inspiration, that I have an amazing spirit, etc. Ok, those notes seriously gave me so much confidence! It's always nice to know how people feel about your lesson once you've given it. I'm always hard on myself and so it's rewarding to hear others enjoy my lessons that I plan on my own. I also mentioned a hymn that is one of my favorites, I Need Thee Every Hour. This hymn was one of the hymns that I had at my baptism so it is very dear to me. Ironically, it was our closing hymn and I don't know why but it seriously got me. I lost it. Haha I hate crying at church!

During sacrament meeting, two of my friends gave talks. Travis and Danny did amazing on their talks! Travis talked a lot about service and not to pre-judge people. He mentioned that we are the only hands and feet that the Lord has. It is US that need to do the work of the Lord. We also need to remember to look at everyone as a Child of God and not pre-judge. The worth of souls are so great in God's eyes and everyone is a "VIP" to him. Danny talked a lot on how we need to be better examples. We are to help others and be examples. We are also to be examples of the church but sometimes we fail because of fear and judgment. We can't fear! The opportunity to change is always there as well, we must not give up on ourselves. We need to remember to use our agency righteously and to use the atonement frequently. By doing the right thing can also help strengthen our families. I really liked that one because it made me reflect on the family I have now and my future family. I know that because I did the right things and always worked hard on trying to "be" a member even when I wasn't that that helped my family join the church. Also, by doing the right things right now in my life will help me figure out the type of mother that my children will need me to be. Doing the right thing is so important and we must always strive to do that.

After Danny's talk, I wrote something to myself in my notes. I wrote, "Olivia, do self-evaluations of yourself daily. Are you being the good example you're suppose to be? Are you someone that others want to follow?" I think that is something that all of us should think of and strive to be; to be better examples and leaders.

Lastly, Lara came to my room and we had a long discussion. It was nice to talk to her on what was on my mind and to hear what had been on her mind. I love that girl so much, I know that she was suppose to be one of my roommates. She has helped me a lot this semester whether she knows it or not. She's an amazing person and any guy would be lucky to have her!


Remember to live in the world and not of it.


Liv