In Russia, I got working on some pretty serious goals and commitments. I was reading my scriptures, (first time finishing a book!) i studied conference talks, read uplifting books, prayed more then twice a day, and strengthened a lot of friendship and family bonds.
I felt so in tune, and so strong spiritually. I was pleased with who I was becoming, and the way I was making a difference in the lives of the ones I loved, or was learning to love. But after coming home, a lot of things changed for me. Unfortunately, I let my heart turn bitter towards someone I thought I loved.. and let that effect all the other areas in my life. I was angry with how things had turned out, and took it out on the most important person in my life, Christ. I let myself forget my habits and goals, and faulterd. I ended up so off course, I found myself in places and situations i never thought I would be in. I lost sight of so much.
Eventually, my mom had enough of this, and called me over to talk. She shared spiritual experiences that her and I have had, reminded me of some of my more personal ones, showed me Elder Uchtdorf's life changing talk "Forget me not.", and then told me something I will never forget. She said, "Kiri, you LOVE the Gospel." And, even though I was so far down in this self deprecating hole.. I knew she was right, because I started to smile.
I DO love the Gospel. I love the way it strengthens and changes lives. I love the wisdom the leaders of our church hold, and I love the love everyone strives to obtain and to give. And, once again as I find myself away from distractions, I have been able to reestablish the old goals that strengthened my testimony. I can still do better.. but I'm giving myself a pat on the back for what I have done since arriving. :)
Most recently I have been reading the General Conference talks given in October of last year. Unfortunately this copy isn't mine so my awesome highlighting skills can't be put to work.. which means almost everything that i liked, will probably end up on here so that i can re-read them whenever I need. So, I hope I don't drown out your feeds, or your eyes with my copying and pasting.. but i do promise you that if you take the time to read at least one or two of them, you'll pick up something great. :)
I felt so in tune, and so strong spiritually. I was pleased with who I was becoming, and the way I was making a difference in the lives of the ones I loved, or was learning to love. But after coming home, a lot of things changed for me. Unfortunately, I let my heart turn bitter towards someone I thought I loved.. and let that effect all the other areas in my life. I was angry with how things had turned out, and took it out on the most important person in my life, Christ. I let myself forget my habits and goals, and faulterd. I ended up so off course, I found myself in places and situations i never thought I would be in. I lost sight of so much.
Eventually, my mom had enough of this, and called me over to talk. She shared spiritual experiences that her and I have had, reminded me of some of my more personal ones, showed me Elder Uchtdorf's life changing talk "Forget me not.", and then told me something I will never forget. She said, "Kiri, you LOVE the Gospel." And, even though I was so far down in this self deprecating hole.. I knew she was right, because I started to smile.
I DO love the Gospel. I love the way it strengthens and changes lives. I love the wisdom the leaders of our church hold, and I love the love everyone strives to obtain and to give. And, once again as I find myself away from distractions, I have been able to reestablish the old goals that strengthened my testimony. I can still do better.. but I'm giving myself a pat on the back for what I have done since arriving. :)
Most recently I have been reading the General Conference talks given in October of last year. Unfortunately this copy isn't mine so my awesome highlighting skills can't be put to work.. which means almost everything that i liked, will probably end up on here so that i can re-read them whenever I need. So, I hope I don't drown out your feeds, or your eyes with my copying and pasting.. but i do promise you that if you take the time to read at least one or two of them, you'll pick up something great. :)
