everyday of our lives

So somehow, after a long and beautiful and oh so relaxing vacation to the west coast (my favorite place in the world), I am back in Utah.

In Salt Lake City, to be more exact. 

And at the moment, sitting in a dorm room, on a slightly stiff bed, leaning against a lumpy pillow.

What can this mean? You are asking yourselves.

Why would you be in a dorm room in Salt Lake City?

Well everyone, I'm back at EFY. Only this time, not in Logan.

And I'm THRILLED to be here.

Have I told you much about EFY? Maybe you don't know what it is.

I'm a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.

EFY is an acronym for Especially For Youth.

So basically, EFY is a summer camp, for the youth of our church ages 14-18.

I spend all week dancing like a crazy person, smiling a lot, and teaching the kids about our religion.

Helping them gain a testimony of everything. Helping them understand why the standards are important.

And let me tell you, it is THE most rewarding job I have ever had.

I love the way I can see the change in their lives, as they realize the importance and truth of our gospel. 

So, yep. That's what I'm doing this week.

Any questions? Let me know.

Have a wonderful Monday!

this is me being a counselor. it's from last year. so i'm a little slow on uploading current pictures from my camera... so what?

p.s. when i feel awkward i pull on my hair. just fyi.

heart to heart

Ok, remember that post I was going to post a couple weeks ago but blogger deleted it and i haven't posted it because i'm just simply too lazy sometimes? Well, even though I should be dead asleep right now, I am going to post it. Because I really can't have this weighing on my conscience any longer. So here it goes. Basically, last summer a building counselor asked me to write down why I was an EFY counselor. So I did, and here it is, for your personal viewing.

Why I Am An EFY Counselor

I love the gospel. I know that it is true. I know that if I didn't have the gospel in my life, I would be lost. When I came to EFY as a participant, I had a testimony. I knew that the church was true, but what I didn't completely understand back then was how important that knowledge is. I didn't understand how amazing the gospel is, or what it does for me. I assumed that my Heavenly Father loved me, and that I was a daughter of God, but it hadn't really impressed me yet. I believed that Heavenly Father heard and answered my prayers, but I didn't realize the comfort that could bring, knowing that he WANTED to hear and answer my prayers. I went to church and listened to my teachers, but I didn't apply anything to my life. After EFY, it was like the gospel truly came to life for me. I had a greater identity, and sense of purpose because I realized the importance of the gospel, and what it is truly about. It's about the love that our Father in Heaven has for us, and the opportunity He is giving us to live here and learn and come back to Him. The opportunity to become like Him. EFY taught me that it takes effort to get back to Him, but it also taught me how to do it. Searching the scriptures, obeying the commandments, praying, loving others. It taught me to be a better person! My goal as an EFY counselor is to make sure that the youth entrusted to me go home knowing why they are here. That they all have a purpose, and that they are SO loved by their Heavenly Father. I want each of them to know that He wants them back, and I want to show them how to get there. If I help one person this whole summer understand their worth and purpose, that is enough. I know that this gospel is true, and I love sharing it with these youth. I love them so much, and I wan them to know, with ALL of my heart, that they are children of their Heavenly Father who loves them. That is why I am a counselor.

p.s. if you are in the market for a sweet kitten, let me know.

He Is Risen

I know this is true. Let's all remember what Easter is really about.

p.s. sometimes i worry about giving people presents. what if they don't appreciate it?

when i opened up my eyes

Today I was shivering in Relief Society with my arms folded, coat still on, legs crossed, and I had a thought. I thought to myself, "Why am I so average? I haven't done anything cool. I don't have any talents. I am barely existing in this world. I guess I'm just one of those people who doesn't have anything amazing to accomplish." Very self-deprecating, I know. Right after I had this sad thought, the teacher stood up and said, "Today I am going to talk about something that I am very passionate about. Our divine potential."

Her lesson was amazing. Exactly what I needed to hear. One of the things she said was that in a child development class she took, she learned that everyone goes through a stage where they believe they are destined for great things, but they eventually grow out of that. Who told them that they couldn't do great things? That they weren't good enough, smart enough, strong enough. Who gave everyone the idea that only a few people are meant to stand up for something, to teach something, to love something? We are frightened away from our own potential. Frightened by the exact thoughts that I had this morning. That maybe we are just average, just meant to sit back and do the best we can. That we can watch other people change the world. That only a few people can do something amazing.

Well, that's wrong. We all have an extraordinary purpose and reason for being here. Let's find it.

"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There's nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we're liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others." - Marianne Williamson

p.s. why is it so hard for me to take naps?

seven layer dip

That's it. I'm not telling you guys the answer. You have had like, a day, to vote on the story you think is fake, and so far only my friend Ashley has voted. Until I get 16 comments on that post, I am not telling you the answer. And that's that.

Today I had a family Christmas party. I realized today that my family is crazy. We aren't perfect by a long shot. Somehow, we all love each other, and accept each other for all of the weirdness. I was sitting on a window ledge next to my great-grandma and my mom, every now and then chiming into their conversation, but mostly just watching people. There were the new people in the family getting to know everyone, a little puppy curled up on the floor, my sister and uncle teasing each other mercilessly, my grandma bustling around and making sure everyone was happy, a plate of truffles gets passed around. My grandparents announced they are going on their third mission. I'm so excited for them to go, but I can't help but wonder what they're going to miss in my life. At least we'll go visit them, which is exciting, because I've never been to England. I lean down to listen to my great-grandma Gubler ask me a question. She's so sweet. I never want to lose her. I laugh at her question and joke with her like we're friends. We are friends. My mom, Grandma Gubler and I decide to never make a quilt again. My mom says that we all knew while we made the quilt that it probably wasn't going to work out, it would be a lesson. All three of us nod as we think of the quilt being used. It's so warm, so soft, so huge. Will it remain all alone, worn out before it could be shared with anyone else?

I hope that's not the case.

p.s. I wanna hold your ha-a-a-a-and I wanna hold your hand.

everything i know for sure.

I know that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is the only true church on the earth. I know that I have a Heavenly Father who loves me, and wants to see me again. I know that Jesus Christ atoned for my sins, and felt everything I feel every day. I know that he did this because he loves me, and he also wants to see me again. I know that because of the plan, I can be with my family forever. I know that temples were put on this earth for us to be closer to God, and so that we can have the opportunity to do work for the dead. I know that the organization of the church is divine, and that we have the commandments and standards that we do so that we can be the best person possible. I know that our prophets and apostles have been called of God to lead and guide us throughout our lives. I know that Joseph Smith saw Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ, and they helped him understand the fullness of the gospel so that it could be restored for all of us today. I know that the Book of Mormon is a true book. I know that it is another testament of Jesus Christ, and many valuable lessons can be learned from reading it. I know that I can receive personal revelation through reading my scriptures. I know that when I pray, Heavenly Father is listening to me. I know I can get answers if I seek them out, and ask for help. I know that I am here for a reason, that Heavenly Father has sent me here at this time because I have a purpose to fulfill. I know that happiness comes from this gospel, and I know that I am blessed every moment of every day because of this knowledge. I know.

p.s. there's something about serving people that is just wonderful.

Change Me

I just had my first week of EFY.

It was amazing.

I can't even explain the rush I get from teaching the gospel.

I had the cutest girls and boys in my company. They were all amazing, and so filled with the spirit.

I am sad that they are gone.

I can't wait for next week.

I LOVE being a counselor, teaching, feeling the spirit, reading the scriptures, taking pictures, making new friends, trying new things, dancing like a dork, singing at the top of my lungs, and knowing that I am where I am supposed to be :)

XOXO,

Madeline