Look to the Future

These past few weeks I have been looking back on the past 2 years, and what a ride it has been! As I reflect on my 'past' I have learned several things: I don't function well without my family, school is a bigger decision than I ever thought it would be, life never goes as planned, I have the most amazing family and friends, and most importantly that my Savoir is always there for me, and is continually blessing me.
School has been a crazy roller coaster of up's, down's and a few loops. Two years ago I started my college career at Southern Utah University majoring in Nursing, that only lasted a semester. I then transferred to Brigham Young University-Idaho still majoring in Nursing, and yet again made it through only one semester before I wanted out of there. The finals stop on my tour of universities was the University of Utah, still in nursing, I thought I had found, at last, where I would be spending the next 3 years of my life, however I failed to realize nursing wasn't really what I wanted to study. I'm still at the U, no more university shopping for me, but I have changed my major to Exercise and Sport Science with a minor in Nutrition. After taking a nutrition class Fall '10 semester, and 2 people close to me being diagnosed with diabetes I realized I wanted to help prevent the illnesses that plague our country. Changing my major has made a huge difference in how I view my education and makes it a little easier to have to pay tuition every semester. I would highly recommend everyone take a basic anatomy/physiology class as well as a nutrition class the information is invaluable!
My family is a roller coaster of its own. We have had our trails this year but they have helped us grow closer and stronger and one might argue weirder. I love all my family so much and don't know what I would do without them, they are my support system, cheerleaders, best friends, the people who drive me insane while keeping me sane all at the same time.
Work lets see... I worked at 24 HourFitness, in the daycare during the summer but left shortly into the fall semester as I wasn't getting anytime to study. I loved it at the gym and would go back if school weren't so demanding right now. I am considering the gym as a summer job though. I currently am working in the tutoring center at the University of Utah and it keeps me busy, I get to interact with a lot of different people, and it give me time to study.
I'm in a new singles ward and its rather entertaining. There are a lot of interesting, and faithful people in this ward and I know that I can learn a lot from them. Over the past 2 years I have become much stronger in my faith as it has been what I have needed to rely on in my times of trial. I am very grateful for the trails I have had to overcome the past 2 year, they have shaped me into the person I am today. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is true, I have a strong testimony of this. I know my Savior lives and that he will always stand by us when we do what he has asked us. I know that he atoned for my sins and that I can be forgiven when I have slipped up. I know the Book of Mormon is the word of God and that if when we study it we can find answers, direction and comfort in it's teachings. I know Joseph Smith was called to restored the gospel to the earth and that President Thomas S. Monson has been called to direct the church today. We can find happiness in following his council. I have a testimony of tithing, I know when we willingly paying that 10% we will be blessed. I know the Lord hears and answers prayers, and he is waiting to speak with you, but you must do your part as well. I share my testimony with you in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
With school going well, my family be my side, and my faith in the Lord I look to the future. I know this coming year will have many up's and down's, but I will face them head on and enjoy every minute of it. Life is for living, we all have a divine potential and it is up to us to seek for and obtain it. We were not sent here to fail, when you find yourself in a mangled heap on the field of life say a prayer, pick yourself up, and keep moving, you will always have at least 2 people cheering you on from the sideline. Look to the future with hope, and look back on the past with love, happiness and laughter. Finally, remember when you get the choice to sit it out or dance, I Hope You Dance.