Life.... One Step At A Time

Life is such a tough challenge. The ups and downs can be so hard to take at times. But what do these ups and downs do for you as an individual? I believe that they strengthen you and give you the power to move on with life. Over the last few weeks, these ups and downs have been flung at me more rapidly than ever. There were times where I thought to myself, "I am just going to give up." But, I couldn't do this. I am stronger than that. 

I finally realized I was going about overcoming these obstacles in the wrong way. I had not called upon the Lord to help me. I had tried to push through the thorns by myself without a helping hand. When I couldn't stand anymore, I finally did what I should have done from the beginning.... I KNEELED. And this made all the difference in the world.

I finally realized a valuable lesson that will help me in so many ways throughout my life. Yes, life is hard. But there is nothing that you can't overcome with the help of the Lord. If you rely on Him, you will be given the strength to overcome any obstacle and be able to move on with life. I am so thankful to be a part of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and to have this knowledge. And I am very excited to become a missionary and be able to give this message to others. I know from hands-on experience what the power of Christ will do for you in your life, and I am very happy to know this. 

Another thing that I have come to realize over the last few weeks is who my true friends are. There have been so many great people who have been there for me when I couldn't hold myself up. I got so many messages, texts, and calls from people who I now know to be my TRUE friends. Friendship is such an important aspect of life. Without it, I don't know where I would be today. Friends ease the hurt and are there for you when you need a shoulder to cry on.

I am so thankful for all my friends. I am especially grateful for two specific individuals who were there for me in a way no one else could. One of these individuals, I have only known for about a month now, but was still an amazing friend when I needed it. Brittani Alvey and Tanner Black were there for me when I just needed someone to talk to. They embraced me and just let me cry and let out all my frustration. What I would do without these two, I have no idea. Friends are so important; HOLD ONTO THEM. 

Best friends :) So grateful for these two. Don't know what I would do without them.

Obstacles can be so difficult, and at the moment you may think you can never overcome them and that you would do anything to never have this happen to you... but once you DO overcome it, you become grateful for having that trial in your life. It gives you a knowledge that can help you give strength to others who need it. I am actually very grateful for the challenges I have had in my life. They have given me strength and have made me the person I am today. 

"I never said it would be easy; I only said it would be worth it." 

40 days and counting....

Wow... 40 days ago, I moved off to college. It seems like it was just yesterday. Time sure does fly when you are having fun! :)

This week has been a little hard on me. Something came up that has really tried my strength. I am feeling better now, but not all the way over it. I wasn't able to focus on much of anything throughout the week, and still trying to get back in the swing of things. I have three mid-term exams next week, so it is going to be another stressful week. Studying... studying..... and more studying.

Because of the very discouraging events that took place this week, I am VERY happy that it is General Conference weekend. It couldn't come at a better time. I really need some guidance right now, and I am very excited to be able to listen to the leaders of this church and find the answers that I need. Throughout the week, I haven't really relied on the Lord as much as I should have. But I finally came to the realization that the only way I can get through this trial is to rely on Him and listen to his apostles. I am very excited to have the opportunity to listen to the words of the Prophet and all of the other leaders who will be giving guidance throughout this weekend. I know that my prayers will be answered, and that I will regain the strength I need to go about each day. This gospel brings me true happiness, and it will be the guiding point for me in this situation.

I am also excited to have the opportunity to visit my brother and sister in Orem tomorrow and watch General Conference with them :) I miss seeing my family. I am going to be going home for the first time since I moved up here in abour two weeks. Thank goodness! I miss home!

Homecoming week was last week. It was tons of fun! Some of the activities that were available to participate in was the Paint Dance, Campout on the Quad, True Aggie Night, Homecoming game and the homecoming dance. :) I am proud to say that I am a TRUE AGGIE!! And also, I was part of the World's Longest Kissing Chain that you may have heard about on the news. Yes, I was part of a world record! One dream, met! And for the homecoming game, along with a few friends, I got decked out in school spirit. Had a fohawk, colored my hair, painted my face and arms.... yeah, it was LEGIT! It felt great to be able to do this, something I couldn't do in high school. ALthough the game was a very close, but disappointing one, it was still tons of fun! I really do love USU!

Well, I hope everyone is doing well. College is great and I am having the time of my life. This is Lane, clocking out....



Homecoming Week was last week. This is what we did for the homecoming game and homecoming dance :)