I'm still breathing. I think.

My Inspirations...

• Walking with Christ by Jenny Phillips
• Temple Prep
• Live Like You Believe by Jenny Phillips
• Miss Mandi's Blog
• Pinterest Quotes
• Joseph Smith's First Prayer by Mormon Tabernacle Choir
• Keepers of His Light by Jenny Phillips
• Every Storm (Runs out of Rain) by
• Ho Hey by The Lumineers
• Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing by Women of Faith

So. It's been a month.

It has only been 34 days since my last post.

I cut myself off from social networking (except Instagram, of course.).

It was the best, hardest, most challenging, genuine, most endearing, revelation-filled, tough, just-getting-by days I have had in a long time.

No, I am not so addicted that I can't go without Facebook, Twitter, Blogger, etc.

It was because of changes I was making in my life.

The Adversary has never tried so hard,

been so strong,

and fought for so long 

as he has the past month.

I lost my Bishop to a new Stake Presidency.

I began preparing to enter the Holy Temple.

I prayed harder, and more often than I have prayed before.

I read, studied, and pondered the Scriptures.

I fell out of love (or so I thought it was).

I altered my words, my thoughts, and my actions.

I changed my outlook on myself.

But most of all, I changed my outlook on life.

I learned to value time and memories.

Not things and opinions.

20 things I learned

For my 20 years of life

1. We were not given life for us to judge one another; We were given life to HELP on another. (See Mosiah 27:4)
2. Time, no matter how hard we try to hold on, runs out. (See Alma 12:24; D&C 60:13)
3. Love is something that can be displayed through many more ways than verbal reminders.     (See 2 Nephi 26:30; Moroni 7:45)
4. Those that care for you can't stand the time without your presence. If your absence isn't felt by some, then grace those who miss you with your presence. (See Job 42:10; Proverbs 17:17; D&C 121:9))
5. Being kind should not be a rarity, rather a commonality. (See Ephesians 4:32)
6. Forgiveness will always set you free. (See 3 Nephi 11:29; Matthew 18:21-22; D&C 64:10)
7. Every one messes up. (See D&C 109:34)
8. No matter the struggle, no matter the temptation, no matter the person, we are all stronger, better, and superior to the Adversary. (See D&C 10:5)
9. Comparison is a lie we tell to ourselves. (See Abraham 3:23)
10. God's hand is in every aspect of our lives. Every Aspect. (See Abraham 2:7-8)
11. Trust is easy to lose, but you can always gain it back. (See Number 6)
12. You can't please everyone. Our Heavenly Father will always love you. Unconditionally. (See 1 Nephi 11:12; 2 Nephi 26:24; John 3:16)
13. A love affair with yourself is the most passionate, most powerful, most desirable, and most noticed love of any kind. (See D&C 18:10)
14. Being unique is okay. In fact, it is favored. (See Number 9) 
15. We are heirs of God's kingdom. (Re-read last sentence if you don't understand the significance and your worth.) (See Mosiah 15:11)
16. Jesus Christ is the Son of God, and He has made all the difference. (See Matthew 1:21)
17. Putting all trust in the Lord is the best medicine to survive this life. (See Alma 36:3)
18. Service is the only way to find yourself, and it is the richest possession to give. (See Matthew 10:39)
19. The people that are the hardest to love are the ones who need to be loved the most. (See Matthew 5:44-48)
20. Jesus Christ lives! (See D&C 76:22-24)