God's Will Be Done

Last year, I was asked to be Student Mentor for my Shakespeare class. It was a big step in my life, and I was unsure about whether or not it was the right thing for me to do. I did a lot of praying, and even fasted about it, and I was blessed with answered prayers--a big, resounding "YES!".

A short while after I receive my answer, the original mentor for Shakespeare moved away. She was a good friend of mine, and I was extremely disappointed to see her leave. I would no longer be teaching with her--instead I would be working with someone that I didn't get along with so well.

Instead of giving up, I chose to stick to it, and I have never regretted it. God put me in this position so that I could learn to love others despite weaknesses, and to see the good in everyone. Now, I have developed a strong friendship with the new mentor (something I never expected to happen), and I have seen such amazing things come from her leadership! :)

Great blessings come from following God's will!

Shining smiles,

JS :)

Bloom In Adversity

There will always be tough times ahead. But we can be the flowers that bloom in adversity. Things will work out, no matter how downtrodden and hurt you may feel. If we are faithful and endure all the pains that life brings, we will be happier and greatly blessed in the end. God knows our pains and grief. He knows the thoughts and intents of our hearts. He loves us and wants what is best for us, even if the best seems like the worst at times. "Thru test and trial we'll have our fears, but we will not despair" (As Zion's Youth In Latter Days). Don't despair. Don't give up. You can endure, you can pull through, and you can become the most rare and beautiful of all, for you are loved beyond words, beyond reason, beyond any comprehension. There are great things in store for you. You are amazing! <3

Keep smiling,
JS

Stay On Track

This quote was in my inbox this morning. Great play on words, and a good message, too! :)

-JS

Go Beyond Yourself

"My mother had a saying: Welcome the task that makes you go beyond yourself, and you will grow. Life is full of things that make us go beyond ourselves. I don't think I've spent a single year of my life unstretched." --Julie B. Beck



-JS