{Bring on October}

Wow. What a crazy week it has been. I've worked tons, ran tons, done lots of schoolwork, and been spiritually uplifted in so many ways. First week of October, here's what happened:

I got to spend some time with these cuties this week. On Monday Cam went with me to the bank and the grocery store and on Tuesday me and Saders went and bought Ry a birthday present. I love these girls so so much. They make me laugh and I absolutely love when they tell me about their day. It was so cute when Sade was telling me about the animals she saw at the zoo and how she loved seeing the "ringtailed monkey" and Cam helped me put the gas in my car and I just love them so much. I don't know what I'd do without my sweet sisters to make me smile. 

Monday I went to the Mascot Bowl with Chase and it was one of the most fun nights ever. I didn't know him super well before this and he amazed me with his spiritual insights. Goodness, I hadn't had a long spiritual conversation in the longest time and I needed it so much. He was such a blessing to me that night to have someone to talk to about the God and church I love so much. It was so much fun and I learned a lot about myself and about who I want to be and what I want to work on. Chase didn't even realize that he was an answer to my prayers just by asking me on a date to the Mascot Bowl. Also. We got a waffle from Waffle Love. It was amazing. 

 To become a "True Pioneer" you have to kiss the "L" and do a bunch of other random things like be on pride tv and memorize the school song. I kissed the L this week (I know I'm not kissing it in the picture, I was laughing too hard) and also got interviewed to be on Pride TV for math club :) Woohoo. Lehi Pride.

 I had the coolest experience on Friday morning. Sister Elaine Dalton came to our school to do a morningside. She has always been one of my greatest heroes and someone I want to be like right now and when I'm older. I adore her and her beautiful smile that lights up the world. She gave a wonderful talk and I was so lucky to feel the Spirit that was there. I started crying like the first two minutes she was speaking :) "This is your moment. This is your day. There are people that will cheer us on, but there will always be hills. Don't cry. Don't give up. You are never alone, you can do it." I love how much she loves the Lord and how much she loves every single person in the world. She truly sees that the worth of souls is great and she wants everyone to know how great they really are. I am so glad I got to meet her and give her a hug. She means the world to me.

Ummm. Yeah. What happens at xc meets stays at xc meets :) Jackie got a little crazy yesterday at the Park City meet :) It was so freezing up there, holy cow. My legs were numb for the first mile and a half of my race. It was such a fun race though and it went by so fast! I couldn't believe it was already over when I thought I still had like a mile left! I love that course and I loved being there with my team. I raced well, I got a 19:09 which was 20 seconds faster than I got last year. I love improving and I love cross country. 

This weekend was also conference weekend. I didn't get to watch the first session because I was at work selling donuts to tons of people (ahhh! It was so busy at the bakery!) but I've loved the two sessions I have watched so far. I'm always amazed at how different every talk is but how every single talk applies to everyone in a different way. This church has something to offer every single person in the world. My three favorite talks so far have been President Uchtdorf, Elder Holland, and Elder Ballard. Oh, and President Monson. I know they are prophets of God. I loved Elder Ballards talk because I was getting so frustrated because I felt like I was doing everything all the speakers were telling me to do but I wasn't having any successful missionary experiences. Then he said that "It is impossible for us to fail when we are doing our best on the Lord's errand." I needed that so much. It's not that I'm not doing what I should be doing or putting in the effort that I need to. It's that I need to keep putting in that effort and never ever give up on anyone. Elder Holland said "Believe in miracles. They come when every indication seems that all hope is lost. Hope is never lost. Don't assume you can fix everything but fix what you can." As long as we are doing our very best to love those around us and bring them closer to Christ just by living a Christlike life the success will come. It may not be now or even in our lifetime but it will come. "First doubt your doubts before you doubt your faith. If you are tempted to give up, stay yet a little longer." The church is true, I promise you it is. I will always try my best to bring others to the happiness that I have but if they don't agree with me, that's ok. I'm doing my very best to do what the Lord wants me to do and He is proud of me for that. Success will come. I will make a difference. I love this gospel, I love my Savior. I was touched by the Spirit so much when President Monson was speaking. I know He is a prophet of God, I could feel it when he opened his mouth and spoke. I'm thankful to have him leading our church, he leads by example and endures to the end with a smile on his face. I am thankful for general conference, I'm thankful for the truth I have in my life. "The gospel is what will pull us through whatever comes our way. It will lead us to victory." This gospel brings purpose and joy to my life. I love having something to work toward and a reason to become better. I love knowing that if/ when I mess up, my Savior will still love me. If you haven't had a chance to watch conference or if you think it won't apply to you, please just watch it. Anyone can learn something, no matter your personal beliefs. I love love love this church. Let's all keep the faith and stand a little taller so we can reach out to as many people as we possibly can.

Bring on the second week of October. Life is good.

-Kenzie