All of the Firsts

Well guys. Guess what. You may be surprised to see that I am in fact still alive in this world, and actually quite busy. I have had a lot happen in the past several weeks/months, and it is all still relatively new to me. I honestly don't have much time for this, which is why I'm literally losing sleep to write this post at 1 in the morning. However, sometimes you just have to take it where you can get it, and for me, in this time of my life, this is it.

Okay, first of all, this is my life theme video right now, because I love it, and it's so inspirational, and also because it portrays exactly how I feel about the example and amazing prophet that Joseph Smith was. I love the way Elder Holland bears witness of him using logic, and also the power of the Holy Ghost, to diligently "preach of Christ", as well as the Book of Mormon (2 Nephi 25:26). It is certainly amazing what these words can do to strengthen my own testimony.

Anyways, I now need to provide a summary of how crazy  my life has been these past few weeks, so here goes.
Two weeks ago, I had my last first day of high school. After this year, I will no longer be required by law to attend school. Yippeee!!!! Also, a couple weeks ago, I got my first real job as a waitress at a retirement home no more than a 1/4 mile from my house, if that. It's actually pretty awesome because I work with some fun, sweet people, including the elderly, and plus, it makes me feel more productive. There are many other pros and cons that I won't go into now, but suffice it to say that I'm enjoying the world of employment.

Another thing that I can finally boast is that my six months have been up for a couple weeks, so that makes things more fun, even though I don't have much opportunity to drive people. I do go to the gym quite a bit though, so I definitely make a point of partying then.

At school, my schedule this year looks wimpy, but there are reasons behind this. I have seminary of course, AP Literature, Spanish, office aide, AP Government, and hopefully independent study P.E. Then, I have a couple precious and meager hours in between this for homework, but they don't usually end up being used for that. It is really hard to be diligent in this... let's just say, between church & callings, school, work, fun, and hobbies, I am definitely having quite the challenge to learn to balance all of this gracefully and without too frequent meltdowns. That part is especially hard. (I had one just yesterday for example.) However, I am still hanging on, and the most important thing is that I'm becoming stronger than ever in the gospel, which increases my ability to cope with everything that life might throw at me. When life gets you down, read your scriptures!! :)   - oh, and also, do family history! I swear it's therapeutic!

  + =   :)

I am always grateful for the blessings all around me which are gifts from my Heavenly Father, and I hope that I never take them for granted because I certainly would be completely lost without the knowledge I have, and I hope that someday I will take that message out into the world as an official full time missionary for the church to declare its truth and testify of its blessings.

For now though, I will learn to be a better member missionary, which is yet another huge challenge to add to my own list of goals. But this is one that I especially care about, so hopefully I will have the courage to make it happen.

In the meantime, I am just here, doing my thing, learning the balance of my current life, and getting lots of practice for college as I also try to figure out what I'm going to do with my future. I can't do more than my best in preparing for it & pray for the strength I need to face it, and then leave the rest up to my Father who can do all things if only I will believe in Him.

I believe.

-Melissa Joy