Footprints

Well, this has been one incredible summer! Between EFY, Girls' Camp, Youth Conference, and traveling for the rest of the summer, I have not had time to post all the amazing experiences I've had. This summer has been a testimony building one, and I have recorded it well elsewhere. So when boring times hit during my senior year, I'll be sure to share experiences from my summer on here.

Recently, I got to spend time in Washington. While I was walking down First Beach in La Push looking at all the footprints, I remembered one of my favorite poems.

Footprints in the Sand

One night I dreamed I was walking along the beach with the Lord.

Many scenes from my life flashed across the sky.

In each scene I noticed footprints in the sand.

Sometimes there were two sets of footprints,

other times there were one set of footprints.

This bothered me because I noticed

that during the low periods of my life,

when I was suffering from

anguish, sorrow or defeat,

I could see only one set of footprints.

So I said to the Lord,

"You promised me Lord,

that if I followed you,

you would walk with me always.

But I have noticed that during

the most trying periods of my life

there have only been one

set of footprints in the sand.

Why, when I needed you most,

you have not been there for me?"

The Lord replied,

"The times when you have

seen only one set of footprints,

is when I carried you."

Mary Stevenson

Copyright © 1984 Mary Stevenson, from original 1936 text, All rights reserved

I looked at the footprints on the beach, and saw how there were several different sets, all different shapes and sizes, all heading different directions. Then I had a thought.

We are each here walking our own path alongside the Savior. It is sometimes tempting to look at everybody else's footprints- their depth, their distance, their direction- and compare them to ours. We should not try to determine how well each person walks his or her path, and we cannot determine how well we walk our own paths by comparing them to those belonging to others. What is important is that we do our best to love and serve those whose paths cross ours.

As I enter this school year, I look forward to the opportunities I have to learn and work hard. This year will not be an easy one- but I know that while I'm doing my best to survive, I'll continue to be blessed.

Have joy!

<3 Hannah Jo

Hope and What Not

In the past few weeks I've taken AP Tests, finished final projects, and pretty much finished my school year. My friend emailed me advising me to read a certain talk that was "full of hope and what not." I couldn't track down the talk, but here are a few quotes I've found that give me "hope and what not."

Of course, we can't just sit around waiting for the good stuff. Here are some more favorites of mine :)

Summer is coming!
Have joy!


<3 Hannah Jo

Some Perspective

Here are a few little quotes that help my point of view:

We'll make it!

Have Joy!

<3 Hannah Jo

True Beauty: TOFW

I love this :) Enjoy it- You're all beautiful.
Have joy!

<3 Hannah Jo

Daily Reminders

So one night this week, I was in the middle of throwing myself a pity party when I sat down to read my scriptures. I tried to refocus and said a little prayer to guide my studies, then picked up where I had left off in Hebrews 13. Here is what I found:

Morals of the story:

• Study scriptures daily.
• Pray with scripture study.
• Be thankful, not covetous.
• The Lord knows what we need.
• He has perfect timing.
• With this knowledge, there is no need to fear.

I knew all of the above before I read this scripture, but we all need little reminders sometimes. I find joy in studying my scriptures daily-- I hope you all can too :)

Have joy!

<3 Hannah Jo

Family History

In the October 2012 General Conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Elder Richard G. Scott, a member of the quorum of the twelve apostles, made a statement that took me by surprise. He said

A sure way to eliminate the influence of the adversary. I thought, Prayer? Fasting? Scripture Study? Family Home Evening? I did not think "Family History." 

Elder Scott is a smart guy though, plus he was definitely inspired to say that in General Conference, so I figured I'd give it a try.
I explored the church youth website and found the Youth and Family History page. That lead me to watch the tutorial videos, then check out Family Search and New Family Search which collectively help us do family history work. I didn't get to spend too much time on it, but in the time I did spend, I discovered that family history is a lot more fun (intense even) than I had originally thought! I will absolutely be doing more of this, and if you have an LDS account, you can too! Check it out! I'm off to do some more!
Have joy!


<3 Hannah Jo

Little By Little

I'm not especially good at keeping journals or blogs, but I'm determined to do it this time. I've kept my journal faithfully every day for about two months now, so I do believe I can keep up with this blog! I'm not expecting anything huge yet, but here's some great advice I got last weekend from "Music and the Spoken Word" before conference.

I'm going to post whenever I can, and hopefully the little things will build up! It's the little things that matter.

Anywho, I'm not sure if anyone will even read this blog. But if anyone does, I hope it can be a source of uplift for you! We're here on earth to achieve eternal joy, and I hope you can at least find a little bit here on my blog :)
Have Joy!


<3 Hannah Jo