Let's make it better: Let's become

I found these two rocks the other day. 

So I picked them up, put them in my purse and walked away.

It may have seemed silly to pick up some rocks. 

They're just rocks.

Well, that's what I usually think.

However, this time was different. It may be because I'm taking a natural disasters class and have become a tiny bit obsessed with nature. 

(especially volcanoes)

I picked up these rocks because I felt them to be one of the closest things I have to Heavenly Father. 

They were created by Him.

And then I began thinking of the formation of these rocks.

These rocks didn't just exist as they have come to be. They were formed together through weathering, erosion, or through cooling. It was a process. Now, these rocks are strong, unbreakable rocks. 

I began relating this to us, to people.

We were not born into this mortal life with our purpose already fulfilled. We were not born perfect. 

But through life's experiences we can progress and we can become. 

We can become those strong foundations and one day be perfect. 

This short amount of time we have here on Earth is a time for progression. 

Take advantage of it and become the person God wants you to be. 

The Saratov Approach

Parents anticipate the day their child's mission call will come in the mail. 

The decision of a young man or young lady to serve a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is an honorable one.

The excitement, dedication, and love of a missionary is something I look up to very much. 

In 1998, 2 LDS missionaries were serving their honorable missions in Russia and were abducted and ransomed. 

I forget how strong the adversary will work to stop the work of the Lord. 

And in this case, these 2 missionaries had to experience being kidnapped. It's frightening to think of what these missionaries had to experience. So, I watched their movie, "The Saratov Approach" and was absolutely moved. 

In this movie, you will experience the very nightmare these missionaries had to go through. And through their trial, you will be inspired and uplifted. Their faith and submission to the will of God is the main focus of this movie, at least to me. 

I know these two young men had a very important purpose on their mission. And although the adversary tried to stop them, they came out victorious. 

I absolutely loved this movie. It was such a testimony builder. And I encourage everyone to go out and experience this movie. It comes out in theaters nationwide on December 26, 2013. 

GO & WATCH IT.

The Saratov Approach was absolute greatness! 

Special Needs Halloween Party

This was such a special event to help out at. So grateful for the Service Activities here at BYU-Idaho.
Here are some pics of the Halloween party! Great way to spend a Friday evening! 

Photo Credit: Laken Bowling

Let's make it better: Don't complain

This week was very interesting. It was new to me. Let me enlighten you as to why:
My roommates and I challenged ourselves to not complain for an entire week. Crazy, huh?! Well that's what I thought. I even complained about not complaining. And I'm saying this in complete honesty. I'm not perfect so this seemed like it was gonna be tough. I thought this was going to be nearly impossible. However, every one loves a good challenge, so I accepted, and with enthusiasm may I add.
Monday came around and, well, I think we all know how everyone feels about Monday. So I began my day & realized  I was already super behind on homework. Already! And it was my fault! However, I remembered a quote by Henry Ford I found on Pinterest, "Don't find fault, find a remedy; anybody can complain." So I did just that. I worked on the things I needed to get done and wasn't able to finish completely. And I received the consequences. However, since I wasn't going to complain, I felt okay, I felt at peace. I knew I could make things better so I went home and did just that. It was great to notice the change of attitude I had acquired throughout the day. I never found myself upset, ungrateful, or even in the need of complaining. It was awesome!
The week continued and even through the stress, the physical and  mental exhaustion, I was happy!

I really learned a very important lesson that week. The need to complain is the worlds way of making you think you will feel better. When truly, prayer is Heavenly Fathers way of truly giving you peace. I was on my knees a lot that week. And it was a huge testimony builder. I challenge you all to make a goal of not complaining for a week and pay close attention to the wonderful blessings you begin to notice, your change of attitude, and your ability to enlighten & uplift those around you. 

Two Days of Bliss

Saturday morning I woke up with the sunshine lighting up my bedroom. Marissa was still sound asleep so I laid in bed for a couple minutes. My alarm went off for the 5th time, and I finally decided to turn it off. It was time to wake up. It was the beginning of General Conference weekend. 

This time felt different. Great different. We're always told to prepare for Conference. So, I did. Scriptures were read, I spent many moments on my knees, and I pondered on the promptings of the Spirit I had recently been receiving. It was great to have felt the Spirit so many times before this conference. It allowed me to have inspired questions in my mind. It allowed me to open my eyes and see more clearly. It allowed me to hear more consistently, and it allowed my heart to be open to the teachings I was to be receiving this weekend. 

So I awoke and joined my roommates out in the living room to begin conference together, as a family. I always begin to miss my family around such a joyous time. Nevertheless, the Spirit was still the same, still as strong. We laughed, cried, and took in the Spirit we were all feeling. I know we all grew a little closer during these two days of conference. We shared some thoughts, we shared our new goals, and we shared our love for one another. We may not always use words, but our actions surely do show that they love me and I love them. 

After 8 hours of conference, it is now over. In 6 months will the world be united all together once again, listening to the Prophet and his counsel. And until then and forevermore, we will apply these teachings into our lives, and we will be a stronger Zion. All 15 million of us. As we hasten the work and share these glad tidings unto the world, the Lord's church is steadily increasing. I am grateful to be witnessing the gathering of Israel. And to be a part of such a great work. I am so grateful for this amazing gospel I have in my life. I know God loves me, all of us. General Conference always reminds me, and I'm blessed to have the opportunity to hear from the Prophet, his counselors, and other great general authorities. Their counsel strengthens me. 

As Elder Bednar said, "Your faith strengthens my faith. Your devotion helps me be more devoted." 

Happy General Conference weekend everyone! I hope it was a great one for all of you as well! I will be posting some of my favorite quotes sometime this week, so come back & visit! 

Love, Sister Ortega

Didn't get a chance to watch conference? That's okay! Here's a link to where you can read, watch, and download the talks. Everyone's welcome! 

http://www.lds.org/general-conference/sessions/2013/10?

cid=HPFR100413105&lang=eng