Happy Birthday

No, today is not my day of birth.  At least, not in the physical sense.  Today is my 2year anniversary of moving back home. 

 Two years ago, I was sitting in the back of my mom's mini van, driving on the 87, headed back to the AZ.  Two years ago, I was terrified out of my mind.  I wasn't supposed to be going back home!  I was supposed to still be at school, getting my Paralegal certification.  I was supposed to be living life, maybe finding a cutie to marry, and ready to start my career in law.  

WELL. 

That didn't happen, obviously, and I am so happy my life didn't turn out the way I imagined!!

I'll be honest.  There have been times where life has kind of sucked.  There were many times when I just wasn't happy at all.  I would often wonder WHY.  Why did I come back to Arizona?  Why did I drop my life in Utah to come back to this??  This isn't any easier than it was in Utah!  At least in Utah I could 'be myself'.  Let me tell you something: living a life of sin, being unable to look anyone in the eye because of how guilty you feel (ALL THE TIME), is not 'being yourself'.  It's taken me two years to realize this.  I've learned that I am the most comfortable being myself when I'm around people who lift me up.  And where else can I find those people than in my own home?  I've learned recently that nothing should ever come between you and your family.  Without my family, I wouldn't be here today.  I wouldn't be in Arizona, and I most certainly would not be happier than I've been in years.

So yes, these two years have been FULL of trial, heartache, pain, and tears.  Many, many tears.  But I've been able to experience, first hand, the saving power of Christ's Atonement.  In the past two years, I have learned who I really am.  And who I WANT to be.  I've learned more in the past two years than I have my entire life.  I've learned that through the wonderful act of repentance, that we can get back to Christ.  Yes, it will be difficult.  And yes, it may take a long time.  But how amazing is it that no matter how far you've gone astray, that you CAN COME BACK.  If I've learned anything in the past 20 years of life, it's that you aren't truly living until you're living with the Light of Christ in you.  Two years ago, today, I found out that I wasn't living.  I was merely existing.  So today, I'm celebrating my second birthday.  I am 2 years old, and I can't wait to grow old with my Savior; to learn all that He has in store for me, and to be able to teach His love to those around me.
I encourage all of you to focus on having Christ's light in you.  Strive to be like Him.  Be a light unto others that they may be able to experience true life and true joy.  We can do this, guys.  (: