Testimony Tuesday- Olivia's Story

I am 18 years old. For 18 years and 8 months I attended my parents’ church. We went every Sunday and often had family bible studies. Being close to the Lord was (and still is) very important to my mother and she did well instilling this love in me.

When I was about 14 I started to neglect my relationship with God. I made it a chore to read scriptures and pray and over the years quit altogether. Of course I was still going to church and all, but honestly I was just doing what I was supposed to do, going through motions. There were times I attempted to rebuild my relationship but over and over I failed. This had somewhat of an effect on my high school years. But, I know that God was still watching over me and directing my paths, because after a terrible freshman year, I changed schools and made friends. There are three friends in particular that stand out because they have been a great support in my life and all play a big role in how I have come lay the foundations to build my testimony.

Testimony Tuesday- Megan's Story

Here is a little background on my history: All of my life, I grew up in a fairly secular home. I had attended a few protestant churches here and there, but I was never affiliated with one in particular. As I entered into high school, my parents were both remarried to religious people. Through my dad and stepmother, I was learning Jewish tradition. My mother converted to Catholicism after marrying my stepfather, so I had a couple major religions in my life to learn from. Although there were true aspects in both religions, I did not feel like I could commit to one or the other. Neither of them seemed complete to me.

Friday Free Day! "Without music life would be a mistake.' ~Friedrich Wilhelm Nietzsche

So in keeping with one of my sister's blogs, I've decided that certain days should have themes. She does this in everyday life to entertain her kids during summertime, and I find it equally entertaining so I've decided to do it on my blog! What can I say, my blog... My rules! ;)

For my first 'Friday Free Day' I've thought a lot about the influence music has on my life. Both my missionary life, and regular life. At the risk of being cliche I would quote the For the Strength of Youth pamphlet, which is a kind of guidebook for teenagers in the LDS Church...

"Music is an important and powerful part of life. It can be an influence for good that helps you draw closer to Heavenly Father. However, it can also be used for wicked purposes...Choose carefully the music you listen to. Pay attention to how you feel when you are listening. Don’t listen to music that drives away the Spirit..."- “Music and Dancing,” For the Strength of Youth: Fulfilling Our Duty to God, 20

I would encourage, and invite everyone to notice the music in their lives, and more importantly the affect that it has on them. If it needs to be changed, then change it. It can never hurt to try and grow closer to our Heavenly Father.