Memory Lane

I had a flashback today of an experience in high school that affected me and changed my idea of who I wanted to be.

I was a part of Student Leadership my freshmen and sophomore years.  It defined me and I LOVED all the people and the things that I learned. There were many difficult moments, probably some of the reason why I struggled in high school, but I have to say that it led me to be the person that I am today.

So every week, a class (freshmen, sophomore, junior, senior) would teach a lesson of sorts. Whether it be an activity or watching a movie, or something along those lines, it would teach us a lesson to help us become better leaders.

It was the sophomore's day to do the lesson. They wanted to teach a lesson on honesty.

Every person had a yellow sheet of paper with their name on it.

We then would pass it around and write our honest feelings about the person.
In that moment, we all thought it was a great idea. I mean, we all struggle with our honest feelings and this was a way to help us express them.

Well, turns out, it was just an opportunity to insult every single person anonymously.
No accountability for telling the person what you really think of them.

I was at fault and I will completely fess up to that. I took advantage of some hurt feelings and emotions and wrote them down. But there were a lot of positive things that I wrote as well.

But when I got mine back and read it, I remember feeling like someone grabbed my throat and I couldn't breathe anymore. I left class in tears, tore up my sheet of paper, and shoved it in the trash can.

But when I was thinking about this experience in the car today, I remember reading a note by someone that said,
"Don't listen to any of these comments. They aren't true."

It is so easy to only remember the fear and bad feelings. Why isn't it easier to remember the hope and the good.

I knew right away who this person was and I remember him always being there for me. He was my best friend and I am so grateful for his kindness, especially when those who I thought were my friends were not so kind to me.

This experience taught me to toughen up. To grow a shell and not be so easily hurt.

Then came the next sophomore lesson.
Instead of honesty notes, they wanted to do what they called, "Golden Bricks".
Everyone got the same yellow paper as last time and we all wrote the things that we loved about the person on them. It was wonderful and a great turn around experience for me.

But remembering this experience in the car made me think of my friend.
I miss him a lot.
He helped me see that the comments that were written on my honesty paper did not matter. I was not the person that they were calling me and that I was more valuable than that.

I want to be that person that tells people that other people don't matter.
Their comments do not define us.
They only have power if we give them power.

One of the sisters I served with in Nauvoo taught me a wonderful and eternal lesson when it comes to communication.
Before you say something, ask yourself,

Is it true?

Is it nice?

Is it necessary?

It really makes a difference when you ask those questions to yourself. Most of the time, the things you will say will mean more and have a more positive influence on those around you.

I'm HOME

Well folks,
this is me! Emily Jex back from the beautiful city of Nauvoo!

It's amazing how different I can be in just 3 1/2 months.

I know so much more!

What else can I say except this:
I know that God lives. He loves us and is so mindful of us. His hand is in our lives and it's there for a reason. I know we cannot succeed in this life without Him and our Savior, Jesus Christ. Our Savior, our Redeemer, our Friend, our Brother, and our Advocate did the most unselfish thing. As one of my friends quoted "He lowered himself to the lowest point of human existence so we could be exalted to the highest state of immortality." He knows us so well because He knows EXACTLY what we have gone through.

I won't say it has been easy being back. I miss Nauvoo and all the busy-ness of the days. But one missionary shared that in order to understand Nauvoo and the saints who lived there, you need to leave it. Leave it all behind. I have just an idea of what the Saints left when they crossed the Mississippi. But they didn't do it alone.  I have gained a testimony of angels and their strong power. Elder Jeffery R. Holland said, "...in times of special need, He sent angels, divine messengers, to bless His children, reassure them that heaven was always very close and that His help was always very near..." I know that angels are here right now, bearing us up in our day to day trials and afflictions. Not one trial goes overlooked or unknown to our Heavenly Father.

I know that not only were the pioneers protected by angels but they were led by a living prophet, Joseph Smith. He, being only 14 years old, prayed for an answer and received something much greater. The Father and His Son visited Joseph. Two Heavenly beings talked with a young boy and led him in the ways of righteousness.  Joseph Smith was a true prophet of God. He restored the true and everlasting gospel and because of him I have the privilege of being a part of this true church. He sacrificed so much for this gospel. I will always remember what he suffered so we could have the fullness of the gospel in our lives today. Because of him, we have the Book of Mormon, another testament of Jesus Christ. It's pages only reaffirm the truth of the gospel. By reading its pages we can feel closer to our Savior and feel His love for us.

I had the experience of a lifetime. I wouldn't have had it any other way. The city beautiful is a part of my heart and soul. "Press on, Press on, ye saints of God" ("Though Deeping Trials") I know that this church is true. I wear it on my sleeve and live it conspicuously. I love my Heavenly Father and I love my Savior. I know by the power of the Holy Ghost that this church is the true and everlasting gospel brought forth in these latter days to help us return and live with our Father in Heaven again.
I invite those who do not know for themselves to read the Book of Mormon and ponder the challenge that Moroni leaves us the Moroni 10:3-5. Pray. Ask God if these things are true.
I bear my witness to you,
in the sacred name of Jesus Christ,
Amen.

Leaving

Alright folks, it is goodbye for now.

I am headed to dinner with my family, then I will be set apart by the wonderful President Todd.  After that, I will not be allowed to use any sort of electronics.

I cannot describe the happiness I am feeling. I am about to burst!!

Before I go, let me leave with you my testimony.

I know that Jesus is the Christ.  He is my Redeemer.  He suffered for me in the Garden.  Because of what I did, I can repent and be clean again.  I know that Joseph Smith is a prophet of God.  He restored the Gospel on the Earth as it is today.  I know that the God the Father and His son, Jesus, appeared to Joseph. I love this gospel. I know that the Book of Mormon is the Word of God.  I know that the Lord listens.  He knows all and wants for us to do the very best we can do each and every day.  I know that we have a living Prophet on the Earth today. He is President Thomas S. Monson. He leads and guides us.  I know that if we are obedient to the laws and covenants we make with our Heavenly Father, He will bless us immensely.

I know these things to be true.

I thank each and every one of you for your constant support.

If you would like to write me while I am in Nauvoo, feel free.  I would love any correspondence.

Here will be my address

YPM Sister Jex
PO Box 215
Nauvoo, IL 62354


LOVE YOU ALL!!

One Special Night

So last night, I had the most magnificent opportunity to enter into the House of the Lord.
My family accompanied me through, and I can say that it was wonderful.

I have so many things to learn.  But I know that with the Lord on my side, I can do all things.

Some pictures to show my happy night.

What a night.
I love this gospel.

Let it be me.

"There may come a time
A time in everyone’s life
Where nothing seems to go your way
Where nothing seems to turn out right

There may come a time
You just can't seem to find your way
For every door you walk on to
Seems like they get slammed in your face

That’s when you need someone
Someone that you can call
And when all your faith is gone
Feels like you can't go on
Let it be me
Let it be me
If it's a friend that you need
Let it be me
Let it be me

Feels like your always comin’ on home
Pockets full of nothin’ and you got no cash
No matter where you turn, you ain’t got no place to stand
Reach out for something and they slap your hand

Now I remember all too well
Just how it feels to be all alone
You feel like you’d give anything
For just a little place you can call your own

That’s when you need someone
Someone that you can call
And when all your faith is gone
Feels like you can't go on
Let it be me
Let it be me
If it's a friend you need
Let it be me
Let it be me

Let it be me
Let it be me
If it's a friend you need
Let it be me
Let it be me
Let it be me"

Let GO
Let EVERYTHING just be.
Let.
It. 
Be. 
Me.

thanks Ray LaMontagne.... again.

nothing to worry 'bout.

so true.

so stop worrying.

One about them

This is Taylor Kathryn Byers

She is one of my roommates.  She has beautiful blonde hair and a style that cannot compare.  She has a HUGE heart and loves her family so much. Her beauty radiates from her entire being.  I love this girl and she is a strong example to me of what a caring and kind person should be.

This is Camille Williams

This girl is one of my roommates. Camille is the first person I met out of all my roommates and we weren't even roommates yet!! Her sense of adventure and fearlessness pushes me to go outside my comfort zone.  She listens and helps with situations that I don't even understand myself.  I love this girl and she is a strong example to me of what an strong and empathetic person should be.

This is Rachel Eggett

She is one of my roommates.  She is gorgeous.  I mean c'mon, look at that smile!!! Rachel is vibrant and colorful (personality-wise).  She laughs and loves. She sings loudly because she loves to (and she is really good).  Rachel is a shining example to me of what an optimistic person should be.

This is Kendra Smith.

Kendra is my room(room)mate. She is so SMART! She is ambitious and driven and desires a bright future.  She can dance like no one else. She laughs with such heart, that you can't help but laugh with her. Kendra gives with no second thought. She is brilliant and she is an example to me of a work hard and have fun ethical person should be.

This is Bronte Hopkins.

This is Bronte and she is one of my roommates. As you can tell, her fire red hair gives her so much beauty.  Bronte is a fighter.  She fights through the expectations and hard trials of her dance requirements and comes out on top because of her hard work and dedication.  She speaks wise words whenever we are at church.  Her comments bring deep insight and the spirit.  She is a true example of what a kind and dedicated person should be.

I love all these girls. Without them, I would not be the person I am right now.  We have gone through experiences with one another that have shaped us all.  I know that I was meant to be put with these women for a reason. They have been there for me when I needed it and I thank them in any way I can.

"Be an example of the believers, in every word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity."