Especially For Me 2014

"Verily I say, men should be ANXIOUSLY ENGAGED in a good cause, and do many things of their own free will, and bring to pass much righteousness." Doctrine and Covenants 58:27

 

August 11- August 16 I attended EFY, Especially For Youth, in Rexburg Idaho. Attending EFY I learned a few things.

Company Name: Fearless

Company Scripture: Doctrine and Covenants 6:36

"Look unto me in every thought; doubt not, fear not."

Company Counselors: Spencer Murphy, Micah Goodwin, and Taylor Holliday

 

First I learned that we are ALL Heavenly Father's children. Heavenly Father wants all of us back. He loves us all and we all need to feel wanted. I learned that we all have different struggles but we ALL struggle because we are Heavenly Father's children.Because I learned this I learned that it doesn't matter where you come from we are all His children. I learned to love a vast majority of people this week because I learned that is not only my responsibility as a child of God but it is what brings me the most joy in life. I love loving. I love loving others because I am able to find the best in those people. I love loving others because I love knowing slightly how Heavenly Father feels towards His children. I love loving because I love feeling His love. And lastly I love loving because I love the joy that comes into those people's lives because someone reached out to them to love them.  So because I learned this I will be ANXIOUSLY ENGAGED in loving others.



My boys and me the last day.

My girls and me the last day.

My company the last day.

Second, I learned that there is strength in numbers. I learned that as your build relationships with others and you commit to stand with them in helping them build their testimony as well as your own that you will receive strength. Growing closer and closer to these youth and leaders I learned what non-biological families are. These people became my family this week they became my safe haven, they became part of my strength, and they became my support system. At EFY we shared things that we extremely close to our hearts, we shared parts and pieces of ourselves to each other. As we shared the things that were in our hearts, whether is was a testimony, a trial, a struggle or an experience we had, we grew closer to one another. Because we shared those things we were able to trust each other, love each other and accept each other. Because I learned this, I will be ANXIOUSLY ENGAGED in building stronger, lasting relationships with those around me.

Kayla and I

Brianna and I

 MacKenzie and I.

 Connor and I

 Tori and I

Kennidy and I.

Eliza and I

Morgan and I.

 Derek, Kennidy and I.

 

Third, I learned of the power of prayer. I learned that is it is okay to have weaknesses because those things will become your strength. This week I prayed for a member of our company to feel the spirit and for their testimony to be strengthened. I did this all week and it wasn't until testimony meeting that I saw my prayer being answered. I saw the change in this person's life in just a couple days. Over those couple days praying for them, I was able to find the things that Heavenly Father saw in them. I was able to love them because I prayed for them not for myself. I know Heavenly Father answers prayers and I know He wants the best for us and for our brothers and sisters. I will be ANXIOUSLY ENGAGED in praying more sincerely, praying for others, and truly talking to my Father in Heaven.

 Fearless in the rain on Game Night!

Games Night!

 Games Night

 Games Night!

 

Fourth, I learned that the adversary is real. This knowledge of the fact that there is someone out there to hurt us brought me to the knowledge that I know I have a Savior. Satan is out there to hurt us, to tear us down, to scare us, to make us feel inadequate, and to tempt us. Heavenly Father knew that there would be something that could hurt us that's why He sent His only Son. He sent His only Son to suffer for us. To bleed for us. To feel every pain. To feel every heartache and every sorrow. He sent His Son so that we could have someone to turn to when the world seems to be falling down around us. Christ came so we wouldn't have to feel alone. He came so that we could have hope. So that we can become better and CONQUER Satan. I know that my Savior lives for me and He lives for you. I will be ANXIOUSLY ENGAGED in helping others come to this knowledge. I will be ANXIOUSLY ENGAGED in trusting my Savior and Father in Heaven. I will be ANXIOUSLY ENGAGED in turning to my Savior.

My company Fearless on the last day all together.

 

 EFY THEME SONG