The Change Factor.

Hello readers! I'm back!! It's been about two months of a much needed break from blogging and I've got to say, I've missed it! Since there's been so much that's gone on these past two months, I'll put it in simple terms: It's been pretty great! (If you want to see what I've been up to, just check out my social media accounts--I've been told I post a lot but oh whallleee! ;))

So the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints has put out this new video program (I'm not sure if that's the right term to use, but I'll use it for now. :)) It quite literally has changed my life. And do you know what it's called? 12 Steps to Change. But do you know this? It is completely surrounded around helping those who struggle with addiction to get on the right path. Not once does the program EVER say, "We can only help this addiction/struggle." NEVER. There are even videos with stories of those who have struggled with addictions including alcohol, pornography, drug, and even food addiction. You can find out more about the program here and watch the videos right here. I highly recommend watching these videos--even if you do not struggle with one of these addictions personally, you could help someone who does. 

I'd like to touch on two small parts of the "Change Factor," some that can particularly hard.

The Want of Change.

I think we all notice at one point or another that there needs to be a change in our life. It doesn't always have to be major either. It could be something as simple as "I'm reading my scriptures everyday, but it's just that. I'm just reading them." Or even "I really should work on my diet. It's not awful, but it's not so great either." And sure these sound silly to us, but when it comes to being becoming better than we are now, it's really not that silly.

I believe we're all truly good people. I think we all have good intentions, but sometimes we need that little push. The first step, at least for me is to know that I want something in my life to change, and especially know that I can find and have the willpower to make it happen. Change is hard! Ohhhh change is hard. But it's so necessary. The Atonement has a huge factor that plays into it of change. Change from past choices we've made. Knowing that the person we've been, can impact the person we are to become, but shouldn't entirely define our future. 

"God cares a lot more about who we are and who we're becoming than about who we once were."

-Dale G. Rendlund

The Will to Forgive.

Something that's hard to always accept and move on with, is forgiveness. Can I be honest? I'll be honest, I have the hardest time with forgiveness. Not only with others, but entirely myself. It's hard. But it's a burden that I don't want to unnecessarily carry. Or have anyone carry. Our Heavenly Father loves us so much, and He loves all of His children, but as part of that love is knowing that His plan is greater than we can comprehend. And if He can forgive us of our wrongdoings, shouldn't we do that same with His other children and ourselves? The Atonement covers it all. But that doesn't mean that we should forget our part in it. Forgiveness is difficult, but in the end it's entirely worth it. And it's not a path that we will ever walk alone. 

"Heaven is filled with those who have this in common: They are forgiven. And they forgive."

-Dieter F. Uchtdorf 

~Mostly Marissa~