We all have to experience challenges and difficulties in our lives. Some things may be harder to go through than others. But it is always up to us to decide how we will react to each situation. Our reactions will determine our consequences and we will either feel our spirit rising above the situations or getting knocked down depending on what we do. The choice is always ours.
God has given us that gift of agency to allow us to choose for ourselves. In each situation we can either choose to come closer to Him or to draw ourselves further away from Him. I think that most of us have had these experiences in our lives, where we’ve had moments of stepping closer to God and moments where we have stepped away from him. I have discovered in my own life that stepping away from God has never brought me anything positive. If anything I’ve seen things get worse. My patience would begin to fail me and things would make me upset and frustrated a lot easier. I noticed that I was a lot more depressed and I realized how unhappy I was when I kept trying to go through things on my own. Until I would reach a point in which I would hit rock bottom and had no other choice but to pray. It was during those times that I began to feel things change, I started to realize that I was foolish all along for trying to do things on my own. I began to realize that God had been there for me all along and that it was up to me to step towards HIM. He wasn’t gonna force me to come close to Him. He was anxiously waiting for ME to WANT to do that for myself. And when I did, I was able to feel incredible joy and peace. Feeling close to God began to be my new favorite feeling! 
Everything began to change and I realized that from that point on wether it was the best time of my life or the hardest moments of my life I want to experience it all with God by my side. <3
Its when we have those contrasts in our lives, that we’re able to see things more clearly. That’s when we realize that there really are only two paths in life. & when we realize that we would rather travel life through the path that brings peace and joy then it becomes easier to follow God. We begin to have a desire to just stay close to Him and to go through the good, the bad and the terrible if we have to…But to go through it all with HIM by our side. 
His words say;
And whoso receiveth you, there I will be also, for I will go before your face. I will be on your right hand and on your left, and my Spirit shall be in your hearts, and mine angels round about you, to bear you up. (D&C 84:88)
Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.
(Isaiah 41:10)
Trusting in His words, knowing that He speaks all truth, will bring power into our lives. Power to say no to bad influences, Power to choose those things that will bring us closer to God. Power to not fear or be embarrassed but instead to know who our God is and the incredible POWER that He has to do amazing things with our lives. Even during the hardest times, His influences will be felt. So, Lets surround ourselves with GOODNESS! with people that will be positive in our lives. with friends that will help us to better ourselves. Lets listen to, watch and read all of those things that will bring even more of God’s light and power into our lives. Lets choose to be positive because that’s exactly what God wants us to do! He loves us! We are His children and He wants nothing but THE BEST FOR US!!! 
Our spiritual goal for the week is To not let the earthly circumstances affect us spiritually. But to instead allow ourselves to be strengthened by accessing the power of God in our lives this week. when in doubt, remind yourself of how amazing and powerful your God is!!! <3
Our physical goal for the week is to: Eat foods that will strengthen our inmune system so that you guys don’t get sick like I did! 😉 haha Having antioxidants, good soups, garlic, broccoli, watermelon, ginger etc. Lots of stuff that will keep us healthy. We will also try to exercise 3 times this week to do something great for ourselves physically. & This also help our inmune system. 🙂
Hope to see you tonight in class! We’re gonna focus on toning and mediating to get rid of stress. 🙂 The hardest thing is always showing up to class. But I know that if you make it happen for yourself you will feel so positive and great, your week will feel a lot different! 🙂 I hope that you can come feel how great this will be for yourself. Have a blessed and wonderful day and rest of the week and keep that little message that God wants you to feel in your heart.
With lots of love,
LILI 
