Best of EFY

Last night was the Best of EFY! Best of EFY has an inspired name because it truly is the best. It was especially cool for me because two of the speakers, Brother McDonald and Brother Stonehocker were at my session of EFY this summer. Brother McDonald was my Session Director and Brother Stonehocker was my favorite teacher. It is always so uplifting to attend a meeting like this and be with hundreds of other youth. Living in a place like Washington where I am surrounded by people who are not LDS it is refreshing and encouraging to see people who hold my same values.

All of the speakers were absolutely fantastic. Brother McDonald spoke about being SUPERmen and WONDERwomen. Brother Martin spoke about Joseph Smith and Brother Stonehocker spoke about the atonement and repentance. I think the talk that most stood out to me was Brother Martins. I feel like I have not actually "learned" about Joseph Smith since I was in Primary, so, I really enjoyed a talk completely dedicated to him. The most powerful thing Brother Martin said, however, did not directly have to do with Joseph. He talked about how we should care more about what Heavenly Father thinks about us than what our peers think about us. Then, he gave us this little motto that has become my second resolution of the New Year:

 "Look vertically instead of horizontally!"

This upcoming year is going to be full of a lot of changes for me--college, work, a new home, a new life and I have never felt more certain that this is going to be the motto that gets me through those new decisions. I do not know what is in store for me this year, but I do know that as I trust in the Lord and His plan for me, I will always be safe, confident, and in the best place for me. As I look vertically at His plan and what He wants me to do, instead of horizontally at what others might think about my choices, all will be for the best in the long run. So, I challenge you to do the same! Look vertically instead of horizontally!

And of course, the dance was fun. Even though I was on crutches...okay so maybe it wasn't that fun...