I feel prompted to just talk about following the spirit again. Saygobedo's have become so regular and part of my life that I hardly recognize them as Saygobedo's anymore. I have gained such a strong relationship with the spirit and my Father in Heaven that it is almost constant effecting my every thought and action. Saygobedo's have changed for me over the last year. They aren't as noticeable and as noteworthy as they used to seem because it is just part of my character now. Saygobedo's used to come one way with each experience but now I notice myself feeling the spirit in multiple ways at once.

Moving out is definitely a leap and I've already had more moments to use the spirit than I could imagine. Big changes are happening and it's amazing. I just want to share with you some examples and ways I feel and use the spirit lately. My conscience has become my best friend. Yep I hear that voice in my head and I listen to it. ;) It's usually with small things that I get prompted of ideas that are beneficial to me. A couple nights ago I was supposed to go out to a bonfire but started feeling really sick. The voice in my head told me to go lay down. I recognized that it was the spirit and went to lay in my bed. That was my first way of feeling the spirit. Once I recognize that I'm being prompted I usually don't understand why so I take the time to understand it better. As I laid in bed I started asking myself questions about why I was feeling this way. I then try to give Heavenly Father the opportunity to answer my prayer as I ask questions. I think of the possibilities it could be and then pause to notice how I feel. I can sometimes recognize when the answer is a yes or a no by the way it makes me feel. It really is hard to explain but I think it's important to share what it feels like so more people can recognize how it feels to them. For me, a yes is a calm feeling that seems like the right answer. I just feel good about it. And a no usually leaves me feeling confused and unsettled with the answer to the question. I definitely  have to say that learning to turn your feelings is a big part of the spirit become part of your character.

As important as getting an answer, asking the right question is probably as equally important. If you do not make your questions simple, your answer will usually be unclear. So as I laid in bed I had to ask myself questions like am I sick because I'm afraid of going? And the answer was no. Am I supposed to go? And the answer was again no. I continued asking simple questions playing close attention to how they made me feel. I felt prompted to tell Brittani that she should go without me. And it turns out she had the same thought pop into her head.

Another example would be an small experience I had with my friend who is trying to buy a car. He was confused and asked for my help. I didn't really understand how I was supposed to help, but he showed me multiple options and asked how they made me feel. I read the description on each car and looked at each one carefully. I decided which one I was drawn to the most and give him my answer. It happened to be the same one he felt good about. It's really cool using the spirit. And for reconfirmation I often ask others how they feel about things. Sometimes we wont get answers right away though. Sometimes we need to be patient and continue to ponder the question and answers will come in various ways.

I have a testimony of the spirit and of divine guidance. I'm grateful for the gospel of Jesus Christ and the direction I receive in this life.  I know God loves us and wants to speak to us and it's our job to listen. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen

Everything happens for a reason

The other day I was driving to Utah with my family, we were
driving in two seperate cars. I was in front, my parents drving about 15
minutes behind me. As I was driving I saw someone on the side of the road, and
I knew they needed help, and I wished I could help, I felt like I needed to,
but I figured I couldn't really help them since I know virtually nothing about
cars. As I passed I saw their sign, and it said "oil?". That's when I
realized that I could have stopped to help because I did have motor oil in the
back of my car! It was a moment of guilt on my part, and I still wanted to help
them, but I had already passed them and had no way to turn around. So, I had
the thought to just pray that someone would stop and help them. A little bit
later my parents called me, wondering how far along on the road I was. Then
they told me where they were, and I realized that they were a lot further
behind me than they were before. I pointed this out to them, and they explained
to me that they stopped to help some people on the side of the road who needed
oil. I had the biggest grin on my face when they told me this, because it made
me SO happy! In that moment I learned that we DO need to follow the promptings
we get, even if the logic of them doesn't make sense to us, but I also learned
that God understands we mess up, and there's still a net there to catch us if
we fall. I fortunately got to see one of these "nets" he placed in my
life that day when I missed an opportunity to follow a SayGoBeDo. Rather than
making me think that I can mess up more often, this experince has motivated me
to always follow those promptings, because I don't want to miss it when I might
be the only answer to something. This is my challenge to you to ALWAYS follow
your SayGoBeDo's no matter how CRAZY it may sound in your head - it will make
all the difference when you do :)

Starting...NOW!

As many know, I am off to college tomorrow. This leaves me thinking a LOT about the life I have led, and the life I am about to embark on. I think of the critical desicions that got me here, and I think of the little desicions too. The more I think about it the more I realize, it truly is the small, insignificant (or so we think) desicions that truly affect us. This is true because the little ones influence the medium ones, the medium influence the big, and the big desicions are what ultimately change things. Since this is true, our small, everyday desicions are SO important. This is why we have SayGoBeDo's because even though they are little, they make such a huge impact on us as individuals. Honestly, in the past few month's I've been trying to shoo away the little SayGoBeDo's, and do things my own way. Take it from me guys, this doesn't work! There is just something about recognizing a higher power and trusting God that He knows what's best. So, starting today (with this post in-fact, I had a SayGoBeDo to write it!) it is back to following those promptings, because they are so important, and I know they will make myself, as well as others happier in the end. I challenge anyone reading this to join me. Stop, listen, let go of your fear and act on each and every SayGoBeDo you recieve. Are you with me?

"So We Could Learn How To Climb"

Have you ever climbed a mountain?

I had the opportunity after 16 years of living in Colorado, to climb a 14er (a mountain over 14,000 feet). To most this is a pretty cool and challenging thing, but for me, it was the hardest thing I have ever done. Both physically and mentally. And trust me, I have done some very hard things since I've been sick. The 16 mile trek pulling handcarts two years ago, backpacking in the mountains and hiking 26 miles last year, and walking 18 miles from Castle Rock to the Denver temple this year. But I wasn't done yet. I had a mountain to climb. It wasn't very many miles, but it was very rocky and a 3,000ft rise to the top. I didn't think it would be so hard. In fact, I thought I could do both in one day, Grays Peak and Torreys Peak. Although this wasn't the case, I feel so accomplished by what I did complete. For how much pain I was in, there is no way I could have done it on my own; and I'm so grateful I didn't. Aside from my caring friends who were there to support eachother, the help I got from God changed my life.

About half way up the actual peak I literally could not go any further. I had tried every method of endurance I have ever known. I took it slow, at a steady pace and drank tons of water and a couple snacks. I stopped quite frequently and tried to just keep going. There even got to a point that I had to take baby steps just to keep going. If I stopped it hurt too bad and it was too hard to get back up and I just kept going, one tinnie tiny step in front of the other. I tried not to hold anyone back and I tried not to complain. This was me verse the mountain, and I didn't want to bother anyone else. Finally I got to the point I just couldn't do it anymore. I was so far up I wasn't going to turn back, and I had prayed for help. I just didn't know how to keep going. I have to admit that I shed a few tears, cussed at the mountain a few times, and yelled at myself. My legs hurt so bad and every muscle in my body was shaking. I had nothing left to give. No passion, no drive, just the basic idea I planted in my head that "I will make it to the top". Although my mind said I could do it, my body had no idea how. The "just keep going" idea was failing me. I needed help. I ran up ahead with my body screaming in anger but I had enough anger and hatred of the mountain that I got myself far enough away from the others to then forgive the mountain and ask God for help. I stopped and I prayed. I looked up at the clouds and I remembered that in my patriarchal blessing God said he would send angels to bare me up if it ever be necessary. I felt this would be a good time to have someone hold my hand, so I prayed for those angels. And I can actually say that as I walked I began to feel alive again and I started to walk a normal pace. I don't even remember it hurting. I literally began to feel rushed up the mountain with people all around me even though I was alone. And not to exaggerate, but I felt someone holding my hand. I kept praying, "please let me finish." And it the middle of my excitement I realized a few feet ahead was the summit. I couldn't believe it. I got there and walked all over the top of that summit with the most joy and relief that I have ever felt. I got to yell down to the others that I had summitted! The sick one made it there first. It wasn't about being first, it was about being there with angels. It was such an amazing feeling to look over the other side of that mountain and know that God cares about that mountain as much as he cares about me. I'm glad I couldn't make it on my own. I'm glad I needed God, and I'm glad he sent angels to bear me up. Sometimes they are the ones walking with us, friends or family. And sometimes he sends a few that you can't see to give you strength. All that matters is that you ask for help and you will receive help. God will always be there on whatever mountain you climb.

Although I didn't summit both, I knew that I did all that I could. Every last bit of me was drawn out. On the way down I had nothing left. No strength, no excitement, not even words or compassion. I just lifted my feet and the gravity brought me down the rest. I have never been so exhausted before. And I'm grateful for that. After 16 hours of sleep after that and a few days of recovery from pain, I can look back with a huge smile on my face and know that I did the hardest thing in my life. And it's not to say "I climbed a 14er," cus that happens for alot of people, its to know in my heart that I only finished because of God.

This is my all time favorite song and I have an entirely new love of it. I challenge you to climb all your mountains. And if you get a chance, climb a 14er in Colorado. You can really see God everywhere.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Aup9M5HZawI&feature=channel_video_title

"I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness."

-John 12:46



I know that my Redeemer lives and loves me too. There are times when I have questioned my faith in the Father and the Savior and if I really still believed it. Times where I have relied more on the world and myself than on God. Let me tell you now, that it is not worth it. It is NEVER worth it. I can testify without a doubt in my mind that Heavenly Father hears you, and knows your name. He never forgets you; even when you forget him. Jesus Christ knows every sorrow and every pain. Never feel that you have been left alone. I know that sounds easy for me to say, but it's never easy to accept when you are the one hurting. Trust me I know, when you are in your darkest hours, hearing comforting words and reminders of your faith never seem to work. But I know that if you truly seek happiness and goodness, you can do it. I have done it. It is not easy. You must come to "a mighty change of heart" and must be patient as you seek out the Lord. You must seek him in every way. You must show him that you want to be his disciple. And it will happen. You CAN find what you are looking for. And I am here to testify that the things you are looking for are never right unless Jesus Christ is the core and center of your endeavors. I love my Savior and my Father in Heaven. I know that it is up to me to come closer to them and be worthy to dwell in their presence again. Dear friends, they love you, and want you near them. Come back to the light and help others who want to come back to the light. I know these things to be true without a doubt in my mind. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Thought for the day:

"You must first have revelation that you can receive revelation."

I guess sometimes it takes a bit of confidence and faith in ourselves and God in order to receive Saygobedos again. Especially after you've stopped for awhile and feel like you should know exactly how to do it and be able to start again in a heartbeat. It kinda seems like there's this obligation that you should be better at them than before, and sometimes you are, but often times we must restart our Saygobedo engines. Only through the pure basics can we begin our journey to saygobedos again. It's more like an awakening every time you get lost in the world and get caught up in yourself, that you must wake up to saygobedos again. But the door to saygobedo opportunities is always before us and we must open it over and over again. 

Definition of SayGoBeDo

The definition of SayGoBeDo is on Urban Dicitonary thanks to Tia! Click the title to follow the link to see for yourself! :)

Never give up!

Yes, I really do exist. I must admit, sometimes it takes Tia posting to remind me to post again. But hey, here I am, and I feel so alive! Today has been amazing all because I have followed Saygobedo's. I've been sick for about a week with a cold, and today my choir had a competition that I really wanted to participate in. Waking up I was almost sure that I would not be able to sing in the competition. I wasn't even going to bring my choir dress to school, I could barely talk, let alone sing! But the little voice inside told me to bring my dress, and so I did. As the day went on, I tried to save my voice, hoping I might be able to sing. Arriving at the competition, I was still unsure about my voice. As we were sitting listening to other choirs, I saw a girl in my choir sitting all by herself. I have always thought that this girl is really neat and cool to be around, I was so surprized she was sitting alone. I felt the need to go sit by her, and so I did. We started talking and I realized what a truly amazing person she is. We talked about so many things and I ended up making a really good friend. When our choir practiced before getting on stage, I could sing and I was amazed. We sang in our competition, and we received the highest score possible. It felt so good and I am so glad I could have contributed to it! I love Saygobedo's and it makes me so happy when they turn out. It makes me realize that the daily trials really are worth it when you see the blessings from them. I leave you with this quote:

“It may be that when we no longer know what to do, we have come to our real work, and when we no longer know which way to go, we have begun our real journey.” - Wendell Berry

Sometimes we feel lost, and that's natural, it's a part of life. You never are truly lost though when you follow your heart. Never give up, you never know when it's going to be most important :)

Go out on a limb

SayGoBeDo blog, I've come back once again! Conference weekend is always an imspiring, uplifting and idea generating time when I recieve more SayGoBeDos and get called back to the long forgotten ones. It's always interesting to see how things change in such a short ammount of time. I've already sunk deep into the routine of every day school, doctors, work and friends that I forget about the things that make me happiest, SayGoBeDos! I'm really starting to miss them! I miss serving others and feel the joy and selfworth that comes from uplifting others. I miss the inspiration and the great enlightenment I feel when I'm following them and I miss having direction. But that doesn't mean I've ignored them all together. They still come in small quantities and opportunities. Just last Sunday I was prompted to invite my friend to a youth church meeting on Sunday night at my bishops house. Although I felt judged because he is in fact a member and to others it seems like a small thing to bring a member friend to a church activity, but I know for a fact it was supposed to happen. For some reason my friend was supposed to be there and get to talk to the missionaries and feel the spirit. I'm greatful I listened to the spirit. And because of it he is coming to watch General Conference with me tomorrow at the church so he can talk to those missionaries again.

I've also recieved a big SayGoBeDo in the last couple of days that I'm supposed to write a cookbook and publish it before I leave in July. I have approximately two months to write it and finish it. It's a bit stressful, but I'm so excited! I know that I will never regret it and I will have it as a resume for when I apply for jobs in college.

And on a much smaller scale, or maybe even an odder scale to most of you, I've been given the SayGoBeDo that me as a person needs to step away from my stressful life this summer and refind myself. I need to meditate and strengthen my body at home before I take on the world again. I'm going to find small adventures that I can do and do them! Like mountain biking, climbing a 14er and tubing the Plate. So that's my summer plan! To stay home and find my inner peace hahaha :D

SayGoBeDos will come if you listen, they can direct you every day. Never give up on them, because they will never give up on you. Good luck as you set out to conquer them! May God be with you. As Babe Ruth once said, "Never let the fear of striking out keep you from playing the game."

Security is mostly a superstition. It does not exist in nature, nor do the children of men as a whole experience it. Avoiding danger is no safer in the long run than outright exposure. Life is either a daring adventure, or nothing.

~Helen Keller



Take a Stand

Gosh dang it Tia!!! I go to your fireside on Say Go Be Do and next thing I know I get this BIG one!!! What the heck!

Well, moving on, this Say Go Be Do like I said is a Big one. The biggest I think that I've ever had. And because of the potential size that this can achieve I want to hear some feedback from anyone and everyone. PLEASE, help me out!!! Help me by answering these questions truthfully.

1. What does America mean to you?

2. What do we, as citizens (young and not so young:), need to know or do in order to restore America to its past greatness?

I ask this because I see a great change in our nation. We have lost the vigor in defending our foundation, the Constitution, the Declaration of Independence; those great, inspired founding documents. I see us, our nation, as a people who love our rights but aren't willing to do all that much to defend them.

In all honesty, I'm scared for our country. I'm scared that I won't be able to go on a mission because our country will be ushered into World War III. I'm scared that doesn't happen, then I will be recalled from my mission early, or that when I return, by nation will be so our of touch with its foundation that I really won't be able to recognize it anymore. It may sound corny or whatever, but I'm afraid for my future wife and kids. I'm afriad that I won't be able to provide for their basic needs because nobody in our country will be able to hold a job. Or that I won't know them at all because I will be too busy working to provide a living that I'm never home.

So I come to you, my friends and fellow citizens. Its the people who founded this nation, who got us through War, depression, and attacks on our nation. Every time it has been the people who have got our nation through its trials. So what do we need? What are good, inspiring books to read that have stories about our Founders or Founding Principles? What are some things that we as the people can do?

I ask you to join me in taking a stand for our nation. In telling the government, the anarchists, communists, and socialists, telling the world "Dont Tred on Me"! It's gotta be us to stand up, 'cause if you and I don't, please tell me who will...

"I could choose not to move, but I refuse!"

This is such a great song!  It is called "I Refuse" by Josh Wilson.  God has called each person to do something, listen when he whispers to your soul and choose to act!  It's easier not to act in the moment, but the rewards of acting in the moment are greater than NOT acting! Be a SayGoBeDoer :D

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6B1Lv8k5pEc&feature=player_embedded

Here are the lyrics (READ while you listen, it makes such a greater impact!)-

Sometimes I,/I just want to close my eyes/And act like everyone’s alright/When I know they’re not. /This world needs God,/But it’s easier to stand and watch./I could pray a prayer and just move on/Like nothing’s wrong,/But I refuse.

‘Cause I don’t want to live like I don’t care./I don’t want to say another empty prayer./Oh, I refuse to/Sit around and wait for someone else/To do what God has called me to do myself./Oh, I could choose/Not to move but I refuse.

I can hear the least of these/Crying out so desperately,/And I know we are the hands and feet/Of you, oh God./So, if you say move,/Then it’s time for me to follow through,/And do what I was made to do./Show them who you are.

‘Cause I don’t want to live like I don’t care./I don’t want to say another empty prayer./Oh, I refuse to/Sit around and wait for someone else/To do what God has called me to do myself./Oh, I could choose/Not to move but I refuse.

To stand and watch/The weary and lost/Cry out for help./I refuse/To turn my back/And try and act like all is well./I refuse/To stay unchanged,/To wait another day,/To die to myself./I refuse/To make one more excuse.

‘Cause I don’t want to live like I don’t care./I don’t want to say another empty prayer./Oh, I refuse to/Sit around and wait for someone else/To do what God has called me to do myself./Oh, I could choose/Not to move but I refuse.

Make A Wave!

 \http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cP-VolAWP9s

Planting seeds

It has been a long time since I've been here, and many things have happened in my life.  As other things have taken over, I am sad to say that SayGoBeDo went on the back burner for a while.  BUT, I have decided I won't let that happen again!  A few days ago I found out that a girl I go to church with would be turning 16 soon.  I never have been good friends with her, but I felt prompted to take her out to breakfast for her birthday. I felt the strongest SayGoBeDo to call her and ask her.  I hesitated, and my subconcious started to tell me things like "she won't want to" or "she's not even your friend", but I decided to overcome those thoughts and call her.  This morning we went to breakfast, and nothing spectacular or life changing happened, but I knew that I was doing the right thing.  Maybe this girl needed me today, maybe she needed to feel some love, or maybe other people forgot about her birthday, I don't really know.  Sometimes you just don't see the other end of your SayGoBeDo, or you don't get the fruits of it immediately.  That fact should not discourage you, though.  SayGoBeDoers have to understand that a SayGoBeDo is like a seed, and, like with real seed, some grow quickly, some slowly.  Some seeds need more water to grow, and some only a little.  If you really pay attention, you can be someone who is planting seeds EVERY day!  I challenge anyone who reads this to (figuratively) plant a seed today, or even a few!  Have patience, and watch them grow :) it will fill your soul with joy!

"You can count the seeds in an apple, but only God can count the apples in a seed."

Exciting News!

My biggest SayGoBeDo is finally happening! February 27th I'm giving a fireside on SayGoBeDo! It's at 6:30 at my church in the gym, It's for the youth in my church and anyone else who wants to come. Anyone reading this definitely invited too! I'm so excited! I've had this SayGoBeDo for 6 months now... and it's finally happening! Hope to see you there!

Service is the Universal Key

It's true! A new light bulb went on in my head when I began to think about the important things in life. All virtues like love, prayer, hard work and compassion all in some way or another relate back to helping and serving others; or they should. Our prayers should even be for others, our words and actions should be to uplift and edify others and the time we spend learning or enlightening ourselves, should help us treat others better as well as give us an opportunity to teach. This really is the basis of God's plan! Service! To love one another and to serve each other. Its so profound in it's simplicity. I'd say that if you evaluate your life and things are centered around you more than others, then you might want to rethink your purpose. End the end you will never regret it!

P.S. Update on my SayGoBeDos - Last Tuesday was my friends birthday and he lives really far away, so I figured I'd just wait til the next day to see him. I was texting him and he seemed really depressed, then all of the suden an overwhelming feeling that I needed to see him came over me. I offered to go to dinner with him and I was quite a lifesaver to him. I was so grateful to have such a strong saygobedo that made it possible for me to be there for him. Keep up your saygobedos everyone!

The Call to return to SayGoBeDo!

This morning I received a SayGoBeDo to come look at the blog.  I haven't looked at it in a while because I know that when I do I will start to feel a little guilty for not paying better attention to my SayGoBeDo's.  Despite that, I came and looked.  Tia's most recent post really inspired me, and had some great insight that I needed to hear.  I have fallen down, but I will get back up. I have the desire to receieve and follow my SayGoBeDo's again. I know that following them will ultimately make myself as well as others happy!

The Worth of a Soul

It truly has been a fantastic season. The love and joy in the air is so refreshing, I miss it already. I focused the gifts I gave on the Saviour and helping the receiver become a better person. To Brittani I made an African nativity set out of clay. It was beautiful and took so much time, it was truly worth it.

For my mom I gave her Seven Habits of Highly Effective People with a journal of Christ and a woman on the ground reaching up to him. I also added quotes, printed out the challenges and added tools I've used when I read it. I wanted it to really change her life. To my brother I gave Hope In Our Hearts by Russell M. Nelson and I gave a movie called Life Lessons From Fathers of Faith: Inspiring True Stories About Latter-day Dads to my father. I will never regret giving Christ-centered gifts this year and hope to always remember it.

Now I must admit a weakness. I've really been struggling lately with my testimony of my Saviour and of his realness. I've felt so left alone and unsure if he really saves me or if it makes a difference if I fervently believe in him or not. Well I'd like to tell you about my favorite Christmas gift. First you must know that I love Africa and it's people. I've never been there but I feel so drawn to them and I'm dying to go there some day. So for Christmas I pulled out a $.50 picture that changed my life.

I had seen the picture before, but it was what was written on the back that brought tears to my eyes. There was a short note from my mother that read, "Dearest Tia, Until you can hold them, pray daily that God will. Love, Mom" as well as the story of how the picture came to be. 

The Worth of a Soul

By Liz Lemon Swindle

When Mothers Without Borders approached me about going to Africa, I told them I was not interested. For me Africa was a world away, “and besides,” I thought, “I am too busy.” Imagine my surprise when I found myself on a plane to Zambia in June 2007.

One of the first children I met was Kennedy, the little boy you see in the painting. At three years old he has lost both of his parents to AIDS and was found living alone with his six year old brother and ten year old sister. When I thought of those three children struggling to survive and the millions of others across Africa in similar circumstances, I felt an overwhelming hopelessness and said to myself, “No amount of money can fix this.”

Later that day while we were filming, Kennedy climbed into the arms of the man portraying the Savior. As I stood watching them, Kennedy turned towards me and our eyes met. At that moment I knew it wasn’t hopeless. I realized that the Savior could fix not only the problems of Africa, but of the whole world…and we can be His hands to do it.

For the first time in my life I felt what Isaiah meant when he said, “He will swallow up death in victory; and the Lord GOD will wipe away tears from off all faces.” To Kennedy and all who struggle to understand why, I promise that God has not forgotten you.

Looking back I realize that my reasons for not wanting to go to Africa are likely the same as yours. We are busy and feel like we cannot make a difference, but I know now that neither is true. We are never too busy to lift another and every good work is known to Him who said, “Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of…these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.” 

I have shared this gift with close friends and every time I share it with them it touches me in a different way. When I first saw this picture I thought of myself and the person I want to become. I felt like God was holding my little black baby until one day I was prepared and called. It brought me to reach for something, something deep inside that I had been ignoring; my mission and purpose. The next time I showed this picture to a friend I realized that not only is he holding the little children of Africa but he is holding me. And lastly I realized that when I struggle to feel the love of the Saviour it is because I am not looking outside of myself. Every time I look into the eyes of any living thing, I can see Christ. I realize that if I am not looking for Christ in others then I cannot expect to see Christ there for me.

I bear testimony that He lives. His celestial light shines in us and the more we recognize it the closer he feels. God loves each and every one of us, he knows our trials and he sees our beauty. I am so grateful for the blessing I have and strive daily to share my gratitude by sharing my blessings with others. He lives and is watching his work come forth. I bare this testimony in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.