Dad

Sorry for the two posts in one day, but I have to give a Shout out to my daddy.

This man has been in my life since before day one, and I can't thank him enough for everything he does for me. He has been through thick and thin with me. He bounced me on his knee when I was a baby, and now he plays basketball with me. My dad is my hero. I am so grateful for him in my life, I'm thankful that he is a worthy priesthood holder and is willing to give me blessings when I am in need. I grateful that he can always make me laugh, even if his jokes are almost always potty jokes. I'm grateful for the hard work he does everyday to provide for my family and I. I'm grateful for his strong arms that embrace me when I need a hug. I'm grateful that he lets me drive "his" truck to and from work and school. And I am especially grateful that he is my dad, I couldn't ask for a better one then him! Thanks Dad for all you do! Love you tons!

Love,
Kenzie

Kaycee

Today was my cousin Kaycee's mission "farewell" she is going to Jacksonville, Florida and the lower part of Georgia. Anyway, as she began her talk, you could tell there would be plenty of crying, not just from her, but everyone in the audience. The spirit was so strong as she told us about her decision to go on a mission and the trials she went through to get where she is today. As she continued speaking, my love for her and my Savior grew, I was overwhelmed by the Spirit and it was made known to me again that the Atonement is real. 

I just want to let you all know, especially those in Florida and Georgia, that the world is gaining a great missionary and person. Kaycee and I have been buds since we were little, I remember having sleepovers and play-dates with her when we were younger. I have always looked up to Kaycee and am going to miss her tons, but I know she is doing a great work for the Lord and that she will be a blessing to so many people on her mission. Kaycee is a wonderful example of someone who dedicates her life to the Lord, she is always positive, is looking out for others, and can always make me laugh.

I am so glad you are in my life Kaycee and wish you the best of luck on your mission! Thanks for always being my friend, I know you will do great things in this world. You will be in my prayers and I will email you! Love ya!

Love,

Kenzie

Through the Looking Glass

Today during stake conference my old ward and a YSA ward sang a new rendition of I Stand All Amazed, it was the most beautiful version of this song I have ever heard in my life. I felt the Spirit so strong it hit me once again the impact and power music can have on someone's life. But, it also depends on the type of music.

One of the speakers today said "we go where we are looking." Isn't that so true? If we are looking towards the great and spacious building instead of the tree of life at the end of the straight and narrow path, we are not going to end up with delicious fruit in our mouth. I think it is the same way with music, if we are listening to good, uplifting, clean music; we draw closer to our Heavenly Father. While on the other hand if we are listening to terrible music, the Spirit will withdraw from us.

Another thing a speaker said was "righteous desires need to be relentless...we must battle for good everyday." The second we step away from Christ is a step closer to the devil, we need to stay with the right army, never straying from the path that has been set and prepared for us. In Ephesians 6; it reads "Put on the whole amour of God..." I love that whole chapter actually, it proves that it is a real war against Satan, and we can't just jump into the fray all willy-nilly. We must prepare by doing the simple primary answers; pray, read the scriptures, FHE, etc. 

I am sure you have all heard the story about the dirty window, if not here it is; 
'A young couple, Lisa and John, moved into a new neighborhood. One morning while they were eating breakfast, Lisa looked out the window and watched her next-door neighbor hanging out her wash.

“That laundry’s not clean!” Lisa exclaimed. “Our neighbor doesn’t know how to get clothes clean!”

John looked on but remained silent.

Every time her neighbor would hang her wash to dry, Lisa would make the same comments.

A few weeks later Lisa was surprised to glance out her window and see a nice, clean wash hanging in her neighbor’s yard. She said to her husband, “Look, John—she’s finally learned how to wash correctly! I wonder how she did it.”

John replied, “Well, dear, I have the answer for you. You’ll be interested to know that I got up early this morning and washed our windows!”' (https://www.lds.org/liahona/2010/11/charity-never-faileth?lang=eng)

I love this gospel and all of you, hope you are all having a great summer! Thanks for all you do!

Love,
Kenzie

My Superhero

My Superhero

The world is full of superheros.

Superman, Batman, Captain America, Hawk-eye, and so many more.

But, why can't I be one?

When I was little I would run around the house,

with a cape tied around my neck, a mask strapped on my face, and my head in the clouds.

"When I grow up I want to save the world." I'd say.

The world told me I couldn't be anything, wouldn't be anything.

My Papa told me I was his hero,

my grandma said I saved her from the past.

I stare at the billboards, wondering when my name will show up,

in big, bright, blood red letters.

Letting the whole world know, that I am here, I am important, and I do matter.

Maybe to you I'm the broken glass you step on after the Hulk breaks through a window.

But, to someone upstairs I am what deletes His kryptonite.

He holds me and tells me He loves me, 

kisses my cheeks where my tears dry,

bandages my wounds from the hate of the world.
He is my superhero, the healer of my dreams,
the only one who really knows what it's like,
to be stomped on and crushed under the weight of this cruel world we live in.
I don't need to be strong or brave or even wear a cape to save the day .
Because the one who gently rubs my hand when I cry,
whispers in my ear that all I need is Him,
to be a superhero.