This past week has been pretty brutal on me. It wasn't so much that it was hard just, I really saw a road I didn't want to go down. I allowed myself to be really lazy and not get very much down. As a result, I get to spend the rest of this week working twice as hard as a normal week.

You never really realize the blessings of stepping out into the dark and taking a chance until you do it. I told a really good friend of mine this past week that I liked her. I've blogged about it before so I won't go into too much detail. To make a long story short, it went really well. Things have become way less awkward and for the first time I am not the one trying to set things up to hang out. Funny thing is, she didn't share my same feelings. But, it was good to finally talk again. I just feel really comfortable around her. Like I can talk to her about anything and not be worried. It's nice to have a friendship with an awesome person like that. They affect your life in so many ways and don't even realize it.

I've been reading in 3 Nephi this past week trying to catch up before my midterm. As I was reading and pondering today, I had this desire to read 3 Nephi 11:15. It reads, "And it came to pass that the multitude went forth, and thrust their hands into his side, and did feel the prints of the nails in his hands and in his feet; and this day did do, going forth one by one untill they had all gone forth, and did see with their eyes and did feel with their hands, and did know of a surety and did bear record, that it was he, of whom it was written by the prophets, that should come."

I started to think of the second coming, my life, and especially the Atonement. The power I feel when I think of that single act is beyond any I have ever felt before. I can't describe it. It is amazing, powerful, and tangible. I know without a doubt that it is true.

In my mission prep class, Dr. Livingstone has been working with us to really focus on the important things when teaching a lesson. He gives us opportinities to throw together a fast lesson and teach it to another person. It's been tough, but I have learned so much from those times. Anyway, something he has been really adamant about is getting to the Atonement in our discussions. I knew the Atonement was important to the Gospel. I knew that it was through the Atonement that we are able to return to live with Heavenly Father again. But, after reading that verse, it's importance really hit me. It is through Christ's eternal sacrifice that allows us to return back to live with our Heavenly Father. He knows our trials, He knows our sufferings, He knows our pain.

I know with a surety that Christ is real. The Gospel is real. The Book of Mormon is true. The prophets are indeed called of God to lead and guide His church on Earth today. Lastly, I know we have a friend in Jesus Christ. He is our Savior, Lord, and King. He loves us and wants the best for us. He will never leave us alone. He will never leave us alone.