I've been writing my speech these last few days. It's on how family has been redefined, and how that is a really bad thing. As I've been doing my research for this speech, two things have been very reinforced to me.

The first one is that the family really has been defiled in so many ways. It's really sad to see the way that Satan has twisted people's minds. 

The second thing I found is that no matter what, in 99% of cases, the traditional family produces better results than any of it's "replacements," statistically speaking. Now, I could have told you that a long time ago! But now I've seen the statistical proof. I can't tell you how fulfilling it is to see the truths of the Gospel proven by the world.

But beyond the statistical proofs, I've been show once more just how important the family truly is. It literally can mess kids up when they don't live in a good family. Family is where morality, hard work, religion, and everything that is basic and true are taught. Without that foundation, I know that I would be in a very bad place. Family is so very important.

Today in sacriment meeting, I was thinking about stuff, and writting in my journel. I was really worried about some things in my life. I was trying to think what I should do about these things. Then, out of no where, the Spirit came and said two very important things:

First: Everything will work out. Let me tell you, that assurence was a huge comfort. It's a huge testimony to me that the Lord is there, and that He loves us. The things that are important to us, are important to the Lord, simply because He loves us. When we follow Him, things will work out. Is that not just an amazing, comforting thought? All we have to do to make sure that things work out the best way they possibly can is follow the Lord. I think that's pretty dang awesome. :)

Second: Cast out your fear. Fear... there truely are few emotions that are as strong as fear. When we are physically afraid, it can paralyse us, and stop all action, thereby comfirming our fears. In a Spiritual sense, fear makes us doubt the Lord, and want to do things our way. Fear truely is the opposite of faith, and it can destroy us. When we are able to cast it out, I can testify that our capacity to do skyrockets! We are empowered beyond measure when we are acting strictly on faith.

The two principles above are a product of having faith. Faith is one of my favorite concepts ever, which is interesting, because it's hard for me to live. My personality wants to control everything around me; I don't like leaving things up to the Lord. But when I actually do, I cannot tell you how free I feel. There is a strength, a power, that comes from faith. This I can testify of.

There is my thought shpeel for today. Have a good sunday!

So A. J. McKay told me to make a blog. And then she got 19 other people to agree with her. So I finally consented to do so.

Well, since it's conference, I'll make this first post about conference.

First and dominent thought: I'M GOING TO BE ON MY MISSION IN A YEAR!!! OH MY GOODNESS!!! Okay, freaking out over...

But seriously. All of sudden, my mission is just around the corner. Literally. I can turn my papers in this febuary. Febuary 20th is the exact date, I think. As I have realized this, I have realized two main things:

1. I need to prepare, because I assure all of you, I'm not ready as things stand right now. So my main focus in going to be: learning Preach my Gospel inside and out, learning to work and sacrifice all of my personal needs and wants for the Lord, and learning to love with everything that I posses.

2. I am going to be away from all the people I love so dearly for two years... two years!! So I have resolved to cherish this last year that I have with those I love, and to show them that love as much as I can. So if any of you feel an upswing in the love I show you, you now know why.

Second thought: Priesthood session was amazing. I learned a lot about love and it's connection to missionary work. To truely change someone, you have to believe that they can change, and they have to feel that. This belief comes, in my opinion, from showing them you love them with all your heart.

Third thought: Conference has got me thinking about marriage (no, not my marriage, but marriage is general) and I'm seeing quite clearly just how much Satan is trying to destroy it. So, I'm going to try to find a way to fight back... we'll see how that goes over.

Preston Miller