Looking for a good summer read?

Lately, I have been reading like crazy. After seeing previews for the upcoming movie, My Sister's Keeper, I decided to read by book. It is by Jodie Picoult. It is amazing. I could not put it down. I finished it in like 3 days and that is only because I had to work and sleep. My roommate read it in two days and even stayed up until 2 in the morning because she was so taken in by it. The book is about a family, with three children. Their oldest child is their only son Jesse, their next oldest is their 16 year old daughter Kate, and their youngest child is 13 year old Anna. Kate is dying of cancer. She was diagnosed when she was just a toddler. When her treatments did not work, her parents conceived Anna, who is a genetic match for Kate. After the parents had Kate, they never planned on having any other children, which is what Anna struggles with along with many other issues. Only the cord blood from Anna's umbilical cord was supposed to be used to treat Kate and send her into remission, when it failed, Anna then had to donate blood and give bone marrow.

With their options running out, as the mother Sara is trying desperately to save Kate, they decide to do a kidney transplant using one of Anna's kidneys. Before this happens, Anna sues for the right to make her own medical decisions. Her lawsuit tests her family's love for each other. It is told from each family member's point of view, plus the lawyer's. It is emotionally gripping and shows how strong bonds our between family members. I loved it, but I will not spoil the end. Read it. I have a copy if you want to borrow it, after Renee is done reading it.

What's the Point?

This is a question I have been struggling with the past few weeks. What is the point of doing the right thing when after you do it and know it is right, you are the one who is punished or has to suffer the consequences. It makes no sense to me. It lead me to a point where I was like why should I continue to do what is right? I make the right choices, but at day's end, I feel like I am slapped in the face for it. It has worn me down, but luckily I have my sister and friends out here to pick me up.

After laying it all out to my dad over the past few days, he has really helped me to understand that I need to continue the path I am on and look at the long-term and not the short-term. He relayed to me the story of Lehi's dream about the iron rod. In Lehi's vision, the iron rod sits by darkness, but leads us to the Lord as long as we do not let go. He reminded me that if I keep my hand firmly on the rod that the darkness hovering next to me will not hurt me. That I will be okay if I keep making the correct choices like Lehi and Nephi did. They held on and stayed true to the Lord. I needed this combined with advice from my sister about choosing to be happy, which is what I struggle with. She says I have gotten alot better and I agree. I am thankful for Renee. She is the best sister and it is crazy sometimes how well she knows me. I love her so! She is the one I can always lean on.

So if you find yourself asking, what is the point, remember that the Lord will never fail us if we do what is right. I believe we go through trials of our faith to make us stronger and to prepare us for the future, which we cannot predict. I feel stronger, though I have my weak moments. My faith is strong and when I come to the point I want to give up that is when I know the devil is winning. I am not backing down for what I know is right and I will hold to the rod.

Thanks Renee!!!

For being the best sister in the world. I love you and I am excited for your upcoming nuptials. Lewis is one lucky guy! Thanks for listening to me and always being their and giving it to me straight. I do not know what I would do without you.

Up!!!

Last night, my friend and I went to see the movie Up! It was the best movie I have seen all year, actually in a few years. I knew it would be good when I started crying like 5 minutes in. It has a good message and the animation is amazing. Also, we saw it in 3-D, which made it all the better. The movie just reminded me to keep having amazing adventures and to always remember to know what is important to you. So go see this movie, it is worth it.