This year is all about rebranding myself. Moving to a new state felt like diving into the deep end, but it’s also a perfect way to start fresh. My word for this year is discomfort—and I’m learning to lean into it, trusting that growth and refinement will come through the process.

Utah wasn’t on my radar in the past; honestly, it would’ve stopped me in my tracks. But now, I’m stepping into this new season full of excitement and gratitude. God, in His wisdom, “blinded” me to the fears that once held me back, allowing me to take this leap of faith. Leaving behind what I had worked and prayed for felt counterintuitive, but I knew surrendering to His plan was the only way forward.

I’m embracing the reality that I’m a work in progress, under construction—but I’m thankful God has the blueprint. Trusting Him hasn’t been easy, especially when I tried to talk myself out of this decision. But here I am, just a few weeks in, already feeling empowered by the steps I’ve taken.

Cheers to a year of unknowns, growth, and faith! Here’s to trusting the process and rebranding in a way that honors the journey.

Christ is THE Reason. For the Season of Joy. The season that we all admire as a time of giving, surrounded by loved ones, and a time dedicated to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. This year, the nativity struck me differently than it has other years, and that was because of the striking example of Mary- the mother of Jesus. I studied her character and her magnificent response to the mission Heavenly Father had granted her. She truly placed her trust in God's hand in advance of knowing what may lie ahead. She taught me that God can only transform what you put in His hand. Her confidence stemmed from her faith in what God could perform through her; she was willing to be the vessel in Heavenly Father's miraculous plan. I know she must've felt inadequate, too young, troubled, fearful of rejection and judgment, anxious, and so many more daunting emotions, but she didn't let these emotions overshadow God's capability. I am so grateful for her example of strength, faithfulness, humility, a submissive heart, courage, and pure confidence imbedded in her trust for the Lord in all that He would accomplish. She knew Christ better than anyone on earth; she played a huge role in the miraculous birth story, she witnessed Him preach to Wise men, cherish those around Him, conduct miracles willingly, and ultimately lay down His life. She humbly praised the Son of God and supported Him in all seasons of His life. I hope that we will follow her beautiful example and praise him all the days of our lives. Place our trust in God's hand and draw confidence and strength in Him. Christ is the reason. For the Season. For Life itself.

One of the beautiful purposes of this life is to be proven, tried, and tested. Our God beautifies the valleys that we endure by allowing our character to be heightened. In the doctrine of Jesus Christ, the last principle--Endure to the End--is arguably the most overlooked. Consistency in our faith and trust in God is vital for our overcoming of the seemingly impossible mountain laid before us. I know how daunting our trials may seem, but I know OUR GOD IS LARGER. The adversary hopes to convince us that our trials are useless when really they have the potential to be a stepping stone in our development. The adversary desires for us to isolate instead of reaching out for God's grace! I want to echo the words of God to Joseph Smith in Liberty Jail: " Peace be unto thy soul; thine adversity and thine afflictions shall be but a small moment; and then, if thou endure it well, God shall exalt thee on High." I know that our valleys are what LIFT us to our Highest Elevation! Our hill! Our cloud nine! I pray that we will all have an attitude of gratitude for the work that God is putting into our Spirit and Character as we endure the turbulence of our rocky lives. HE IS THE SAVIOR WE ALL ARE IN DESPERATE NEED OF.