What an experience.

I just wanted to sit down and tell you all a few more details about my Master's degree while the experience was fresh in my mind. I know you all might disagree with the following statement because you are my family, and that's what family does. But, I want you all to know that I'm not smart enough to get a Masters. Now, let me explain. After about a week in the program, I realized that I was in over my head. I'm telling you, this degree is for people who are A LOT smarter than I am. But, since I inherited a deep desire to finish what I started, I made the decision to FINISH, no matter what it took. I wanted to quit SOOOOO BBBAAAADDD! I remember crying to Dan multiple times saying that I'm not smart enough to do this degree.
There were a lot of bumps in the road, and I can't begin to tell you how many times, I wanted to give up.

After I graduated, (without being done), it took me a REALLY long time to be able to start working on my degree again. I was pretty depressed about it. I was probably in the lowest part of my life, when I realized that I couldn't do it on my own, but I could ask someone to help. I NEEDED HEAVENLY FATHER TO HELP ME. I honestly prayed to have the desire to want to finish, because at this point, I had lost the desire completely. I also prayed that I would be able to finish.

Although it took me awhile to finally get to this point, I can't begin to tell you how much help I received from our Heavenly Father to help me. I read parts of my thesis, and I don't remember typing the words. I know that it was Him who gave me the ambition, the strength, and the brain to finish.

I cannot take full credit for my degree because without Him, it wouldn't have gotten done.

I just wanted you all to know that my testimony has grown a lot over the past few years. I know that Heavenly Father loves me, and He helped me obtain my goal. I don't ever want you to doubt my testimony, so I decided that I'd better share it with you.

I have experienced the atonement, first hand. I know that through Heavenly Father's plan, we can be forgiven for our sins. I know that perfection isn't expected, and that is why our Savior came to earth. He died so that we could obtain eternal life.

I am so grateful for the blessings of the temple. Although, it would be extremely hard to lose any of you, I know that I'll be able to see you again if I live worthy for that blessing.

I know that we have a living prophet on earth, and I have 100% confidence in him to lead the church in the very best way possible. I know that callings are given with the spirit, and we should accept them and magnify them to the best of our abilities.

I want you all to know that you are part of my testimony. You have all influenced me with your examples. I love you all.

Have a good day.
-Brooke