Changed My Life

"We're not alone."  Such a common saying in movies, daily life, and in our spiritual lives.  Not one of us is ever completely alone.  There are so many people in this world.  Some of them we pass by casually on the street, others are very near and dear to us.  Each person we meet has the ability to change us in one way or another.  In the end, there are some people that completely change our lives and help mold us into who we are or who we are becoming.  In my life, there are a few people like this.

Megan enjoying some food :)

I was born in the beautiful month of August down in Southern California, as was one of my best friends.  Her name is Megan.  Megan and I have been friends since the day I was born.  I have more pictures with her then I do with some of my family members.  Our early days as friends were rough.  She went home a few times with bite marks on her...  But, being the true friend that she is, we got past that.  Between all the moves while growing up, we were never too far apart.  Megan has taught me the meaning of being a true friend.  Through all the hard times and throughout my whole life, she has been there.  She has also taught me how to love everyone.  Her heart is as genuine and true as it gets.

Andrea Bouwhuis; either you love her or she makes you miserable.  It all depends on how you take it.  Andee was my swim coach in high school and for club.  There were times when I thought I was going to die because we swam so much, but I survived.  She has this way of knowing how to work you hard and to keep you motivated.  Not sure how she does it exactly, but she has mastered it to a T.  Not only does she keep you working, but she cares about every single person on the team.  There's some real egg heads sometimes and slackers, but she still pushes to make them a better person than they were before.  I always knew she would be on the side of the pool yelling and cheering for me to do my best.  All the miles and miles she had me swim were for my benefit.  What I've gained from Andee is a drive to work hard and give all of myself.  There was no giving it 50% or even 99% with her.  You either gave it your all or nothing.  My work ethics can be attributed to her.

Brittanny Frost lookin' good

Another one of my best friends, probably my "mini me" is Brittanny Frost.  Frosty and I were practically glued at the hip.  From work, to church, to just goofing off, we were always together.  We met at work ages ago and have been friends ever since.  Now, she is the best example of "a mighty change of heart" out of anyone I have met.  When we first met she was a very less active member of the church.  She has now turned her life around and is completely devoted to being a disciple of Christ.  Her life has had some bumps in the road, but that never stops her.  She is a spunky energetic little ball of fun (literally, she's 4'11").  Frosty has taught me what enduring to the end really means.  Things aren't always easy, but we need to strive to always press forward in righteousness.  Never let a bad situation stop you from doing what you know to be right.

Amanda on a rock in Zion's

You've probably read my old post "Different or Amazing" before.  But if you haven't, you should.  Amanda is my youngest sister and she has changed my life incredibly!  She is one funny little girl that keeps you on your toes.  Amanda has taught me not to judge, to try and see everyone the way that Christ would.  She may not be able to talk yet, potty time is still a work in progress, and she still thinks it's swimming time even when there's snow in the yard, but she loves unconditionally.  It doesn't matter who you are, what you look like, what you have done in the past, or anything for that matter.  She is just full of love.  I'm still working on it, but it has been a valuable lesson for me and anyone that has met her.

Christopher, Mom, and Dad in Prague (without me)

Who doesn't love their mom?  Well, this wouldn't be complete without her on it.  Always a shoulder to cry on, someone to ask for advice, and just an amazing person to be around.  At 14 my mother, Beth Nestman, joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day saints.  Since the day she was baptized she has always remained faithful and true.  My mother is one of the most honest people ever.  When she was younger, this got her into some trouble because her honesty didn't always come with tact.  But, her honesty has always been something I have tried to emulate.  Honesty is something so precious and underrated it seems now-a-days.  Kinda sad.  But my mother keeps on pluggin'. 

The one that has changed my life the most is Jesus Christ.  There's just no beating around the bush with it.  He has always been there.  When I have felt alone, misunderstood, or down, He has been there to pick me up.  Brittany, an imperfect person, is loved and known perfectly by the Savior and Redeemer of the world!  What comfort and joy this fact has brought to my soul.  My faults and imperfections can and have been changed by Him.  Jesus Christ has helped me change myself.  He helps me daily as I repent of my sins to become more like Him. 

I know without a doubt that He lives.  He loves you!  He knows you and can help you change and become something more.  There are so many people in life that help form us into who we are.  Why not turn to Christ and come to know Him.  Let Him into your heart and let Him change you!