women

Today in relief society our lesson was on women. In this generation it is so hard to be a woman. There are so many negative ideas and views directed toward women. Our society is based on worldly attributes and we are supposed to keep up with the ever changing views. Hairstyles, clothes, attitudes and so on change so fast how can anyone keep up? We're supposed to dress, act, and look just like the famous people. The famous people live by the worldly standards so we are supposed to look up to them. But what really is the role of a woman? I always thought being a woman was so sacred. Being a woman meant you were put on earth to be a mother. To give birth, nurture and raise children. Why would we look up to the "famous people" who have so many problems and don't take the roll of a woman seriously? Without even realizing, we all fall into the trap of trying to fit in. So many times I have caught myself feeling insecure or self conscience because I have a bad hair day, may not be skinny enough, I can't find anything cute to wear, and so on. Shouldn't I be confident in who I am? 

Today someone made this comment: "Heavenly Father created us and we look exactly how he wanted us to look. He loves us for who we are and he made us this way."

Why can't we remember that? Why do I always envy everyone around me and compare myself to others. My Heavenly Father created me. I am Carly Christiansen. I was sent to the Christiansen family on purpose. I look the way I do because Heavenly Father took time to create me. I need to love me. I need to love who I am, what I represent, and the way I look. 

We got this challenge by our teacher and I will pass this challenge on to everyone else:

Every day, when you look yourself in the mirror, tell yourself: This is me. I am beautiful and I love me.

Lastly I need to say thank you to the women in my life. I truly have the best examples in my life. I am so lucky to have two sisters, a sister-in-law, and a mom to look up to. They show me the ropes and give me plenty of advice. They help me with my self confidence and always give me the boost I need. 

Mom- 

Thank you so much. For everything. I look up to you so much. I admire how hard of a worker you are. I admire how loving you are and ALWAYS make sure everyone is included. You taught me the value of friendship and to make sure I am the kind of person I want in a friend. I admire your strength. You have the strongest testimony and I was lucky enough to use it as my guide. I look up to you and your sisters. You guys never let your testimonies falter. You sacrificed so much for the gospel and never let anything get in the way. I love that you guys never gave up on grandma and grandpa and were patient enough to wait until they were ready to come unto Christ. I am so thankful you guys were examples to them and now our whole family is sealed. 

I am so thankful for the relationship we have. YOU ARE MY BEST FRIEND! Thank you for never leaving my side. No matter how many times I made STUPID mistakes, you always helped me and stood by me. I'll never forget the way you stood by me through all my many trials during my senior year. I could not ask for a better friend. I love that we text and talk so much. Everyone always says "you are always talking to your mom." It is so true. I hate when we barely talk in a day. Thank you for teaching me so many things. You have shaped me into who I am. Thank you for being my best friend and example in life.

Court- 

Court you are amazing. Thank you for being my "second mom." I appreciate everything you do. I honestly look up to you in so many ways. I remember being so sad when you went away to college, and now I'm the one at college. I still miss you just as much. Then when you got married it was even harder. As much as I love Chris I didn't want to lose you. I love all the times you lived at home or when mom and dad would go out of town and you would come stay with us. Even though you're so much older than me I have always looked up to you. I am so thankful that you guys moved in with us before I left to college. You and I were always home during the days and we bonded so much. I miss running errands with you and Coop, watching so many shows with you, and just sitting around talking. I loved all the advice you gave me and that you were always willing to listen. I admire you so much. You are an AMAZING wife and mother. Chris and Cooper are so lucky to have you in their life. You have always been so mature and prepared for everything. I know you are a hard worker because you have parents who are great examples of working hard. Watching you work so hard and get your education has inspired me so much. I truly look up to you so much. Thank you so much for being my second mom. I feel so close to you and I know we have a special relationship because I am the baby and you're the oldest. I love you Court!

Kar-

Brooks was so lucky to marry you. I love the way you push Brooks and expect so much out of him. Brooks is so lucky to have you. You are such a great mom and work so hard to help provide for your family. I love that you are able to work from home and that you can work and still be a mother. You are great at balancing work and family and I know that family will always come first for you. You have had to sacrifice so much with moving away from everyone for summer, or being away from your husband for the summer. I know you do it for your family. Thanks for being such a good example to me and loving me like a sister.

Cass-

Oh Cass where do I even start. I love you. I am so thankful for our relationship. Yes, we fight so much, but the good times we have together out rule the fighting. You are my role model. I honestly look up to you and try to be more like you every single day. It has been hard trying to follow in your footsteps but I am so lucky to have you go before me. You always push me and make me the best. I would have never been the cheerleader I was if it wasn't for you. You always are by my side and stick up for me. To be honest, lately, I think of you as a friend more than a sister. You helped me with the transition to college so much and introduced me to so many people. You showed me the ropes and helped me prepare for what was to come. Every time I was doubtful about my decision to come you always encouraged me and helped me see that coming to Utah State was the best choice. 

You are always there for me and give me the best advice. I know I can count on you no matter what. You have honestly given me the push to face my mistakes and to make me be a better person. You are always there to give me a self confidence boost and make sure I am happy. The way we laugh and bond reminds me so much of when we were little. We always know how to have a good time together. We have been best friends for ever and I know we always will be. Now that we are going through the same things in life and trying to grow up we are once again so close. I am so thankful we have been able to spend so much time hanging out and doing fun things together since I graduated. I am so excited for what is ahead of us. We have so many things we need to get done and experience together before one of us gets married (I still could get married before you sissy.) Thank you for always making the path for me and helping me ease through each transition in my life. I love you.

Thank you all for being you. You guys mean the world to me and are great examples for me.

**Dad, Brooks, and Chris. I love you guys too!!!