The Atonement

I'm grateful every day for the gift of the Atonement. I say it in my prayers every day and night. Before Christ died on the cross, He asked His Father to forgive the people who persecuted, betrayed and rejected Him, and the soldiers who whipped Him, spat on Him, and nailed Him to the cross "for they knew not what they do." We were given the Atonement so that we could start over and begin individually as a new person.

I'm not a perfect being like God is. No one on this Earth is perfect. We all make mistakes. But, it doesn't mean that God loves us less. I don't believe in that. He is merciful, loving, peaceful, kind, patient, forgiving, compassionate and listening. He knows us and our hearts. Making mistakes also doesn't define who we are. Only our hearts do.

While we make mistakes every day, shouldn't we continually strive to do what is right and good to all men despite the circumstances?

I've learned that lesson from my own experiences and mistakes. I sometimes wish I never made those mistakes because I feel guilty and ashamed of myself. But, I've learned that I'm still a child of God because He created me. He knows who I am and my heart. He knows everyone else's hearts as well. We're not perfect, but not less.

¡Feliz Día del Padre!

Happy Father's Day to all the wonderful fathers everywhere! I'd especially like to wish Happy Father's Day to my daddy, who was there for me, my sisters and everybody when we needed him. He's protected us... provided for us... and loved us. He still does today! I'm so grateful for him, the Priesthood, and the great father he has been to us since we were born. He's been an amazing man, a loving father and a great husband. The song below is called "My Little Girl," by Tim McGraw.

I love you, Daddy. I'm thankful to have you in my life. You've been a blessing to me as you still are. :')

You baptized every one of us so we could become members of the LDS Church and be sealed to the family for time and eternity.

You've been faithful to Mom and treated her like a queen.

You wanted to spend every minute with us, even in the hottest places we've been to as a family.

You came to our graduations to support us and show us how proud you are of us for the hard work and effort we put forth in our goals.

You taught us how to love and care for others.

Even when you were hurt, you still came for us.

You've taken us horse-back riding since we were little.

For a long time, Dad, you've kept us together and you still are today. Through your love, support, commitment, and the Priesthood you've been holding for years, you always will keep us together no matter what happens in the future.

I Am Who I Am

Who am I, really? My full name is Micaela Jones, but others know me better as Caela and I like it that way. What is good and special about me that everyone should know, besides my autism?

I am kind.

I am adventurous.

I can make people laugh.

I'm athletic and I love basketball.

I'm a writer and an artist.

I'm very friendly and a good friend.

I do my homework early and get it done on time.

I'm very patient.

I'm a skilled archer.

I love to read good books.

I'm a good aunt.

I'm a smart student and hard worker.

A wonderful sister.

My parents are proud of me for doing my best in things.

I'm a beautiful young woman.

I am the luckiest girl in the world.