Lessons Disney Taught Me...

If you know me at all you know I have a mild obsession with Disney (hence why I recently went and worked there). Although bad news for you guys, my time spent at Disney has just increased that mild obsession basically. Although lets go back to when this all began.......
March 17, 1993 a fantastic girl was born. For the sake of this story, lets call her Madison. Fast forward time a few years to when Madison could start talking. Naturally in the olden days parents often used their favorite child distraction-the VCR. One day Madison's mother played The Little Mermaid. Bam. Madison was hooked. Madison officially possibly had her first obsession and it was a red headed Mermaid. Of course Madison watched all the Disney classics, Peter Pan, Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, the list obviously goes on and on. Her eyes sparked each time a trip to Disney occurred and she could see her favorite characters in real life, as she felt what could only be described as magic. But, as most children grow up (something Peter Pan warned us about) the children fell away from their Disney love. Girls putting their Princess crowns in storage and boys putting their Woody dolls high up on a shelf. Tragic right? Occasionally you have a child who might have taken a lesson or two from Peter Pan and refused to quite grow up without making the dramatic trip to Neverland. Fast forward time even further ahead and here we have Madison at 20 years old. Not even any longer a child, but no longer a teenager. She is officially an adult.
Now, I am here to tell you that yes, the girl in the story is me. Shocking turn of events I know. But you know, whether we grew up from Disney or not, there is no denying the lessons Disney seemed to teach us. Each Disney story is entertaining with it's catchy songs and perfect romance stories, but deeper lessons lay beneath that.
Pinocchio: I for one hate Pinocchio, it gives me nightmares. BUT....it's jam packed with lessons. For example-a lie will keep growing and growing. Wish upon a star, and best of all, always let your conscience be your guide!
Bambi: Another one I don't particularly like but who can't love Thumpers advice-If you cant say anything nice, don't say anything at all.
Hercules: "A true hero isn't measured by the size of his strength, but by the strength of his heart" "Giving up is for rookies" and best of all "I can go the distance." Isn't he a catch?
Aladdin: Remember the whole lamp and genie thing? It's kind of important to the story line. Well "It's not what's outside, but what's inside that counts." And of course as Genie put it "Just BEE yourself!"
Cinderella: "Even Miracles take a little time"...
Lion King: "The past can hurt...but the way i see it, you can either run from it or learn from it."
Mulan: Be true to your heart
Pocahontas: Walk in the footsteps of strangers you'll learn things you never knew
Peter Pan: All it takes is faith and trust...
Beauty and the Beast: Don't judge a book by it's cover! (See what I did there. Because Belle likes to read and fell in love with a Beast who happens to be a dashing prince?...clever me!)
Sleeping Beauty: Well she slept most the time but Prince Phillip is quite a stud. Slaying dragons while the whole kingdom slept away-some people will go to extremes for those they love! (even if they just met. Although hey they have met before...once upon a dream!)
Snow White: Don't accept food from strangers
Princess and the Frog: Don't kiss a frog.....oh and working hard for something pays off.
Brave: If ya have the chance to change yer fate...do it. *read in a Scottish accent. It makes it more fun!*
Tangled: From "Ah, the things we've seen and it's only eight in the morning" to "That's the good part I guess, you go find a new dream." Tangled is packed with lessons of adventure and reaching your dreams.
The Little Mermaid: While for the longest time the only lesson I could really focus on was how badly I wanted to be a mermaid-let's focus on "Such wonderful things around you-what more are you looking for?" Sometimes you just got to stop and enjoy the present.

Of course the list of Disney movies and the lessons they hold goes on and on. Disney's pretty rad and sure I  may be that adult refusing to quite fully grow up but come on Walt himself said "That's the real trouble with the world-too many people grow up....." Well Walt, i'm on your side my friend.

But I like to believe you're never too old for Disney.

Faith is like a little seed...

I was looking at my pins on Pinterest and while looking through my quote board I took notice in all my pins that have to do about God. Probably at least 90 percent if not more. It really got that little gear in my head spinning as i'm not sure why but I became completely full of gratitude. I've seen people in all different stages of life, some who have God and some who don't. I can't imagine going through my life without knowing someone up there is looking out for me, and not just someone, but my Heavenly Father. It's through the gospel that I get to be with my family, who happen to be my best friends, for eternity. It's through this gospel that once I find a dashing young man, our love story never has to end. It's through the gospel that I know i'm showered in blessings day in and day out. It's through the gospel that I know my prayers are answered. I know that He never gives me a rejection, just a redirection. It's through the gospel that I know myself worth. That I know I am a daughter of a King. It's through this gospel that I am able to get through my trials. I know  I am never given something I can't handle. It's through this gospel that I know my timing might not always be His timing, but with trust in his will, I know he will lead me to something greater. It's through this gospel that I know everyday is a special occasion, to stop seeking out the clouds and enjoy the sunlight! It's through this gospel that I know wonderful things are in store for me if I just believe, obey and endure! It's through this gospel that I remember not to judge people because they sin differently then me. It's through this gospel I know that I have to rise up and become the person I was meant to be. It's through this gospel that I know God's light is real. It's through this gospel that I know God is patiently waiting to hear from each of his children. It's through this gospel that I know Heaven wont be filled with people who never made mistakes. Everyone makes mistakes each and everyday.
This gospel truly is some kind of incredible. I can't explain the peace and happiness it gives me and each and every day of my life. This gospel is the reason I know that people ask me why I am always so happy-I mean you would be to if you had the knowledge I have. How could you not stay happy knowing the highest power out there is not only rooting for you to succeed, but is helping you reach your victory? You've got to let your faith be bigger than your fear. You've got to fight all your battles on your knee's and I swear you will come out victorious every time. You've got to pray hardest when it is hardest to pray, don't get discouraged because things will work out. After all, if you feel like you're drowning in life's situations, just remember your lifeguard walks on water!