A Couple Things...

Tuesday evening Ana and I were able to go to the Temple and take part in some of the sacred ordinances there. It was such a much needed escape from the world. It was one of the most inspiring times that I have ever gone. The spirit was so strong and I just felt peace and at ease. It was like I was finally able to come to grips with where I was in my life.

I feel like my testimony is something that I don't share often enough. I didn't share it this past Sunday, but, I felt like maybe I should here. It is after all something that people I care very dearly about read and comment on.

Provo Temple. I took this last year. 

I know that my Savior lives. I know that He loves me. I know that this world was created by a loving Heavenly Father. I know that his wisdom is infinite and that he knows me and each of us by name. I have a testimony of the Book of Mormon. That it too, is inspired scripture and the word of God. I know that the Bible is the word of God. And that together it and the Book of Mormon serve as a testimony and witness of our Savior, Jesus Christ.  I believe that God is the same today, tomorrow and forever and that he is unchanging. It is because of this belief that I know that he still cares about each of us and speaks to us today. I know that Joseph Smith was a Prophet of God and that he did see Christ and the Father. That this is the true Church on the Earth today and that it is designed after the church Christ set up while he was on this Earth. I know that President Monson is an inspired man of God, namely that he is a prophet, seer and a revelator and that he leads and guides this church under the direction of our Father in Heaven. I know that my Savior and my Heavenly Father know me by name. I know that I am a Child of God. And I know that that knowledge entitles me to commune with my Father in prayer. I know that my Heavenly Father hears and answers my prayers. I know that families are forever. I know that they are an eternal unit. I know that there is life after death and that our growth and progression continues on in the next life. I know that the leaders of this church are called of God. I know that there is a plan for me, and for each of us if we live righteously. I know that Christ died on the cross for our us. And that he atoned for each of our sins. I know that he was resurrected and was an example in all things. I know that He is always there and wants each of us to return to live with Him. I know who I am. I know God's plan. And I follow Him in faith. I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

I know that often people confuse faith with blind obedience. I know that as the world changes and it's idea of right and wrong is redefined that the Gospel is constant. That the programs and policies may change but, that the doctrine never will.

I heard a quote in Sacrament meeting on Sunday that I loved.

"As long as we are living righteously, bad things will happen to us, but the wrong thing NEVER will." I am a firm believer in that. How true and inspiring that is.

I hope that I am always a proper example of what the church believes in. I hope that I can always be found as a witness of God, in all times, in all things and in all places. I am beyond thankful for my beliefs and my upbringing and the joy and meaning the gospel brings to my life.

For a beautiful talk on Grace watch the link below. (You may have to create a BYUTV account. It's free. After that, you can just type in the search bar "Brad Wilcox" it's his devotional given on 7/12/11. It is about 30 minutes. And really very interesting. For members and nonmembers alike.)

http://byutv.org/watch/49475abb-10d4-4f45-a757-7000b9945468

The Bountiful Temple. The Temple I want to be married in!!

Nursery: Pill-free Birth Control, Disastrous Headache and Adventure.

Nursery is my "calling" in my home ward. Basically, it's my mom's. And I love spending time with her. She doesn't have much help and that's where I come in. I love my mom. And I love those kids. Today, Katie and I had to tackle TEN children all by ourselves. It was insane. The kids in attendance were:

Fiona Tanner: Basically world's cutest toddler. She is so animated and full of personality. I also had the pleasure of taking her to the bathroom today as she went "all by herself."
Skyler: The boy with no last name. I've asked many times, but he doesn't know it yet. He's 2. I want all of my children to be like him. Really. He's adorable, sweet and very kind. Not to mention he listens. Which is a rare characteristic in 2 year old boys. Funny story with him to come.
Nicholas Rory: I am pretty sure that's his last name. He's sweet too. Wild and crazy and full of energy. He doesn't like to sing and dance during singing time like most of the other kids. But, he is still very cute.
Lilia: I forget her last name. But, she is adorable. She normally is perched on my mom's lap with a firm grip on my mom's bracelets in one hand and a plastic hot dog in the other. She is extremely smart for just turning 2. We love quizzing her and being amazed at what she knows.
Koryn Beasley: She is very sweet. She is very smart. She's such a cute girl! She likes things to be kept in order and doesn't have time for rowdyness. Well, sometimes. Like today. When for the last 30 seconds of class everyone was full of energy so we all screamed. Me and Korynincluded. Ha it was refreshing.
Mike (Michael) Kroshaw: My buddy. He normally cries upon being left. And we normally hang out. His dad came to class today saying he was saying my name this whole week. Which of course I loved. Cause I love him! He is very quiet and sweet. He loves playing with cars if you can get him off your lap. What an angel.
Julia: Jeez. I can't remember anyone's last name today! She is wild and can hold her own with the boys. She loves hiding in the play fridge and enjoys locking others in there even more. She is nice and learning to be potty trained. "Poppy" means potty. :)
Sloan: She isn't there often. She is very nice. Very quiet and is very rarely involved in any of the scuffles.
Kaelyn: She's new. Ha. As of today. She's a runner. The door opens and she's gone. She escaped today. Twice. Once for snack time. And once as Sister Tufts was leaving. We didn't notice the first time when Sister Tufts left. But, for snack time and our trip outside, we were prepared.
Cailie Tufts: Is Sister Tufts daughter. They come in together. She cries when her mom leaves the room but, I don't know if she is old enough to be in nursery. Today one of the kids bonked her on the head and she cried. Welcome to Nursery Cailie.

Sister Tufts said to me today: "We talked this morning and we are putting together another nursery class and SOON." Thank you. I will be sad to see some of my kids gone, but I won't be there when they split them up. It's still sad though.

Anyway, we took the advantage, Katie and I of being alone in Nursery. And snapped some pictures. I wish I had taken a picture of ALL ten of the kids. But it was NEAR impossible.

Here are some quick pictures of Katie:

Enjoying the day. Haha

Lila wouldn't smile for any of the pictures.

With my mom gone, I made her sit on Katie's lap. Since
she is very much a lap baby, I couldn't have her on mine. I
was up and down keeping "order" in the room.

She is an angel.

Katie helped a lot with the kids. Lillia left early. Because there was so much going on. And Katie and I couldn't always hold her. So, she got tired of us like 20 minutes before church was over. Haha

Oh funny story! Fiona today told me she had to go to the bathroom at which Skyler announced he did too. Suddenly the WHOLE class had to go to the bathroom. Katie looked at me and I volunteered to be bathroom monitor. I took Skyler and Fiona and said I would take 2 at a time. Assuming they were they only 2 that ACTUALLY had to go and once they were gone the rest would forget. (It proved true).

We walked hand in hand to the bathroom. And I took Fiona into the first stall, got her on the toilet and told her to go and to call me when she was done. I then took Skyler into the next stall and proceeded to get him undressed. His belt was stuck, so by the time Fiona finished I was still struggling with Skyler. (Fiona did actually go, and wiped by herself. As well as flushed to her amusement.)

I was able to get Skyler undressed. I lifted the seat. It was stained yellow and he announced "Ew. It's dirtyyy!" I laughed and said, "Yes, it is. But, it's all we've got!" He just laughed and smiled. So, since he's a boy and boys stand I looked from him to the toilet laughing and wondering what to do... He eventually touched my arm and said "help?" So, I just decided to pick him up and sit him on the toilet (I pulled the seat back down first). He aimed and went to the bathroom like an old pro. I didn't know boys learned sitting down. So, there ya go. Mother in training I guess. :)

Everyday is something new. Here are the rest of the pictures:

Fiona, Mike, Me and Corrine.

Aren't they Angels?

Fiona is always cracking me up!

Julia :)

The cutest boy EVER! Skyler.
Sloan is in the background.

Corrine. Covering her face with a ladel?

The most photogenic child alive. Fiona.

They came and dog piled me. So, we snapped a picture. Fiona, Me, Corrine and Julia.

A very blurry picture of Sloan.

Me and the cute Corrine.

Kaelin's rear, Fiona and me. I dunno how or when this was taken?

My buddy Mike.

 Haha Gosh. What a happy guy! ;)

I do love these kids.

And that is Nursery. Wild and crazy. But, you can't help but love every second of it.

In My Head...

In my Student Development class, we are watching/reading Tuesdays With Morrie. I don't know who all has read that book but, it is quite good. As we watch the movie, however, it really makes you think. The book is good for mulling over ideas and thoughts. But, the movie really brings it home.

I have been thinking a lot about death lately. I have met a couple of people this semester who all look(ed) at death differently than I do. And I think that's special. Or necessary better yet. I think our difference in ideas and perception is what makes us friends. We don't think the same, feel the same or react the same but we are all children of God and therefore we all have something in common.

Death is weird. It is permanent. It is unavoidable. And it is scary. We fear death almost as much as we fear living. I think back on my life so far and I am content. I am for the most part proud or accepting of the decisions I've made. In the book/movie the character Morrie (who has lived a long life and is now slowly dying) says "You have to learn to die, to learn how to live."

Sadly, my life is far from a movie. I yearn for experiences like Mitch Albom had. To talk with such inspiring people that you make a change in the way you live. And then I think. As a member of this church, we are blessed with such experiences. We have such individuals who speak to us two times a year. Who take the time to teach us life lessons. I will be honest. I am not always the best listener. I am not always the best applier. But, I want to change. I think a lot lately about who I am becoming. The standards I have and the way in which I uphold them. Like everyone, I have moments of disappointment and moments where I have to pat myself on the back.

I am different than the 30,000 students around me. I am not the same as them. My grades are not like theirs. My family is not like theirs. My background, future and present is not anything like theirs. But, I am living my life in a way that is similar to theirs.

There is something unique about college students who won't drink. Who won't have pre-marital sex. Who won't go do drugs, watch porn, swear or cheat. They are unique. They are different. And yet, we are the same. I am not one to say that the people here at BYU all comply to every single rule. But, I can proudly say that the people I hang out with aren't like other college students. We don't spend our time doing things we won't remember the next day. Instead we do activities that create a bond between us. That make us closer. And we take clear pictures that aren't filled with little red cups, or bloodshot eyes, that are filled with smiles, crazy boys and weird poses. And then without fear of getting in trouble with parents or the law we post them online. And we remember.

And then the boys leave. They go on to serve the Lord. They dedicate two years of their life to our church. To what they believe. Whether or not they believe 10% or 100% they are there because they know. And the girls in the crazy freshman college pictures with them... support them. And for reasons that go beyond a blurred picture, a fuzzy memory or a foggy recollection of Friday nights they are proud. Because, they know that they played a part, how ever small, to get them where they need to be.

And then, for the girls, it all starts over. The girls start their second year of college. And are challenged to find the same types of good friends they found before. Only, this time they are older. They are returned from those missions that other parents, leaders and friend prepare those boys for. And life goes on.

Being at school has created a barrier between me and North Carolina. I do not live there anymore. There also is a barrier to my family and reality. I don't see my brothers play basketball or my sit and talk with my parents whenever I want. Only, how many games did I go to before. And how many Sunday afternoons were spent working on something else instead of with the people I love.

When I watch Morrie struggle with his health in the movie, I think of my Aunt Dell. I think of how I don't know that I have truly grieved or that the fact that she has gone as truly settled in. I think about her and her life daily. I am reminded of her by the Tabernacle Choir, by the campus I walk on, by the fact that Will lives in DC home to the FBI, that I love to call and talk to her sister, when I look at Chase and memories of her house flood into my mind and when I really think about life after this and try to imagine what she is doing there.

I feel her presence in my life sometimes. Not in the creepy way that people say they see ghosts or dead people. Just more of a feeling of acceptance, love and pride. I am saddened by the fact that I was not there to say the final goodbye to someone who meant so much to me in my life. But, I am comforted that we, as a family, took one last chance to go and see her. To see a woman far greater than I am right now. I see a lot of the things that happened to her body, happening to Morrie's and the whole movie was entirely too hard for me to watch. I don't mind crying just not at school. And every time we watched the movie I was at war with my tears. I love her and miss her terribly. 

But, Morrie says something quite profound about love. He says that "we must learn to love or die." At first I didn't quite understand what he meant because we are going to die anyways. Everyone dies. It's a sad fact of life. Death is a punishment we are all subject to, just as living a life is one we all receive. Our life and death vary from person to person, but everyone is given some sort of experience. Whether it is 5 seconds or 500 years, is where it differs. 

We must learn to love or die. Because as Morrie said "death ends life, not relationships."

Finally, in class our teacher put up the quote:

"We are by virtue, our relationships with others. We learn to speak by being spoken to, and we speak because others listen."

I took that from class and carried it with me throughout the day. I thought about it and what it really meant to me. I think that the quote only reiterates that we are what others make us. Not that we don't have a choice, but that we are a product that we ourselves did not create. We are not alone in our life. We could not make it in this world without other people around us. Every word that is spoken to, about or by us make us into who we are. Other people shape what we think are OUR own thoughts, opinions and insights. To be alone in this world, is to be dead. And to love and learn to love those around us is what gives our life purpose and the essence of what it truly means to live. We ARE our relationships with others. For good or for bad. 

In general conference Elder Scott talked about his wife's death. I was inspired when he talked about how much closer her felt to his wife since her passing. That their relationship had not changed. But, instead that it had grown. That he still relied on her. I hope that one day my family/friends will be able to talk about me like that.

I am not ready to move on. I am not ready to make all new friends. I am not ready to go back to the humid state of NC. I am not ready to lose friends. And I will never be ready to lose family. 

However, I know that I am who I am because of what I've been taught and been given. I am ready to go home and to see family. I am ready to make new friends and continue to have experiences and grow and to learn. And I am ready to see my family together forever and to see my Aunt Dell again. 

Not that I am in any way alluding to my wish to have an untimely death. Just that I am happy with my life. I am working on continuing to be the person I want to be. I am excited to see my testimony grow and to be an instrument in the Lord's hands. If I have nothing else constant to hold onto in a world where I am tossed and turned, I am thankful for the Gospel. I am thankful for my testimony. For when I think I have nothing, I know I have everything. 

Temple, Sledding... oh and Bella, Bella, Bellatrix!!

Last night, Jenna wanted to go see The Princess Bride in the varsity theater on campus. It was playing for only a dollar! She went to class. I invited Ben, Luke, Skylar, Quinton and Will to come with us. Luke replied that instead he and Will were going to the Temple. I told him I was jealous and next time he was going to invite me! Well, he invited me to come with them and how could I not accept!

We walked to the Provo Temple and it was probably like 40-50 degrees I would guess.Feelin' so good we walked up to the doors. I wanted a picture, but a lot of people were filing in and I didn't want to waste anymore time! Ha

So, we went in and did our thing. It felt so good to finally be where I needed to be. One of my biggest regrets of my Freshman year is not taking the time to go more often, especially since I have one that is a 10 minute walk away!

I finally went and it just felt SO SO good. I was so happy. However, as we were walking out I saw Will waiting on me. I asked if Luke was still changing but he said nope! He's outside and he says it's snowing. Any state that goes from 55 and breezy to 20 something and snowing in a day... is WHACK.  But hey! I'm hardly a weatherman. ;)

Even in the snow the boys paused for a picture with me! :)

Luke and Ben. Two of my favorite boys at BYU!

Provo Temple. Pretty huh?!

After I got back Jenna and I deliberated going to the 9pm showing of the movie. When Anthon texted us saying he wanted to go sledding and to see if anyone else wanted to go. Well, guess what ended up going down?! Only the cool people got ready and went! We had so much fun!

 At the bottom of the hill there was a sidewalk and then more snow. You would book it down the hill hit the sidewalk and get THROWN feet off your sled! Ha it was a blast. Till I figured out that all you have to do is lift your butt a little right as you hit the side walk to stay on the sled. However, this was not foolproof because at one point Jenna and I went down on the 2 person sled. We hit the sidewalk and went another ten feet. As we got up we realized we had stayed wrapped around each other in the same position ditched the sled back at the sidewalk and sledded 10ft on our butts. It was too fun! I love sledding! It's like my favorite past time lately! Ha.

Anthon and Will.

On the car ride there!

I'm thinking this could be like a movie poster or a cover to an album or something.

All the other pictures from the night are on facebook.

Us and a bald will? Ha

Roommate picture! :)

Anyways as of now. MUCH better 2nd semester than first. OH! And yesterday 3 liters of water and Today 2.2... so far. ;)

Uncertainty.

School is going good. I have pretty good grades in my classes and am having a really good time. I love my FHE and my ward. I love my classes. I love this semester! It's a shame that it's going to end and all too soon.

I was thinking tonight at FHE, we went bowling, about the guys in my group. (Josh, Jon, Scott, William (from SC), and Alex). As I was watching them jump around and be crazy, talked with them and just have fun being goofy college kids I was thinking just how DIFFERENT their lives were going to be. Some, in just a couple months.

The boys I hang out with will be gone. They will be dressed in a suit and tie. I was kind of jealous at how quickly that change was going to come. I was kind of sad that I was losing ALL my guy friends. I was a little envious that many of them KNEW where they were going, and what they would be doing for the next two years. And I was hit with such a strong feeling of pride? I'm not sure of the right word. But, I knew those boys will be awesome missionaries. And I am uplifted by their excitement and desire to serve.

I don't really know what I want to do with my life. I got the STRONG (career test) back today. I knew I wanted to be a Communications Disorders major. But, then... all of the sudden I didn't know what I WANTED to do with that. What job will I want to do for the rest of my life?

I am full of uncertainty and indecision. I guess it's good that I have some time to just explore. But, there is so much pressure with jobs and the future that it's something hard to push to even the side of my mind.

Right now, I have to worry about housing. Yay.

Pictures from my wonderful weekend:

I love them :)

One of our more attractive pictures.

Student Wards.

As I sat in Sacrament meeting today I was thinking about the difference between Student wards and home wards. Let me tell you, I love the student wards. I love that all the speakers are my age. I love that the ward clerks, relief society teachers and my home/visiting teachers are my age. I really like having (most) everything run by us. It's nice.

Student wards I take it, are different from singles wards. In that not everyone is the same age. In that case my order goes (from best liked to least liked):

1. Student Wards
2. Home Wards
3. Singles Wards

Also, I like that there are no crying babies. And that I have to wake myself up for church that it's my responsibility to go. I like it. It's nice. :)

Anyway, I dunno what else to say about it. I just like it. I feel the spirit a lot more and I tend to be a lot more focused. I like making comments and I enjoy hearing comments from the other kids my age. It's really nice to go somewhere where EVERYONE believes what you do. It's fun to be the only one and to get to talk about your faith and yourself, but it's also a lot of fun to go and be surrounded by others and discuss your faith. 

Well, here are the much promised pictures. There are more on facebook if you care to look! :)

Jenna.
Ben (Striped shirt)
Will (Jacket)
Charmers huh?

Luke is the only new one in the picture. He's in the navy. 

Will likes to make CREEPY faces in every picture. Well most every.
But this showed the love. Even if ruined by him. ha

All of us!

The Best of all of us. Sorry Luke.

Thoughts altogether...

Ok! So recap of today...

I had a BLAST for FHE today. Our FHE brothers are BEYOND fun.  They are all very sweet and into actually having FHE or Family Home Evening. And actually planning it. It's a nice breath of fresh air.

I met a boy from Ukraine today! He sat next to me in one of my classes! It had been a long time since I'd heard someone speak with a Russian accent so, it took sometime getting used to! His name is Maxim. Or, Max.

Ha I opened a bank account with Wells Fargo. I need to access my money.

Umm.. I took my 2nd ASL class today. I hope it's not too early to say I love it. I'm slowly falling in love with using the language. And I just feel such strong feelings for my Professor. It's weird to explain. Like she talks well signs (she's actually deaf) and I can just tell she is SUCH a sweet person, with such good intentions. And like (In a not weird way) I feel love for her. And compassion. It's like I just want to help her. Like I want to give her my hearing even just for a day. It's really not fair. I can't imagine going through what she has had to her whole life. Not being able to hear would be near unbearable. Never hearing her own voice, hearing others, hearing the TV, even whistles when playing sports (instead the ref has to throw his hands in the air to signal a call), never hearing praise, or support. I just feel like it is all taken for granted. I am so thankful that I have the ability to walk, talk, see, smell, hear and have full function of my brain and body. How often we complain about our inability to do something, but, it can always be worse.

A picture as I digress... This next part is of a more spiritual nature than anything else.

At the game on Saturday!

I had an amazing interview with my new Bishop yesterday. He is such an inspired man. I felt the Spirit so strongly as I walked into his office. As I talked to him about my family, my friends back home, the things I wanted to do with my life, my talents and hobbies, I knew he was truly interested. I knew he WANTED to know. Something I feel I need to write down so I don't forget it is something he said to me. As we were talking about my life goals he said " I want you to know, it didn't take long for the Spirit to tell me what a special young woman you are. You are destined for greatness. Wonderful things are headed your way. Be careful with the choices you make, be careful with the young men. Especially here things tend to move much faster than they would anywhere else. But, I know you of all people will make the right decisions." The whole experience was something I needed at this time. I finally feel like i'm in the Ward I belong. It feels right here. The people are nice and the boys are friendly. The people here genuinely care. I feel like I will become a better person here more than I would've in my other Ward.

He also counseled me on the importance of prayer and daily scripture study. I had made a resolve to pray morning and evening before I left. I did that for a good week. Upon arriving home I got out of that routine partly because of jet lag and partly because I had broken my habit. I just was less focused. I woke up late and rolled out ready to start my day. I went to bed late and passed out.

But, I am determined to start that habit again. Starting last night. Elder Christofferson came and spoke to us last night. I feel so privileged to be around General Authorities and men of great influence (Condeleeza Rice comes the 13th!!). Seeing them speak in person is unreal. He told us to prepare now for the future but not to live in it. He counseled us to start doing things now to prepare us for the future. He told us to live day by day. He talked about prayer. He incorporated Moses and the Children of Israel and their wandering for 40 years. He told the story about the manna falling from the sky. How to be fed they needed the Lord's help. That it was through Him and keeping His commandments they were able to be fed and eventually provide for themselves. He told us how important it is that we live by the same principles. Manna is known as "Bread from Heaven" and it is a type of Christ. That we should live our lives in similar ways. That we should seek Christ's help and guidance everyday and night. We weren't sent here to fail, our existence here isn't chance and we don't need to do it alone.

It was just such a good fireside and day altogether. We talked about prayer at church as well. And becoming more Christlike! I don't think it is just a random common theme that seems to be going around! It definitely was brought to my attention (in my opinion) because I so need to work on it!. We live in such a tough world. Even here at BYU (the gathering of all Mormons or Happy Valley as it's called) there are places to err. And things to mess up and ways to be unkind and just plain bad! It too is full of the good and the not so good. I realized from the speakers that it just doesn't make sense for me to try to do it all on my own! To take the knowledge I've been given for granted. I think something I love most about religion is that everyone is different. Everyone believes in something different. Everyone understands things on a different level. But that most religions are taught to pray. I mean the Muslims pray everyday five times a day facing East! Christian Churches have Sacrament Prayers. I think it's interesting that pretty much all humans involved in religion are taught how to give thanks and to plead for help.

It is a comforting feeling to know that religion aside, most everyone, believes that they are a Child of God. That because they are a Son or Daughter of a King, they have that divine spark within them to communicate with a higher being.

Sorry this is long. I could go for hours really. But, I could talk your ear off about just any subject I find interesting. Tomorrow I have something cool planned it's something I learned in my Student Development/College Study Skills class. I really liked it. Anyway, I have to shower. My hair was looking kinda greasy (so I wore a hat all day). I'm thinking a pixie haircut... any thoughts? ;) Mom?

Missions. This post is LONG. This post is intimidating. This post is for my REAL fans. ;)

What's been on my mind recently...

I have been writing several missionaries lately. I actually really enjoy getting hand-written letters and replying. It makes me feel loved. More than a Facebook post or an email. I love writing and getting letters. There is just a difference between opening the mailbox and finding something handwritten (that someone took time to write and personalize just for you) and opening your email and finding a virtual letter that took someone like 10 min to write. Let's just face it, it's nicer to see the thought in their handwriting as opposed to the text on a screen. Or, at least for me. However, I love getting both.

I have always thought a lot about missions. Always. I have seen the good and the bad missionaries come into our ward. BUT almost every single missionary carries with them a special spirit. I am drawn to that spirit and enjoy hanging out with the missionaries because of it.

I just think A LOT about it. It's on my mind a lot of days.

I have for the most part (with a few exceptions) always had negative thoughts about the majority of the sister missionaries. And I had often heard the male missionaries refer to the sister missionaries as weird or different. In fact my favorite thing I heard Chase said regarding the subject is, and I quote: “The sister missionaries well 95% of them are just weird. And there is DEFINITLEY a reason they are on missions. Like you just know something is wrong with them. But, then there are the 5% who are exceptionally pretty and normal and you just have to wonder what’s wrong with them and why they are out serving.” I laughed when I heard that.

But I still think maybe a mission is for me. 

I was counseled by a friend the other night. He said “prepare everyday as if you are going to serve a mission. Start doing what you need to do to be ready to serve now. And if the time comes and it feels right, you are prepared and ready to go. If the opportunity never presents itself think of how much better you now know the gospel that you’ve been preparing to teach it for so long.” 

In 2 Nephi chapter 29 verse 9 I loved when it said that the Lord’s work “is not yet finished; neither shall it be until the end of man…” This stuck out to me because the Lord’s work is in our hands. It is up to us to be ready to spread his gospel, to share it with those who have yet to receive it. His work is never finished, and so neither is ours. We must be his diligent and faithful servants in all times, all things and in all places.

I know that I don’t have to BE a missionary to BE a missionary. I can be one now and keep others on the straight and narrow with my actions. I know what it is like to be an example to others. Growing up in a non-friendly Mormon atmosphere, I know the challenge. I can rise to the call. And if my time comes, I will be ready to serve.

Just what's been on my mind recently. 

My First Time to Conference!

First of all, I would like to explain that I HAVE in fact been to Temple Square. I have seen it in the daytime, at night, with Christmas lights, and even under construction. Everyone who found out I was going to Conference for the first time immediately decided that it MUST have been my first trip to Utah. Upon hearing I have never BEEN to a session of General Conference I usually get a stare of disbelief. Followed by a judgement on my spirituality and testimony (now they don't say this out loud, but i'm sure it's going through their minds).


HOWEVER, I unlike many of my newly acquired Utah friends, have been outside of Provo AND out of my state. I have seen both coasts, England, France, the Bahamas, Belize, other random Islands and quite a few of the 50 states. I have eaten in a cafe in Paris, gone to Buckingham Palace, seen ocean water clearer than water from the tap, eaten delicious deserts (and meals) from a cook who makes a mean Trifle like you wouldn't believe (My Mom), I have had REAL southern food (Grandma Nancy), HECK I have had some DANG good southern food from Bojangles, I have partied hard with the best of 'em (The Z's), I have held naked cats (Tanners), eaten grits and woken up at 5am for seminary. I, my friends from (and some not from but mostly from) Utah AM cultured. So, if you will stop giving me those looks when I say i've never been to a session of General Conference. And you know what. I now have that under my belt as well. BOOYAH. :)

The 3 of us at conference.
Chase hates this picture. He says he looks like a fat midget.
I couldn't crop him out though. 

My week has been so stressed.

I have felt the pressure of college full force as i'm finally in the swing of things. Its SO hard. High school did NOT prepare me at all. Socially it's a lot of fun. But academically it's beyond hard! AH!

I am not going to post my General Conference notes. I took quite a few. And that would take a long to type them all up. I will bring them home at Christmas for all of you who wish to read them (aka my wonderful mother). Plus, why are you reading mine?! Shouldn't you have taken some yourself?!

General Conference was amazing live or in person. The biggest difference was how TRULY amazing the Mormon Tabernacle Choir is. Like HOLY COW. Beyond amazing. The spirit was SUPER strong and singing with all those people in the Conference center (Aunt B said it holds like 21,000) was an experience all in itself. I loved going.

Saturday night.
I got my hair trimmed.
I asked her to show me how to curl it using the straightner.
This was the result.
This is Mariss. My PiC. :) 

 Chase before leaving to the Priesthood Session. I love him.
My mom says my hair like this makes me look older.
What do you think?!

After looking at these. I realized I have none of my beautiful and amazing Aunt Brenda. Which truly is a shame. Next time I see her expect a picture. She must be represented. As I love her TONS and she is the BEST Aunt (from Utah ;) her joke) that we could EVER ask for! And her hugs are extremely good almost as good as my Mom's.  But still really good and always much needed (Shout-out to you Aunt B :)  ).

I was asked to Homecoming by my good friend Lewis. I had just gotten home. My roommates had called and made me come home from a friends house because they had something REALLY important to tell me. Upon arriving home. They said there really was nothing. So, I was like really?! Instead of going back, I decided to get some reading/homework done. A few minutes later there is a banging on my door. Jacob is there:

Jacob. Me. Lewis.

I had to digress so you could SEE Jacob. He's from Winston Salem, NC and is BEYOND funny. Anyways. Like I was saying, Jacob comes and tells me I'm needed on the balcony. I get up and follow him from the basement to the 3rd floor out the door to the Balcony. I go out there confused as to why I needed to go there. I go outside and hear a guitar strum.

*A couple nights before Lewis and our friend Brian came to our window at 2am. Playing us Howie Day's Collide and singing along. We went outside and listened to them play. They are quite the performers. Lewis ended up on the ground doing a guitar solo while spinning in circles. Intense? We thought so. ;)*

Brian and Lewis. Performing. Ha.

Me and the Boys. :)

Ok. So hearing that I laughed. Knowing it was those two again. I looked down off the balcony to see them playing and Lewis singing. This time the song selection was Wonderwall by Oasis. He sang the first 2 verses. On the third he freestyled it with lyrics like: "Sophie.. Will... You..... Go... To.. Homecoming.. With... Me..." I responded with "Of course i'll go with you Lewis!" He proceeded to turn to the people passing by, and watching and yelled "SHE SAID YES!!" Hahaha those boys are too funny.

Homecoming is normally a date to a dance. But, due to lots of reasons we decided NOT to go to the dance! However, I do NOT mind this at all. I've been to 4 so far at BYU and while they are lots of fun, they are a lot like EFY dances. So, I know what i'm missing. INSTEAD. I think we're going to hike the Y! Something I have yet to do! I am SO EXCITED! :)

That's my post for the day. More to come this week... hopefully. :)