Sometimes

Because I don't have enough "sometimes" posts.....

Sometimes my favorite foods are Craisins and grilled cheese.... not together you hobos!... although... maybe that'd be good?

sometimes you get random compliments from strangers that you look nice.... and it just so happens to be the day where you didn't shower 'cause you didn't get to sleep till 2:30 am and overslept because of a photo shoot and tons of homework you had, you just got done at the gym and you're pretty sure most of your hair has fallen out of the ponytail...

Sometimes ABBA songs play on my ipod and I feel like dancing on the treadmill but then when I do try to dance... I nearly fall off. This has happened twice now.

Sometimes guys shave their legs that work out and then I feel all self conscious cause my legs don't look as smooth as theirs....

Sometimes you are overwhelmed with homework and projects and having far too much to get done and not enough time to do it.

so sometimes you have to take a break and finish your valentines day things.

Sometimes you realize how wonderful it is that the Lord works in mysterious ways and you know that he is guiding your life.

because sometimes, if He didn't, you know you wouldn't be able to do the things you know you need to do in the time frame they need to be done in.

Sometimes you just have to think about all the things you've been blessed with and try not to worry and stress.

Some goals of mine

This summer, as you all know, I'm going to Europe. Well, I have been thinking of goals that go along with it.

• Read the entire Book of Mormon while i'm there. I'll be gone nearly 2 months. This is doable. 

While in Euorope i know that i'll be introduced to things that i've never been introduced to before and be tempted to do things i've never been tempted to do. I'll be away from home and with people I don't know as well as my friends and family here in utah. Along with this, it'll be the first time in my entire life that I won't be in close proximity to a man that holds the priesthood. Honestly, this makes me a little worried. If i've ever needed a blessing, I know there'd be someone very close that could give me one in less than a moments notice. I won't have that on my trip. Therefore, i know i'm going to need the spirit with me more on this trip than i ever have in my life. I know that reading the Book of mormon will help with this and I know will lead to an increase in my spiritual strength on this trip.

• my physical healthiness goal. Not going to write exactly what that is up here cause it's personal. But, I've been doing really good at it this semester.

I want to be able to look back on the pictures i have of myself from this once in a lifetime opportunity for me to go on a study abroad and be proud of how I look. Right now, I can run farther, longer, and faster than I think i've ever been able to do, and i am actually enjoying it! {most of the time} I feel happier when i'm done, and I can start to feel like i'm actually accomplishing something. It's a good feeling.

• Learn to make myself happy instead of basing my happiness on the opinions of other people. 

I like to make other people happy. I don't think it's a bad thing... I just am realizing that by doing this, I make myself unhappy sometimes. How i'm going to do this, I have no idea. I'm still working on it. I think it's going to take a lot of work though.

This is all for now.

It'll Work Out

"Things work out, it isn't as bad as you sometimes think it is. It all works out, don't worry. I say that to myself every morning. It will all work out. If you do your best, it will all work out. Put your trust in God, and move forward with faith and confidence in the future. The Lord will not forsake us. If we will put our trust in him, if we will pray to him, if we will live worthy of his blessings, he will hear our prayers."

— Gordon B. Hinckley

Because sometimes you need a "pick-me-up"

In case you were wondering.....

I'm a big fan of my institute class. 


Here are some things that stuck out to me in the lesson that were good reminders for me.

If we allow God to guide is in our lives, we can do much more with it than we can on our own.
This, my friends, I'll admit, is hard for me sometimes. I like being in control of my life and when things don't go the way I want them to or plans change, I have a hard time. But, it's always good to be reminded I can do more with my life if He's guiding me than I can do with the little knowledge I have.

Stop letting fear govern your life. Start letting your faith guide it.
I loved this! Life's kind of scary sometimes. I feel like the more you strive to have faith the more it will grow. I need to have my faith grow.

Don't choose to be happy based on circumstances, choose to be happy all the time.
Also one that I need work on. Especially this semester, I fear.

In all things commanded, the Lord will provide a way.
ALL things.

And finally,

Create a "to be" list rather than a "to do" list.

I have never thought of this. But I like it

I've never had an institute class as big as this! Although I'm pretty sure it's a fire hazard as to how many people are in the classroom! I think it's a class with 60 desks and is sort of like stadium seating. There were at least 15-20 people sitting on the stairs and in extra chairs around the room.} I guess word travels fast as to how good the class is! My normal institute classes from past semesters are usually around 20-25 kids.

Thought Thursday- I belong to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints

 I belong to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Click here, and follow along with the lyrics provided on the screen. It's a little jazzed up, but still good!

My church is getting a lot of media attention right now because of Mitt Romney's presidential candidacy and Jon Huntsman's too.

Also, watch this video. I love Elder Holland, he always tells it how it is and has such a powerful testimony.

"... I am deeply hurt when I am called anything but a Christian. ... The thing that defines me is my love of God, my commitment to Christ, my Christianity. ... What is different about Mormons, and why would anybody say you're not a Christian?

The two most distinguishing characteristics that come to mind that would separate us from other institutional religions, including institutional Christianity, are these: One is our view of the godhead. We believe that God the Father and Jesus Christ the Son and the Holy Ghost are three separate, distinct individuals. ... The other is priesthood authority: ... the right to speak and act in the name of God. ... One of these foundational pieces [of Mormonism] ... is the restoration of the holy priesthood, whereby actual authority is conveyed from heaven to us on earth to perform this ordinance; "us" being the Latter-day Saints." -Jeffrey R. Holland

I feel as if I should share what I believe.

I know with all my heart that the Book of Mormon is the word of God and another testament of Jesus Christ. I know that it was written for the people of this time and that if we read it and apply its principals that we will be happy. It can give us guidance in a time where the world is confused and help us to return to live with our Heavenly Father.

I know that Joseph Smith is a prophet of God. That no matter what anyone says he saw God the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ in the sacred grove that morning. He translated the Book of Mormon and restored the fullness of the gospel to the earth again. I know that the gospel will never be taken from the earth again and will be spread throughout the whole world.

I know the priesthood to be the power of God given to worthy men. I can feels its power and it has created SO many miracles in my life. I know I wouldn't be here today if it weren't for the power of priesthood blessings. I am extremely grateful for a wonderful dad that honors his priesthood and will give me a fathers blessing of comfort to me whenever I need him to. 

I know that Christ suffered for my many sins. I know that because of his atonement I am able to be forgiven and that I can have him for a best friend and an older brother. I know that he hears my prayers and helps me through my roughest of times and understands everything that I have gone through and everything I will go through. I am so grateful for him.

I know that families are forever. That the ordinances in the temple seal us together forever. That when I find the love of my life it won't be "till death do you part", but "for time and all eternity" because of the sealing power in the sacred temples. What a great blessing this is and such a comfort to me! To know that when someone dies it isn't the end and I will see them again. I don't know how people can get through the death of a loved one when they do not know of this eternal truth.

I know that Thomas S. Monson is the living prophet today. That he guides this church in the way that my Heavenly Father knows is best. I know that when I follow his teachings I will be a happier person and that i will receive blessings for it.

I know that I am a daughter of God. That he is my Father and that he loved me enough to send me to this Earth to receive a body so I could return to live with him some day. I love him and cannot wait to return to his presence. 

This church is true. The blessings I receive from it and the principles taught by it have made my life wonderful. I'm not perfect but through this church and Jesus Christ I can be.

I say these things humbly today, in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

I hope that any of you have read this will find out for yourself if what i say is true. I know that the missionaries would be so happy and willing to teach you and if you listen, and find out for yourself, you will be the happiest you've ever been.

visit this website to find out more information.

Thought Thursday-Womanhood

sometimes i feel like i'm one of those domestic goddesses. Like everything that Mormon women are known for or stereo typed with i kinda do.... for instance-

• i cook
• i decorate
• i like crafts and creativity
• i'm a photographer
• i want lots {well in the world's eyes, not mormon culture} of kids
• i want to be a homemaker and not have a huge career after I get married and have kids

i think mormon women are most known for their homemaking. And i can already see that when i have my own home i will be just the same...heck, i only have an apartment and i already do this!

I'm pretty sure that 70% of mormon housewives are self proclaimed "photographers". which kinda drives me nuts. And for the record, i Loved photography and wanted to be a photographer long before i ever made the connection to this fact. haha

i want to be a stay at home mom. This is what the LDS church teaches is best for the family. And i've never had a problem with this. I think it sounds perfect, actually.

and i cook too. basically, i was made to be a mormon women.

many cultures outside the LDS faith find a lot of those things archaic.

But i don't.

Yes, maybe it's "old fashioned"

but i don't care.

I've never had a problem with it.

I know that men and women have different roles in the church and in this world. I've never felt left out because I can't hold the priesthood. I feel blessed because instead, i have the gift to one day become a mother. Which in my humble opinion is super awesome!

here are some quotes that i really like on womanhood and motherhood.

“During my professional career as a doctor of medicine, I was occasionally asked why I chose to do that difficult work. I responded with my opinion that the highest and noblest work in this life is that of a mother. Since that option was not available to me, I thought that caring for the sick might come close. I tried to care for my patients as compassionately and competently as Mother cared for me.

Many years ago the First Presidency issued a statement that has had a profound and lasting influence upon me. “Motherhood,” they wrote, “is near to divinity. It is the highest, holiest service to be assumed by mankind. It places her who honors its holy calling and service next to the angels.

Because mothers are essential to God’s great plan of happiness, their sacred work is opposed by Satan, who would destroy the family and demean the worth of women.” -Russell M. Nelson.

The family is the basic unit of society and is ordained of God. It is through the family,

that children progress best and ultimately find happiness eternally.

"...one of the greatest things a father can do for his children is to love their mother." -Howard W. Hunter.

"Sisters, we love you. We pray for you. Be strong and of good courage. You are truly

royal spirit daughters of Almighty God. You are princesses, destined to become queens. Your

own wondrous story has already begun. Your 'once upon a time' is now."

Dieter F. Uchtdorf. from one of my all time favorite talks.

"Of all the creations of the Almighty, there is none more beautiful, none more inspiring than a lovely

daughter of God who walks in virtue with an understanding of why she should do so, who honors and

respects her body as a thing sacred and divine, who cultivates her mind and constantly enlarges the

horizon of her understanding, who nurtures her spirit with everlasting truth" Gordon B. Hinckley

I have a testimony of my divine right as a women. It's a gift and blessing. It's not holding me back from anything; it's helping me become more. I'm grateful for my dad, Dean, and grandpas, for being such great examples of how a daughter of God should be treated by their husbands. I'm also grateful for my mom and grandmas for teaching me what a mom should be and about the special gifts women have.

Thought Thursday- Standing as a witness

My very first thought thursday! are you peoples excited??

This first week of school has made me realize how much i have to stand up for what i believe. from the ages 12-18.5 i repeated what is known as the "young women's theme".

We are daughters of our Heavenly Father, who loves us, and we love Him.

We will "stand as witnesses of God at all times and in all things,

and in all places" as we strive to live

the Young Women values, which are:

Faith

Divine Nature

Individual Worth

Knowledge

Choice and Accountability

Good Works

Integrity and

Virtue.

We believe as we come to accept and act upon these values,

we will be prepared to strengthen home and family, make and keep sacred covenants,

receive the ordinances of the temple, and enjoy the blessings of exaltation.

So when thinking about what to write about today, standing as a witness came to mind immediately. I was in my first day of English 2010 and we had to debate some issues because it's a persuasive essay writing class. My professor took the side, in every issue we debated, that goes against what the {LDS} church teaches. I know that everyone has different views and beliefs. that's fine. He told us that for every issue we write a paper on we will not get to choose which side we write about. That's fine if it's an issue that doesn't matter like "i phone vs droid" or "batman vs spiderman" but if it's making me write about something that i know to be morally wrong like pro abortion or pro gay marriage then i care. I know that it's "just a paper in a class" but would that be "standing as a witness"? I was taught to stand up for what I believe in and i'm learning that it's not nearly as easily done as it is said.

second item. Being an art major, i run into photography, drawings and paintings, that i do not feel comfortable with. I was happy to find that because of a series of extremely inappropriate photographs taken by this one guy last semester in a photo class, this paragraph was put into my syllabusses/syllabi {however you may say/spell the multiple of syllabus} "pornography will not be tolerated". All because {mainly the girls} put up a big stink about them. So, standing as a witness can make changes.

my first semester of college i was in a drawing I class and we had to draw nude models. I've never understood why a model just can't put on a swimsuit. Anyways, i seriously didn't want to do it, but my professor gave us little say in the matter. At 18, i was extremely panicked at the thought of seeing a nude male anatomy. Not that i'm okay with it now still. I said, not kidding, at least 20 prayers that morning that i wouldn't remember any of the drawing session and i don't. Honest to goodness. Looking back on the situation, i wish that i would have been more brave to say i wouldn't do it. If this ever happens to be something i have to encounter again as an art major {i don't think it will because i'm done with drawing and painting} i will not attend the class period.

Mosiah 18:9 "Yea, and are willing to mourn with those that mourn; yea, and comfort those that stand in need of comfort, and to stand as witnesses of God at all times and in all things, and in all places that ye may be in, even until death, that ye may be redeemed of God, and be numbered with those of the first resurrection, that ye may have eternal life"

I believe those that do choose to stand up for what they believe in will be blessed. Although hard, i know that my testimony of this grows every time i make the choice to stand as a witness of Jesus Christ.