Sunday, November 25, 2012

Time goes by..and memories fade..

Life consists of many decisions. And each decision is composed of a "what if"
What if I do this instead of that. Or maybe that instead of this.
Regardless of, our decisions lead us either to happiness or remorse.
Ive reflected upon these past few years and I've realized just how much life has changed for me.
My best friends back then are mere acquaintances now.
And my favorite activities have become side lined hobbies.
[ for whenever I do have time of course ]
But where or when did everything change?
When was it that I finally decided to make better choices and follow a path that would lead me toward my goals?!?!?
In all honesty, I don't know.
I look back at all my memories and realize that life is going by super fast.
Does it ever slow down?!? ( I'm sure we all wish it did, but i doubt it ever will )
I've learned not to trust everyone I meet and to choose wisely those who I wish to surround myself with.
Not many have our best interest at heart, and those that do are rare to find.
We can never explain why people we thought were great walk out of our lives.
Take my word for it,
The worst thing we can do, is try no mend the relationships that somehow failed to stay together.
They fell apart for a reason.
I've also learned that the adversary will attack you regardless of where you stand.
But most of all, it will try and break you down when you're at your weakest.
A times like this, I've found it comforting to pray. I know it's easier said than done, BUT trust me it really works. ( side note: don't just pray when you need guidance, build a relationship with God on a day to day basis, thank him for all that he has given you as well)
I remember my Missionary BOM teacher, Brother Christensen, he mentioned that our bond with God must be like a chain. Strong and constant.

And lastly, I've learned the importance of the Gospel in my life.
In all honesty, I used to take it all for granted. I didn't really try to build my own testimony of the church before. I've always believed because it was what I grew up hearing and seeing. I didn't realize the importance of my testimony until my first semester at BYUI. I didn't really understand the Plan of Happiness until the moment my family was sealed at the Chicago Temple. Heavenly Father knows what we're going through in this life, and he has given us the tools to conquer each trial and tribulation that may stand in our way of Eternal Destiny. The scriptures contain messages of love, hope, strength and motivation from our Father in Heaven. Joseph Smith was a true prophet. He translated the Book of Mormon and restored the true Church of Christ on this earth for this dispensation. We have a living prophet today. His name is Thomas S Monson, and he receives direct revelation from our Father. The prophets messages are directly from our Father in Heaven, and directed to us in these Latter Days. All God expects from us is to be willing to submit ourselves to his word and work. Let us be a living example of who he is. By living the Gospel, not only are we making him rejoice in Heaven, but we, ourselves, are also seeking for our own happiness. By reading the scriptures, we not only get to know of our Father, but we also get to know of our eternal glory. We most definitely are daughters and sons of a living God. He is looking after us every single moment of each day. In order to feel his love, we must seek after it. I love my church with all my heart. There is no doubt in my mind that I am on the right path. This is what Heavenly Father wants for me. No matter where life takes me, he will always be by my side. He loves us all so much that he wants us to conquer this world so that we may return to his presence. That is why he gave his only Begotten son. Through the Atonement, we are able to be forgiven of any sins and transgressions we may have committed, so that we may once again hold on to the Iron Rod. Trust in The Lord in all that you do. He will never steer us wrong.

Tuesday, November 20, 2012

when life hands you lemons....

You make LEMONADE!

Not going to lie,
I've had mixed feelings about going back to Idaho.
But recently I've been getting more and more excited to go back.
I think it's the potatoes and shopping scenes
...said no one...ever.
No really, I'm ecstatic to go back and just finish school.
I've realized that everything is what we make of it.
When we're droopy and negative,
we never enjoy what were doing.
Plus,
Campus always had such a GREAT spirit.
So what is there really not to look fwd to???

----------Anyways here's my last weeks adventures----------

This past weekend I was able to hang out with some incredible people.
and some amazing memories.

For starters.
Twilight Breaking Dawn Part 2



We all went to the iPic theater and enjoyed the finale of such a wonderful series.
I'd have to say that this movie was the best one.
If you haven't seen it, I'd advise you to.
You won't regret it.

Also:
Chris Pollack & Brittney Connell
were married!!!
There's something about weddings that brings people together.











We laughed, we danced and we even did the Gangnam Style.


They had a wonderful reception.
May our Father in Heaven bless their home and marriage.

Thursday, November 8, 2012

Reality is FINALLY Kicking in.

It's finally hit me that 2012 is almost over.
It's officially November..
which means the Holiday Season is basically here.
Boy is it going by fast.
How on earth is this possible???
It feels as if the year barely begun yesterday.
I feel so unaccomplished.
The year can't end just yet!
I've barely traveled!!!

Even though my year wasn't as eventful as the last.
I can't really say it "sucked"

-Met some amazing people.
Not going to lie, I used to dislike attending the YSA's.
It was just uneventful and quite draggish.
Maybe I didn't like the whole "clique" thing it had going on.
But now it's taken a complete 360 degree turn.
Everyone is a lot more welcoming and extremely outgoing.
It has grown quite a bit too!

-Learned Life Lessons the HARD Way.
I've learned a valuable lesson recently. Choose your friends and acquaintances wisely.
I know the church counsels us regarding this matter.
They don't define who you are [ you define yourself],
but they do give others an image of who you are.
Wouldn't want to send the wrong idea now would we??
Also: 
Family will always be there for you. Whether you make mistakes or not.
They'll stand by your side making sure you have support to rise again.
How many of your friends will stick around in both good and bad times?

-Reunited with Old Friends.
Most of the people I met my first Semester at BYUI left on their mission.
They're back now and catching up with them throughout this year has been such a blast.
So much has happened, and we've all changed so much.

-Family Reunion / Maria's Wedding.
Wow did we have A LOT of family in town for Maria's wedding.
I've come to the realization that my family can be a little crazy.
Now that I think of it,
Using the word "a little" would definitely be an understatement.

-Nauvoo.
This year I was able to visit Nauvoo, Illinois.
It was a YSA trip and I do NOT regret going.
I think this activity is what really got me to attend the Singles Ward.
I even got to do Temple Baptisms!!
May I just say that the stories we hear about this place,
are absolutely NOTHING compared to what it's really like.
The beauty, the Spirit and the absolutely love you feel here is absolutely overwhelming.
Not to mention the Nauvoo Pageant.
WOW!!!
That is seriously all I can say.
They have this small play where they explain what happened at Nauvoo 
and it is SPECTACULAR!!
If you can go, I'd extremely advise you to do so.



MAJOR Side Note:
Elections occurred recently and I MUST say
I am EXTREMELY disappointed at how many of my friends are reacting. 

Mitt Romney Supporters:
How can you say you support all leaders when you're bashing on the president??
So what if your candidate didn't win?
Let's face it, most of you voted for him because he was of your faith.
In all honesty, I believe 30% of you actually voted for him because you stood by his ideas.
Stop saying you're moving to another country.
WE are America. If you don't like where you live, then go out and do something about it.
In the words of Mahatma Gandhi:
"Be the change you want to see in the world."
Don't just sit around moping about the issues when YOU haven't tried to make a change.

Barack Obama Supporters:
Yes, yes your candidate won.
I'm sure we all watched the news.We're all aware of the results.
With that being said,
Winning does not give you the right to bash on the other candidate.
I know I know. "It's called politics"
Is that really an excuse to act in such a hateful and unprofessional manner?
It's extremely disrespectful and does not make you any better than the Romney supporters.


My friend Kolten said something very very wise.

"If you supported your candidate because of anything besides the issues, namely race and religion, 
Shame on you!"
[ emphasis added ]



That is all.


oh! and 58 days until Idaho....But who's counting right?