The Weekend + Easter

+ Minus from my dad, I got flowers for the first time from the male gender.

+ German chocolate has tickled my taste buds all weekend. 

+ I got to catch up with a friend who just returned from his LDS mission. (hence the chocolate from Germany)

+ I shopped until I dropped (literally) at City Creek with my madre and sister.

+ While shopping, I bought the most amazing dress, ON SALE. Praise to the clearance heavens.

+ Happened upon the cutest old time candy store. Hello sugar bliss.

+ Took the traditional Easter pictures with the fam. (Yay for self timer fails.)

 

+ Visited my mom for the afternoon.

+ Had Easter dinner with the extended family.

+ And lastly, I got to celebrate the life of my Savior, Jesus Christ. I am so grateful to be a part of this gospel, and to have the knowledge that I do. I'm grateful for the atonement. I know the strength that comes from it, the healing, and the blessings. I know that my Redeemer lives, and I need him every hour. I am His child, and I strive to walk in the light of His love. "He is risen! He is risen! He hath opened heaven's gate. We are free from sin's dark prison, Risen to a holier state. And a brighter Easter beam, on our longing eyes shall stream." Oh, how I love Him! Happiest of Easter's to you!

photo via Mark Mabry

Believe in the Good

Does it frustrate anybody else that the world seems to revolve around money?

You need food to live, you need money to buy said food.

You can't run around naked (dangit! jjuusstt kidding), so you need money to buy clothes.

Get an education, but pay thousands of dollars to attend.

Need to go somewhere? Go use the money you're barely hangin on with to buy some gas.

Want to do something fun? Treat yourself to something nice? I'm sorry, you don't have the means until next paycheck.

No need for me to go on. You know the frustration.

I have these unpleasant thoughts more frequently than I'd care to admit, and I hope I'm not the only one.

But as this reoccurring thought was swimming through my head today, I happened upon this video on good 'ole Facebook, and it enlightened my soul! 

We (...I) spend too much time doing things for the reward and/or the recognition. Don't get me wrong, I love so much to do things without all the hype afterwords. Being the "Unsung Hero", but I think it's human nature to be that way a little bit. After watching this video, my thoughts and goals have changed. Do things for the emotion. Be the good, and believe in the good. Like M. Russell Ballard said in the April 2011 General Conference talk Finding Joy through Loving Service, " Great things are wrought through simple and small things. Like the small flecks of gold that accumulate over time into a large treasure, our small and simple acts of kindness and service will accumulate into a life filled with love for Heavenly Father, devotion to the work of the Lord Jesus Christ, and a sense of peace and joy each time we reach out to one another." 

Doesn't this just warm your heart? It sure does mine. I hope we all can try a little harder to act on our promptings and have a greater desire to serve, no matter what the outcome!

And because this weather is PRIME, Happy Spring!

Yay for blooming yards!

Because of Him

"Jesus is the Son of God, our Savior and Redeemer. Because of Him, death is not the end, and life takes on new meaning. We can change, we can start over--and we can live again with God. This Easter, celebrate His life and discover all that's possible because of Him."

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has put out an incredibly written Easter story this year, and if you haven't seen it, I highly encourage you to read it. And the video above? Amazing. Put Easter back into perspective, bring the spirit of Easter into your heart and into the lives of others, and have gratitude towards our sweet Savior. Because of Him, everything is possible. "Because Jesus Christ is the Savior of all mankind it's possible for each of us to live again with God." You can read ''The Meaning of Easter'' HERE. 

[ picture via Ashley Parker Photography ] 

#BecauseofHim 

A Unique Phenomenon

"I promise that if you will listen, you will feel the Spirit well up within you. The Lord will tell you what He wants you to do with your life. In conferences we can receive the word of the Lord meant just for us." -Elder Robert D. Hales

The joy and excitement I have in my heart for Conference weekend is unreal. I have counted down the days, browsed through past conference talks, and have looked forward to this for SO long.

How grateful I am to have the opportunity to listen to the Prophet. To learn, to reevaluate, and to grow.

The motivation that comes through the spirit is irreplaceable and undeniable. I love the way my testimony is strengthened, and my love for the Savior is deepened. It never ceases to amaze me how there is truly something for everyone. No matter what your situation, feelings, or trials you are going through, there is guidance specifically for YOU. 

I hope you take the time to really listen to conference, and to share your thoughts with others.

Share your testimony, and listen to the testimonies of others.

The gospel is truly incredible.

Follow along with #LDSconf! 

(Ashley Parker Photography)

The church is true, and the book is blue!

Guess What Day It Is!

Typically hump day is on Wednesdays...

BUT!

This week it's on a Thursday, because one of my favorite
missionaries in the whole wide world has been out for 

1 YEAR!
I can't believe how fast it has gone, and I am beyond proud of him!

Happy Hump Day Elder Morse!

Nights Like These

It's nights like tonight when it's so real that Jess is 2000+ miles away.

The phone calls that last for 3.5 hours and end at 1:30 in the morning.

The amounts of topics we go through in quick spurts.

The laughs and tears and all emotions.

Reminiscing.

And in just 18 days she will be home. 

I'm so excited, and that's an understatement.

Very few people mean more to me than she does.

And I've been extremely blessed to have her by my side in all things.

"But friendship is precious, not only in the shade, but in the sunshine of life, and thanks to a benevolent arrangement the greater part of life is sunshine."
[ Thomas Jefferson ]

In the Midst

Sometimes it's in the midst of the dull, rolling thunder and waves of wind crashing against the water stained windows that you find your mind wandering into the blissful places of the unknown. Sometimes it's in the rush of traffic jams and passing road signs. Signs that direct us to the places we need to be, and people we need to be with. People of different religion, culture, opinion, traditions, stories. Stories that make them who they are. Whether that make them someone we know or someone of a complete stranger. A stranger who can impact our life with simplicity or a stranger who simply passes by never to be seen by our eyes again. Our eyes that have witnessed thousands of people, seen every moment of our life, experienced every joy and sorrow, captured the the scenes we now call memories. Memories that walk side by side with emotion. Emotions that make us wonder about the future and the possibilities along the way. Possibilities that are endless and unseen, full of wonder and imagination. Imagination that brings us back to the state of a child with the heart of bravery and courage and an excitement to go out and live. Live to become someone of importance and significance. With significant purpose to go out and succeed and not worry about what the world throws toward the final goal we have. To know there's a beautiful reward waiting for our efforts, to have that motivation. It's a beautiful thought to know we are capable of something magnificent. Magnificent like the universe that surrounds us. The millions of stars that let us look into the past, the oceanic blue waves that let us look to the future for as far as we can see. And then we stop. Slow down our world for the few seconds it takes to remember what it is we're here for, and no matter where we may be, we will always see how beautiful the present is.

 Sometimes it's in the midst of the dull, rolling thunder and waves of wind crashing against the water stained windows that you can clearly see how blessed you really are.

Oh, what a life we live. 

Unbelievably Beautiful

Today my beautiful sister turned twelve years old. I truly can't believe it! I remember the day she was born, and I was beyond excited to finally have a sister (I cried at both of my brothers ultrasounds when we found out they were boys.) Little did I know I was going to be blessed with the most incredible one out there. She has taught me so much, and she has grown into such a precious young lady. Her sense of humor, positive outlook, contagious laugh, tender heart, and growing testimony have influenced me in so many good ways. She has so many amazing qualities that it blows my mind. How can one little girl contain so much positivity? She is one of my greatest friends, and an extremely big example. I don't know where I would be without her. Not to mention she is naturally one of the most beautiful girls I've ever seen. Ever. Her smile can make anybody's day better, and she is one of the sweetest people you could ever know. Everyone should have someone like her in their life. She's one of a kind. 

Happy birthday Squirt! You are such a blessing to me and I hope you know how much I love you! I hope your twelfth year treats you good, because you deserve better than the best in everything. Thank you for being yourself and for making my life so much better. You really are the best sister in the world, and not just because you're my only sister, but because you really are the best. Words can't begin to tell you how much you mean to me. Love you! ♥

Some Days

"Some days you wake up and begin to wonder

What a long night, where was the slumber?

Tired and weak you get out of bed

Pushing yourself for the long day ahead.

Some days you make it to noon and give up.

Some days you think you've just ran out of luck.

No one understands what goes through your mind,

and no matter what you say you're always behind.

But when you look in between all the frustrations,

you find not one, not two, but three tender creations.

Creations you see can be all shapes and sizes,

unexpected, planned, full of surprises.

We all have small blessings, some we ignore.

But stop and recognize them before you rush out the door."

Days like today I need to stop and realize how great life truly is. You can't let being sick, having a busy mind, a constant worry ever replace how much positivity surrounds you. I'm the type of person who always has a plan, who worries about everyone and everything, but today I sat back and enjoyed one of the happiest friendships I have. Unexpected visits from long time best friends can turn anything into a positive situation. I wish I could explain my love and gratefulness I have towards them, but it's not possible. Also, not just the ones who came tonight, but the two others too. I am so blessed to have such amazing people in my life that care about me so much! Friendship is a beautiful thing. <3

2012 Recap

I know I'm like, seven days late, so just move on from that fact and recap the last year with me!
So many wonderful things happened, and it's easy to say that 2012 was extremely good to me. I couldn't have asked for a better year. A lot happened, and life has continued to move on without slowing down!
Here's a list of the year's highlights (I tried to do them in order, but I know I messed up in there somewhere) :
1: I turned 18! Not only was it the best day of the year, like always, but I got to spend my birthday with one of my most dearest friends. We danced the night away! Plus, my dad gave me a huge bouquet of flowers at the dance. He's kind of the best.
2: I graduated from Seminary. What up! At the graduation three of my best friends and I got randomly chosen to bear our testimonies. It was an unusually neat experience and it made me so grateful to have the friends that I do! I may not have many, but I have the best. AND... there was a lunar eclipse that day. Or a solar eclipse... anyway, there was an eclipse.
3: I graduated from the wonderful/not-so-wonderful high school. Talk about weird! At the time I didn't feel old enough to do that, but now I definitely don't feel that way. Not only did I graduate, but I ended my Student Government career with a bang, and had to give a speech. Something I am particularly proud of. ;) That's one day I will never forget!
4: For my senior trip, I decided to have my family tag along with me, and we went to the wonderful world of South Carolina. When I would tell people where I had chosen to go, I would always get such strange looks, but let me tell you. It is the greatest place ever. I crave it all the time. SC stole my heart.
5: I sent out some of the most incredible young men around the world on missions! Those were events full of mixed emotions. Not to mention, the other half got their calls. I'm so proud of all of them and I love them all more than anything!!
6: One thing you should know about me is that "where I come from, it's cornbread and chicken." Yes, I am from the lands of the south, good 'ole Georgia. One of my bucket list items had been to go back there and see where it all began, and I was fortunate enough to go this past summer! It was incredible. Southern Belle right here. ;)
7: My family and I got to go to the Brigham City Temple open house. I have never been surrounded by so much beauty physically and emotionally. I'm so blessed to be a part of such an incredible gospel and an eternal family!
8: In the fall I started college, and here is where I fell in love with Institute. I've said it before, but Seminary/Institute has changed my life, and I can't describe how grateful I am that I have the opportunity to go!
9: I did indeed meet the one and only, Andy Grammer. WHOO. What an experience that was. I took my best friend Jess with me and created one of the most exciting memories ever! What a man.
10: My brother Hunter earned his Eagle Scout rank! I am extremely proud of him for accomplishing his goal to get it before he turned 14. He is one of the most incredible boys I've ever known.
11: Little Baby P was born! My almost nephew as I like to calm him. He's one of the cutest little boys I've ever seen. Good work to his parents!
12: I met one incredible guy! He's basically one of the sweetest people I have known, and he has been such a blessing! I lucked out somehow... :)
13: Long lost cousin Cletus visited us from the South. Sure did miss that creepy man!
14: Every year my extended family gets together and does a Christmas service project, and this year we put together a little production of the Nativity for a retirement home! It was such a great experience, and makes me happy that I have the best family ever.
15: Jess and I had some great adventures, which included getting her car stuck in the snow and one of my favorite best friend times ever.
16: Christmas was one of the best I've ever had! There are too many details to go into that, but I'm sure one blessed girl.
17: My cousin came home from his mission in Hawaii! That included a road trip, tons of food, and a loud, laughing family. It was so great to see him again and see what an incredible man he has become!
 Some things I didn't have pictures for:
18: I received my Young Womanhood Medallion at my birthday! A little late I know, but at least I got it!
19: Both my Grandma and Grandpa went into remission from cancer this year! Prayer is the greatest thing.
20: I gained the nickname of "The Funeral Crasher" and I'm not even going to explain that one. haha

2012, it was real, it was fun, but I'm so excited to see what 2013 brings!

Happiness Is Real

Sometimes we need to be reminded of what happiness is, and what it can be. Not just happiness, but real happiness. If you're like me, you're probably thinking to yourself, "Is there a difference?" Tonight I was taught a valuable lesson that I will forever hold near to my heart.
If you are unfamiliar with the name Al Fox I highly recommend you look her up. I had the privilege to listen to this sweet sister tonight at a YSA Relief Society dinner. She's a convert to the The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, and boy is she an inspiration. I won't tell you her whole story, but I want to touch on some meaningful things that left me spiritually enlightened.

1- Happiness is REAL. There is such a thing, and you can have it all of the time. It's called the gospel and the Book of Mormon.
2- It's not about me, it's about you. It's about where you are going, and what I can do for you.
3- Never stop. When you stop is when the feelings of doubt, insecurity, nervousness, and weakness crawl into your body and mind. You just always have to keep going, and things will work out how they are supposed to.
4- God always hears your prayers, and when he answers, he provides a way for you to be rewarded with that blessing. That's just how it is. You've just got to keep the faith.
5- You are going to go through hard things. Things you don't feel you can overcome, but if you turn to the Lord and pray in times of despair, you will be made into a person stronger than you could imagine. Someone so much better than you ever envisioned. You'll be able to do all things. Not only should you turn to the Lord in times of despair and hardships, but also in times of triumph and joy. He always listens.

What a blessing it is to know what real happiness is. I'm so grateful to know of the truthfulness of this gospel and to have a testimony burning in my soul at all times! It truly is the light in times of darkness, and the joy in times of sorrow. I'm a proud member of this incredible church.

I Know It. I Live It. I Love It.

This is such a wonderful time of year.  The air reveals it's long hidden breath of Fall, the leaves change to magnificent shades of orange, red and yellow, sweaters and boots get pulled out, and General Conference blesses us once again.  It's safe to say that we have so much to be so grateful for. 

 Here are a few of my favorite highlights from this October 2012 General Conference.

 

 

Watch Conference Here!

I'm proud to be a part of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.  I know it.  I live it. I love it.  I love my Savior, Jesus Christ, and I am excited to see the change in the world through missionary service.