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

Nostalgia

It's 12:35 at night. I run out the front door to pull my car into the garage and am hit with a wave of memories. It freezes me. I stand still, taking in the moment, closing my eyes to replay the past. The clear, star filled sky, the temperature, the time of night. A scene I have taken in so many times before, but never having been thrown into reminiscence. A smile unconsciously spreads across my face as I continue walking to my car. Barefoot on the asphalt, I carefully choose my steps. My memories swimming to the warm nights of meeting outside my house, sitting in the back of the truck, watching for shooting stars and laughing about all the silly high school people and classes. The constant swatting of mosquitoes and spur of the moment decision to drive to the quarter pop machines, singing country music all the way there. Pushing nickels and dimes into the coin slot and then not even drinking the pop we chose. Just going for the ride. Living in happiness and fun, enjoying good company.

(PC - writteninthemidst )

It's 6:00 in the evening, and my doorbell rings. Dad is in the kitchen preparing to make dinner, and my siblings are arguing about unimportant things. I get up and walk to the door. Upon opening it, I'm pleasantly surprised to see two handsome boys of whom I've known for the longest time. The unexpected company of two of the most incredible best friends I've ever had. Naturally, I let them in with a warm hug, and take them into my living room. The sound of laughter begins bouncing off every wall, the guitar strings constantly being plucked, and singing at the top of their lungs. They sing and sing and I can't help but fall in love with the moment, realizing this would be one of the last for a couple of years. They stay for dinner (they always showed up at dinner time...) and we reminisce. Reminisce about the freaky looking tiki statue they brought home for me from their trip to Hawaii (it was the God of Fertility... like, what the heck?), about the time they took me 'coning' for the first time up at the high school, and about how they were leaving to serve missions. The daylight had slowly faded away, and I forced them to take a picture with me before they headed home. Oh, how they hated it, but I didn't care. I loved them, and I wanted that night to last forever.

It's 5:50 p.m. and I'm sitting at work, counting down the minutes until I can close. I've laughed with people, helped pick out super cute outfits (that I wish were going into my closet instead) for people, and talked with some of my dearest lifelong friends. I've looked through every Facebook picture I've uploaded, and had a constant stream of memories make their way back into my mind. Some good, some bad, but all there. I'm so grateful that we get to remember things; to feel the emotions we felt when they happened, and to cherish that moment in time. Because, how sad would life be if we couldn't remember all the things that made us happy?

What's made you happy today?

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!

Things You Should Know

Not too long ago I did a post about some useless information, I know.

You're probably thinking, really? Another one?

But here are some more, because if we're gonna be friends, I think you should

know some of these. 

Annnddd... I'm bored tonight. 

So too bad.

// I sometimes sleep with my window open when it's cold outside because it makes me feel like I'm camping.
// I wish I could play the guitar so bad, and sometimes I pretend like I can when no one is home. And I sing along. (I just got a guitar for my birthday too. Score!)
// I have wicked awesome dance moves. All original of course. Which are too cool to post on here. Cool or embarrassing.. but I'm going with cool.
// My fingernails are always cut to the very shortest they can be without being painful. I so wish I had long, healthy, beautiful nails.
// My hair doesn't grow past the length it's at now. It seriously just stops.
// If I could pull off wearing yellow, I would wear it all the time.
// Speaking of clothes, yes, I wear the same fleece lined leggings and over sized red sweatshirt multiple times a week. No shame. It's the most comfortable thing I own.
// I have never had a bloody nose. In my whole 20 years of life. Not once. No broken bones either.
// Milk is my fave. Possible reason for the last fact? Most likely.
// I h-a-t-e my natural lip color.
// It's nearly impossible for my skin to tan. If I'm outside ALL day (and I mean sun up to sun down) and everyday (as in at least 5 of the 7 days) then yes, it happens. Otherwise, I'm as white as ever.
// I have a problem when it comes to the $5 movie bin at Walmart, and the $5-$10 racks at Hastings. You guys, they have some of the best movies. (I just bought Safe Haven for $3. You read that right. THREE DOLLARS. Props to Walmart.)
// My mouth absorbs any/every colored drink like nobody's business. It's the worst. Gross? Sorry.
// It's really hard for me to believe that octopus's--octopi (?) exist. Like, secretly I think they are made up... shh.
// I also didn't believe (still question it) for the longest time that Alaska was an island. I mean, I grew up seeing this map at school. How was I supposed to know it was connected? I also found out my Senior year of high school that it wasn't an island. I know. Super embarrassing. But whatevs.

// I am unexplainable clumsy. But, in such weird ways. And I mean it when I say it's unexplainable.

// I have come to hate snapchat. Shocker, because I used to love it! But--- when guys think it's okay to ask you on a date over a snap? Uh, no thanks. Be a man. Also, if you read the fine print... c-r-e-e-p-y. I still have it though... so...

// One day I would like to travel to every state in America and spend a week there. I've been to 11/ 50 so far . 

// I hate the dropping feeling... you know like when you go on the Rocket at Lagoon, or Tower of Terror? yeah. NO THANKS. I'd totally skydive though.

// I'm a total game player. Cards, board games, anything. Love it.

So, happy Saturday night to you, and if you read all of these. You rock.

Lessons Learned {Part 2}

Lesson #2- Love. Love yourself, love your life, love others, do things you love, surround yourself with people and things you love, go places you love, find new things to love, and when you do this, you'll always be happy, even in the hardest of times. 

I've always disliked winter. I don't ski or snowboard, I occasionally sled, but that's about the extent of my winter sporting skills. Needless to say I have been thrilled to see the beautiful sunshine out. The first day the temperature rose, my sister and I went for a walk that ended up lasting a few hours. It felt so good to be out! We went on one everyday that there was nice weather until it dropped again. I then made it a goal to soak up that sunshine every time it came out, and I've happily succeeded. It has gotten me out and being active and I think I've found one missing puzzle piece!

As the days have continued getting warmer, I have found myself doing much more outside than any of the past years. In high school I would come home, chill, then spend time doing homework. This led to the majority of outside time on the weekends. Now that I'm home most of the day, I can go outside whenever I want and stay out there as long as I want, and that makes
me happy.

I've found a hobby in writing my LDS missionary friends (which has now added up to more than ten...) and I love that. It's such an uplifting thing to hear from people who do nothing but devote every second of everyday to serving the Lord. It always makes me want to do better, which gets me making new goals for the week. This has been a good thing for me. It's especially great hearing from two of my best friends who are serving in Croatia and Portugal. Those letters give me my boost for the week and make my heart so happy. Getting the mail has become one of the most exciting things ever. Who knew a mailbox could be so fun?

I've began taking more pictures again. I've always been fascinated with photography and the way you can capture time. With the weather being nice, and even when it's a little gloomy out, I've been out taking pictures of the beautiful world. It's amazing what you can find when you actually open your eyes and look!

"There is no tomorrow to remember if we don't do something today." - President Thomas S. Monson

The end of Sophomore year and my entire Junior year of high school I had been taken under into a dark time of my life. I've always been a happy person, but that just wasn't the case anymore. Then from some help from a dear LDS Seminary teacher, and a lot of personal changes, I decided to make my outlook on life a little different. It didn't matter what others thought about me, or where I fit in compared to the others. All that mattered was my happiness, and my progression towards the ultimate goal.

I love myself and who I've become, and I strive to be better everyday. I know who I am, and I'm proud of that. At one point in a Seminary lesson, my teacher told the class to do the things you love that bring you true happiness. I've found those again this week. Or maybe just re-recognized them. 

Last night, I spontaneously went out and played some tennis with a good friend of mine that I ran into after eight months, and we went on a 6 1/2 mile walk. Sore legs, plans for the upcoming week, and a few heart to heart talks later I realized that I am extremely blessed to be surrounded by people I love that will do the things I love with me. People who continually build me up, support me, and help me stay positive. People who remind me of who I am and who I want to be. Life can get hard, throw you curve balls, and direct you onto unknown paths, but without fail, if you surround yourself with love in all forms, you can always be happy. And I can honestly say, without the slightest bit of hesitation, I am so happy.

"Cultivate an attitude of happiness. Cultivate a spirit of optimism. Walk with faith, rejoicing in the beauties of nature, in the goodness of those you love, in the testimony which you carry in your heart concerning things divine." - President Gordon B. Hinckley

People and Meaning

*Fair warning, this is a long post, so brace yourselves.

Life has a way of bringing people together for simply significant reasons and in mysterious ways. One cannot simply define the emotions of an everyday heart, but it's sure an adventure worth living for. Being constantly surrounded by people is an interesting side story to any situation. One simply doesn't know who will come in or out of a life, and the amount of impact they will have, but no matter who it is, it's important and so are they. 

The first person I want to recognize is a woman of compassion, beauty, dedication, love, and amazement. Although I have known her forever, she was sent into my life to teach me so many things. 

My beautiful mom is one of the most incredible people I've ever known. There are no words to possibly explain the impact she has had on me. I look up to her in so many ways, and she continues to make my love for her grow. The relationship between a mother and daughter is one of the most outstanding things ever created. We may view things differently, or have bumps along the way, but she's one of very few that I know will love me forever and ever no matter what. Differences and arguments don't change the love I feel for her, in fact, they make me love her even more because I know we'll shortly be laughing at the other person laughing. If you don't know my mom, you're missing out. She's incredible. Happy Birthday to her a couple weeks ago! 

Next is a situation where I'm grateful for people with educations and their willingness to engage themselves in what they are good at. (Even if the situation sucks...) Lucky me got my wisdom teeth out a couple weeks ago. I had told people that I was going to be that one person who has the worst experience with it, and that I would be the story that made people nervous to get theirs out. I decided I should stop saying what I think when it involves situations like that, because they tend to come true. It was the worst week (still going, but thank heavens it's getting better) of my life. If you know me, I'm a walking mystery in the health aspect of life, and long story short, my body decided to throw everything at me at once on the day I got them out. So, to anyone getting theirs out in the near future, I wish you the best of luck and I hope it's a more pleasant experience than mine. I am, however, grateful for such a concerned and friendly Oral Surgeon. 

Sometimes it's not just one person who impacts your life, but a group of individuals. I have a deep love for surprises. Sometimes I can be a tricky one to surprise though. I tend to guess, and I am a very good guesser. This past week however, I was surprised, and clueless. My birthday is coming up, tomorrow in fact, and my sweet best friend invited me over to her house. Little did I know that I was in for the most exciting news ever. Her and her family surprised me with a trip to Hawaii! The entire family is going, and somehow I got invited along with them! I was seriously holding back tears all night. I'm counting down the days, and I can't even begin to say how grateful I am for every single person in that family. They all have become so near and dear to my heart, and they have helped me in ways that are unexplainable. They have adopted me into their family, and I will forever feel so blessed to have them in my life. 

Do you ever stop and wonder how a friendship started? One that has lasted a life time? I have grown up with one of the most amazing boys, and had to part ways after 14 years. A mission is such a bittersweet event. I wouldn't have the situation any other way, but saying goodbye for two years is such a hard thing to do. He has been there for me through the thick and thin, and has always been one to care about me very openly. I have cherished the time we spent together, and look forward to the day he comes home. He's been a huge blessing in my life, and I'm so excited for him to bless the lives of so many others.

Last but not least, there are the people who enter our lives as strangers, and grow to become someone extremely dear to our hearts. Someone who has a new outlook on the world. Someone who shows you how endearing life can be. I've been blessed with one of these people. I've come to know someone who I never knew even existed. Someone who has seen me for who I am and treated me in a way I thought only true in movies. Someone who has replaced fear with confidence. Someone who is different than many of the people I know, and what a mark he has left on my life. My eyes have been opened to something beautiful and mysterious, and I could never express my gratitude I have for that. There aren't many people who can show you a new perspective on a life you thought was already amazing. I'll forever be grateful and have him dear to my heart.

Life is an amazing journey. I definitely can't complain about my adventure thus far. I'm beyond blessed and I wish I could share my love and happiness to all those who lack it. I hope we all can find the positive in our life even when things get tough. "Even the darkest night will end, and the sun will rise." 

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

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.