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!

In Case You Were Juandering

Here's my take on Mr. Juan Pablo.

It was love at first sight for me when he walked out of that Limo on Desiree's season of the Bachelorette.

That latin accent and body... I think it's safe to say that all of America fell, and we fell hard.

I was heartbroken when she let him go, but became extremely thrilled that he was the next Bachelor.

So here we are, about half way through the season,

and I am not impressed.

Actually, I am sorely disappointed.

He bugs! BAD!

Don't get me wrong, there are moments when I think I'm a big fan...

but those moments are few and far between.

I'm having a hard time watching every week honestly.

First of all, on one on one conversations, he talks to them like they are babies.

It makes me cringe.

He is always looking at their boobs.

He says that he doesn't want to disappoint Camilla, but uh,

making out with almost every girl in one night, and

getting "wild" in the ocean, yeah okay.

I know, I know, it's part of the show. 

But it bothers me.

I feel like he thinks he's all that on group dates becuase he's walking around with a bunch of girls.

 Calm down buddy. You're not as cool as you think.

I think his latin charm that America has fallen for has gotten to his head.

Also, all the 'Juan' puns are gettin to me.

We can stop now.

(I also realize I used one for my title.

But no more.)

On the plus side, 

I love that he doesn't know what some of the English words the girls say are.

He is attractive.

His destinations so far are killer.

I love the simple dates he plans out. 

I love that he's so into culture.

And I'm rooting for Renee.

Absolutely love her. 

She's naturally gorgeous

and so real!

I mean come on....

They have to end up together!!

Second up, Andi.

But I think she's going to turn too catty.

And yuck to Clare.

Anyway, those are my thoughts on the Bachelor. 

What are yours?

Do you like Juan Pablo?

Who are you wanting him to propose to?

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.

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.