Finally Done!

This Semester has been one of the best semesters I have had. I have had great classes that required so much work. I have most importantly made such great friends. I have been so blessed to get to know them and have developed such a wonderful friendship. It has been one of the biggest growing times in my life. Everyday something of growth was pointed out to me. I grew the most spiritually and my way of thinking also changed. I have to thank my roommate Valerie for that. We both had a very growing semester in every way of our life. She helped me to open up to who I really am and what I am really thinking. I have loved my friends because I was able to be who I am and love it. I had a goal this semester to find out who I am and really love myself. I felt I have accomplished that and so much more. I have loved the spirit of the Lord with me this semester! I have felt his presence with me each step. I have not found the true meaning of my life....at this moment. I am just finding myself and what I love and truly believe in! 

Walking the Labyrinth

For my Humanities class today we had to walk in a made up Labyrinth created by my teacher and it was wonderful to just meditate inside the paths. As I was in the Labyrinth it was interesting to see how other people worshiped....it was insightful. I have so much going on this week because finals are coming up next week and papers and presentations are on the rise in all my classes. When I was in the circle it made me forget about all the stress that occurs in the outside world. And it made me appreciate the love I have for our churches temple that we have dotted the earth! I know that the temple needs to be a center focus in my life. The provides me with a sense of purpose and love from my Heavenly Father. I love how just the littlest things can help me remember why I am here and what I must to do go back home.

YouTube Challenge - I Told My Kids I Ate All Their Halloween Candy

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Choosing THIS Day!

http://lds.org/media-library/video/mormon-messages?lang=eng&start=25&end=36#2009-09-37-choose-this-day


Today I sat in church, really paying attention. Not to what was being said, but what I was feeling to what was being said. I have been feeling a little down, and lately I have told some friends that I need a change. I have been thinking that the change was a boy, but today I realized it was me. I needed to change my attitude and the way I viewed life. Everyone around me is taking a huge step in life, and I want one too! but I saw this video on my church website and loved it. It is called, "Choose this day" by Henry B. Erying. You might have to search for it, but It is great. It took the word someday to a new level. I always heard the phrase, never put off tomorrow what you can do today! and you know what that is what I am going to do. Today I am going to make a list of my New Years Goals...or Resolutions. And I thought, wow I have to wait until January to start on them? No, the answer is start today, so by the time January does come around I will have developed a pattern and then, by that time I can start perfecting those goals. Carpe Diem....I'm seizing my day!

Life in its EPIC Proportions

            This week we talked about Epic’s and what they are and what examples we have of them in our society. We named a few in class and they were Star Wars, The Lord of the Rings, and Harry Potter. All of these Epics have a system to them all have a call to adventure, a refusal of the call, they are given a mentor and or companion, they cross a threshold of a supreme ordeal, and they become master of the two worlds, and then eventually return home. As I was taking notes this week I thought about our lives as human beings, it is an epic in itself just as much as these great stories. Our lives really are, so, totally, EPIC!

            As I was reading over my notes I realized that everyone if you put it in spiritual terms has an epic life that is if you are LDS. In the pre-existence had a call to adventure. In the scriptures and from Latter-Day Saint doctrine we can see that we have accepted to come here to Earth in order to experience mortal life. They next step in an Epic is the “refusal of the call” in a sense we all have gone through this. In the pre-existence we had to choice to follow Satan and not come to earth and receive a body or to follow Christ and come to earth and receive a body and experience life to the fullest. And also we can relate it to a mission call if we decided to go on one within the church. After we turn in the required papers we receive our “Call” in the mail and in the envelope we have the chance to deny or accept the call. After the refusal or in this case acceptance of the call we are given mentors or companions. In this life our mentors are our parents the ones who teach us how to overcome adversity, teach us how to act, teach us what we need to do to get through life. They are a necessity in life, so that we do not die from “master mind tricks” or “flashbacks from the dark lord” now, of course I am joking, but I still recall many teachings my parents taught me. And they have come in handy in the real world. Just like in any epic the mentor’s skilled teachings pay off during battle scenes! Then the threshold crossing, we all go through this whether it is we have grown up and have a family of our own, or our missions to foreign places. Brother Williams called this “your not in Kansas anymore” phase. This is when you encounter your “demons” so to speak, not saying that everyone’s life is full of demonic presence, oh no! We will all encounter a “growing up stage” and we have to apply all that we have learned either by our parents or things we learned in the MTC and here is where we defend whom we are. The next stage is the Master of the 2 worlds. If you think of it in the mission sense that you have come into a world with rules, teaching requirements, and people you are unfamiliar with. But at the end of your mission you have mastered the skills that were so hard to accept when you first came out, you may not be a master, but nevertheless you have come out victorious. And in this life at the end of all that we have done we hope to have kept all the Lords commandments, taught our children well, given service, helped those in need, and become a disciple of Christ. We all hope, or at least I hope we all hope to accomplish this. Then after all is said and done we go Home back to live with our Heavenly Father and rise victorious and be seated upon a thrown.

            This may be a little far-fetched, but this is what I thought of. If we take the elements that make up an Epic and apply it to our life the Call to Adventure-pre-existence, Refusal of the call-choosing to follow Chirst, our mentors- our parents, crossing the threshold-our mission/life, mastering the 2 worlds- becoming a disciple, and going Home- to heaven. If we put that into context we can see that our lives are awesome, and so totally Epic! Who needs a made up story told in movies and books when we are living one of our very own?  

I never thought Macbeth and I would have anything in common!

This past week we read Macbeth by William Shakespeare, in my humanities class, we had to read the play in its entirety, we had to memorize lines, and watch a film.  After memorizing and reading the play I realized that I barley knew what was going on until I watched the movie. After reading the play and watching the film I realized that I should not let what people tell me get to my conscience. If I do it will cause me to underestimate my own free will.

            In the beginning of the play Macbeth encounters three witches who tell him that he will be king, and that people will “all hail Macbeth”. As we talked about this in class, one of the discussions was “Do you think he would have killed Duncan, and Macduff if the witches had not said anything?” and I have to say, no, because I know that I often put too much emphasis on what people say to me or even about me. This entire play was a huge eye opener for me. I know that I need to be more aware of what advice I hear, or even what others say about me.  I do not want to be a Macbeth! For example, it was not until after the witches said that he was going to become powerful and kill the king, did he decide to kill the king. The witches put the thought in his head. I realized that I do the same thing in my life. If someone tells me something I tend to run with the thought instead of deciding if the thought is right for me. I need to weigh the pros and cons of my life instead of letting others weigh them for me. The play is a tragedy because it ended so terribly because he did not have a conscience. In the play he lost all sense of direction or right and wrong. I do not want to become an advocate of tragedy in my own life. I want to control my own thoughts and not let what others tell me influence me to the point of “death” in any way you view the word. Now, I am not saying that I will not take advice from others, of course I will, but I need to put into consideration that I need to know who I am first. I need to discover my talents and abilities in order to think for myself and make the right decisions and then from there I can be free and think clearly. I also want to always have an open mind free from guilt and clutter. Macbeth after committing his murders had such a hard time thinking clearly. All he thought about was who to kill next, who might be the one to leak out his secret. I never want to be so tangled up in lies and deceit that I loose control of my nature as a daughter of God. That would be a horrible trait to loose.

Laughs and Smiles

This weekend I had a best friend, Arica who come up to visit me and Valerie, who is her best friend too. Valerie, chelsea, and I decided to try out for an on campus show, guitars unplugged, and we got in. So Friday we were in the show singing One Voice by the Wailin' Jennys. It was amazing and we love it so much. We had so much fun just crossing it off our bucket list. We all wanted to do something on stage and we fulfilled it. After we performed we had so much excitement, that we could barley contain ourselves. Later that night we had a massive roommate sleep over with 8 people in our living room we all squeezed our mattresses into our living room and fell asleep to a movie.
Saturday Valerie had to go on a nature adventure for a class, so Arica and I went with her to do so. As we were taking pictures we went to a grassy area and laid down. As we did we just admired nature and laughed and joked around. As we laid in the grass making noises with the grass, we just were who we always are around each other and it was so great just to laugh and expand our friendship. This weekend was a weekend of just pure excitement and happiness. I loved it. This life is a time for us to make lasting friendships and not forgetting to laugh. I also feel so great that I accomplished a goal with my friends as well. I feel so happy and content with everything that has gone on in my life, I know that I can do all things if I only believe and love who I am.

Tender Mercies

I attend a priviate school it is associated with my Church, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. After my first class I attend at 7:45 every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. This morning we have a bell tower that plays hymns and it was such a tender mercy to hear the music. It is only the second week and stress has already built up, but hearing that particular music, which was entitled "Where Can I Turn For Peace?" I was able to hear the voice of the Spirit this morning and it was such a blessing to hear that especially today!!!

Have a great day Y'all!

Uncertian

Today I was walking home from church and it was amazing. I had just received a calling in my ward. (if you have any questions about these terms just ask) In the walk home I felt like it is where I needed to be. I know that all my blogs have been like this lately, but it is the truth. Just this semester with all the craziness of my calling, school, and work I know that this is where I am supposed to be in my life to grow personally and spiritually. I am nervous to see what will come of it, but I know in due time the Lord will point out why I am going and doing all the things I am into. I feel like I am living outside of my body...I have not really been myself, but I know that with all these events taking place in my life I will receive guidance in my life somewhat. I need to really practice my patience within myself and also have more faith in the Lord with my decisions!!!

Surety

Have you ever been in a place in your life where you know you are exactly where you are supposed to be? I am and it feels so freeing. When I was home this summer I felt trapped and lost within my own self. But ever since coming home I have become more comfortable with myself and who I am becoming. I have a roommate Valerie who I roomed with in the winter and I just grew to love her. She has such a wide and open mind when it comes to everything. This semester I feel like I know who I am by just talking with Valerie. She has helped begin to shape my way of thinking and learning.
I just feel really great about this semester I know that all my classes will help me with what I am studying for in college! I love all my classes and I am so excited about my major. It is sociology with a minor in Child Development. I have felt comfortable with all my classes before I have changed my major, but with this major I know I will grow and learn so much with all the possibilities. This semester I feel like another chapter in my life where I know what will happen instead of being in the dark about who I will be. I'll keep you posted to see what lies a head!!!

Coming Home

 I just drove across the country with an ex roommate (don't worry it was a fantastic trip and she is living somewhere else this year) and we had so much fun. We drove through Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska, Wyoming, and when we hit Utah I felt like I was at home. It was a weird trip, I mean it was wonderful, but I was not nervous, scared, skeptical, or even anxious like I usually am. I felt content and calm. The drive was smooth, sunny, and full of optimism. It felt nice to feel...free? I think that is what I am trying to say. I am going to be working 45 minutes away from where school and the thing is I am not afraid or nervous to get my work finished....it is the oddest thing. I feel like I am home. I never thought I would say this...i just hope I do not become home sick and want to go home next week. I am excited for the adventures and new things awaiting me....I know things will go wrong, because it is not perfect, but it just feels right...It's so hard to explain. I came home today! :)

Fool's Gold

Last night my niece (who is 12 keep this in mind) came in the house screaming from a football game her school was playing "Tonight was the best night ever!" So my sister said, "Why what happened" (thinking that the school had won and we were going to hear all the details. "Brandon and I are going out" He had been her friend since they were 8 or younger. My sister, my friend who was there, and I just threw our head back and rolled our eyes with a "OH MY GOODNESS" tone in our voices.

Let me take you back a little my nephew who is 13 going on 14 in just a week. He had a girlfriend, notice I said HAD. They had just broken up because she was wanting to date others while still "with" my nephew...I know crazy! My sister and I had a big conversation with my nephew about his girlfriend. We talked about how he was too young to even be in a relationship. Plus he doesn't even know how a relationship works! We talked to him about just going a head a breaking up with her, because she was not a good girl for him. He finally did and has mopped around and said how he still loved her....LOVE at 14! I don't think so.

Going back to last night. My sister and I talked to both of them and told them how they were too young and how they needed to just enjoy being young. We told them to find out who they are first and that they do not need someone else to define who they are. Just make friends not be with anyone of the opposite sex to feel like they are loved! that was the underlining message I don't think sunk in. They still want someone else with them because everyone in their school is going out with someone. Oh brother! we talked about following the crowd and how it can't be good for them to just follow the crowd...they have to make good choices! it was just a mashed up mess! but we somehow got through to them, by telling them they are loved here at home and they do not need someone to tell them who they are.

You cannot be rich in something you have no idea how it works...with my niece and nephew they are so young and they think they are rich, but growing up so fast and wanting to be an adult is hard and a lot of work. I will be spending the next few days trying to tell them this and hoping and praying it goes through their heads! It's sad to say, but they are growing up in a world where they think being a child is a bad thing...it's not don't be a fool by giving into what the world thinks, believe different, be you, and shine like Gold!

Love and Peace

“ It’s perhaps well to ask in what direction we want to move in you can be filled with bitterness and with hatred and a desire for revenge or we can make an effort to comprehend and replace that violence and stain of bloodshed that has spread across our land with an effort to understand compassion and love”

- This love Album “At War”

Tonight I saw the BEST movie of the year The Help the setting is back in the 1960s when segregation was taking place. As I watched the movie all I could see was hate. Hate for color, popularity, body shape, and means. The movie was based off a novel. I have never read it, but the movie put it in pretty good perspective. I am always appalled from the hatred that was in the 60s. Whether it is through history, interviews, or family who were alive during those times. If we take a look at today there is still segregation going on other places around the world. What do we think about when we say:

Hispanic.

Muslim.

Republican.

Democrat.

Catholic.

Mormon.

Homosexual.

Really what goes through your thoughts?  You don’t have to answer a loud, but just think about it. Recently I have been listening to a band who is not commonly known, but their latest album is about war and it has had me thinking a lot about what has gone on for so many years, HATE. I have a friend who used to say “Why can’t people just learn to love” or “If there is one thing I could change in the world it would be for everyone to love each other” and the more and more this comes up it makes me think…why can’t we? Life would be so much more tolerable. But we must overcome the past. Move on and love. I know I am having a hippie moment. Love and peace, but really is that really so much to ask. I wanted to end with a speech that is quoted in the album, I do not know who is speaking, but the words are ones I will never forget.

“…Too many of us think it is impossible, too many think it in unreal, but that is a dangerous defeatus belief … I am not referring to the absonaite infinite concept  of universal peace and good will of which some fantasies and fanatics dream I do not deny the value of hopes and dreams but we merely invite discouragement  and incredulity by making that our only and immediate goal this generation has already had enough of war and hate for in the final analysis  our most basic  common link is that we all inhabit this small planet, we all breathe the same air, we all cherish our children’s futures, and we are all mortal.”

-This Love Album “At War”

If we don’t start in small ways to love and leave out hate…what world are we leaving for our children? I’m not saying we have to hug everyone, but don’t be quick to judge and let us leave the past behind us and start building a better future! 

Who are you?

Some of us learn who we are at an early age, but others it takes years and years to "find" your place in this world.

The reason for this sentence is because I was talking to a friend about finding yourself, really knowing what you want, knowing and feeling what you like in life and feeling absolutely in tune with yourself. I have pondered about this conversation for many days and it has truly changed my way of thinking....It has raised many questions.
Do I love who I am when I am with others?
What do I like?
Do I like who I am alone?
What are some personal things I need to work on myself?
I know these are personal questions that I have shared with you, but it has been picking at my brian lately and I just had to share....I am a firm believer that what my friend had to say is a healthy way of thinking. So may of us in life feel like we are labeled as what "others" have labeled us as, but the truth is we are who we are, ourselves. I know sometimes it is hard to feel comfortable with who we are, but we need to change what we don't like about ourselves; whatever that might be change it and love yourself. There is too much hate and nasty stuff in the world towards others we can start by making a difference and love who you are. #1 Figure out who you are #2 get used to it #3 love the change and smile because you found it.

I really hope this makes since and I hope that this helps you as I know in time it will help me.

It is here y'all Easter  a time to remember Christ and what he has done for us. He endured the pains of sin in the garden of Gethsemane and died on the cross to overcome physical death so we would be able to do the same. I am so grateful for this act of Charity and love from my older brother. He truly is my hero and someone I want to be more like. I am not saying that I want do die on a cross for someone, but to have his amount of love and charity!

I want to post a video that means so much to me....This put Easter into perspective for me and I hope it does the same for you as well. Please enjoy and comment if you wish!


HAPPY EASTER 




What Easter is All about

Roles reversed

Tonight was a great night. I went out with my parents and saw a movie called "RIO" so cute...that is if you have not seen it. I laughed and heard all the little children laugh during the movie too. At the end of the movie I looked over at my dad...what did I see? An old man, who has worked hard for his family, a man who has loved much, a man who has grown gray, a man who is growing older everyday. After we walked out of the theater we went to Wal-Mart to get some necessities and I was so protective of my parents. I walked with my mom mostly through the store to "watch out" for her. I felt as if the roles were reversed I felt as if my mom was the little two year old while I was making sure that she didn't fall, no stranger offered her anything! All the drive home I was so cautious of every turn, every bump, every car, everything...it was the strangest feeling. I felt like I was the parent! I never thought when I was younger of a day without my parents...or them getting old....wow, has this time really come to reality?
I guess what I am trying to say is....never underestimate your parents and what they do for you because they will NOT be here on Earth forever!!!

Home Sweet Home?

Well, I made it home and it was raining the whole trip here, and as soon as we come home it poured. It is tough being home right now. I have to get used to being here and away from school. I miss my roommates, school, and everything away from home. I miss having inside jokes, friends, and just learning on my own. I came home to some stuff I was not familiar with about my family...My family is not very informative while I was away with certain family stuff. So now I am starting to feel the stress of helping them out my mom I just learned today might have lost her job, and my dad is not at a well paying job, so I feel like I have to be the next parent to my family. I need to find 2 or maybe 3 jobs just to help them out. I just have to remember the title of this blog..."taking it easy" or I should say have faith and remember that Christ will help me out through all this. Starting thursday I am waking up early and applying for a job to be a server at a local restaurant. I know that I will apply for more jobs here in town and turn in resumes towns around here too. I know that things will work out, I just have to keep telling myself this everyday!!!!!!
Thanks for letting me vent I appreciate it much! Have a great day!! love you all!

On The Road

Today my roommate and I were on the road for 12 hours today. We started out at 6am and stopped at 6pm to rest our weary heads. We both stayed up late the night before for one last roommate "bonding" night, which caused us not to get to bed until 1 or 1:30 am. So we were a little restless today, but we were safe and that is the main thing. We are hoping to reach home Monday afternoon and we both are so excited to see our family and plan out our summers. We both are needing jobs to help us in the fall/winter for school. So this summer will be a challenge, but a good one at that! Thanks for following us and taking time to read this.
We will keep you posted on updates and fun adventures!

Closing Time

Today I was walking back from my last test from the testing center here on campus. What a relief I thought as I was slowly walking down the hallway on my way home. I looked out at the big glass window in front of me as I was walking down the stairs. I took a deep breath in and stared out the window for a brief breathtaking moment. I saw nature like I had never seen it before. I love the sun as it hits the trees right after it has rained....It reminded me of home. I believe I am ready to go home though, so ready to see family and be around trees with more sunshine to enter into my day. Call me sentimental or whatever you might I am so grateful for eyes to see this magnificent wonderful world.

What are you thankful for today?

Thanks

Dear followers,
I wanted to say that I am excited that you have added me as someone you would like to hear more from. If there is anything you would like to talk about then just post something in the comment section and I would love to discuss anything. Most of my posts will be about things just mostly on my mind. There should be something coming up soon, I just have finals coming up this week, so it is stressful right now. Thanks and have a great day!

The Reason For All This

I have always loved to write ever since I can remember. Just recently I have wanted to share my thoughts on something more personal other than facebook. So I hope you all enjoy my blog and I hope you gain insight or go away with some sort of life changing experience and I hope it is pondered in your heart. Hint the title of this blog is Taking it Easy.....to think, decide, or just relax. Life is too complicated and overwhelming, so why not take it easy!