"He that doeth the will of God..."

I came across the following verses as I was reading the other night. I really like them. They're all good, but I particularly like verse 17.

1 John 2:15-17

15 Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.

16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.

17 And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.

I like these verses because we live in a world increasing in filth and the influences of Satan, but here we are reminded that ultimately those things will "pass away." The things of God are forever. Specifically, verse 17 strikes me because so often we get messages from the world telling us what we should do or be. But, really, we need to turn to the Lord to know what we should do and be.

Lights at Temple Square

I really, really, wanted to see the lights this year. It's been several years since I last went. I didn't think I was going to get to go, as I didn't have anyone to go with (Mom and Dad were unavailable). But, thankfully, Nicole wanted to go too, so we had a fun little outing the other night. We parked at Gateway and walked around there for a little bit before heading to Temple Square. Temple Square was pretty packed, but it was still enjoyable. I'm always wanting to improve my night photography skills, and I had some great opportunties while I was there. Poor Nicole had to put up with me stopping every 5 seconds to take pictures. :) After we got done seeing the lights we stopped by a hot chocolate booth which was set up right outside temple square. Brilliant idea! All-in-all it was a fun evening. I'm glad I enjoyed it while I did, because I now have a nasty cold. Hopefully I get over it soon so I don't spend my Christmas break sick!

The Best Christmas Present!

I just got the best Christmas present ever! Well, I guess I kind of gave it to myself. :)

Child Development A-
Doctrine and Covenants A
Public Relation Fundamentals A
Editing A-
The Developing World B
Communication Career Workshop A
Communication Practicum II A

GPA- 3.75

Yes, Merry Christmas indeed. I worked hard for those grades.

Cabin Adventures

Life has been nothing short of crazy lately! I got done with finals on Thursday afternoon. Thursday evening I packed and did my cleaning check. Friday morning I went to the BYU-Idaho Center dedication. Friday afternoon I left for home. As soon as I got in on Friday I headed over to the hospital with my Mom. My Dad had surgery last week and had complications from that which left him in the hospital longer than expected. (Thankfully, he was released on Sunday.) Saturday morning Chad and Buffy picked me up and we headed to my sister-in-law's family's cabin near Cedar City. I was hesitant to go with Dad in the hospital, but my parents insisted that I go.

Staying at the cabin was very relaxing. It was fun to spend time with my cute nieces and nephews as well as my brother, sister-in-law and some of her family. We kind of just hung out.

Chad, Buffy and I headed home on Monday morning. However, there was A LOT of snow. We had to dig to get out of the driveway. Driving down the canyon was pretty scary. It was one lane. If people had to come up the canyon they would be out of luck! We also had Ryan with us whom we dropped off in Cedar City to meet up with my sister-in-law's dad. They drove up to the cabin together. However, it took them several hours to get there, when it only should have taken 1! There has been a lot of snow there and the power has been out for a couple of days now. We're hoping things get better soon so Ryan, Aubrey, and the kids can make it here in time for Christmas.

BYU-Idaho Center Dedication

Last Friday morning I was able to attend the dedication of the new auditorium and the new part of the student center. Both buildings are gorgeous. The BYU-Idaho Center seats 15,000- only 5,000 less than the Conference Center! It really feels like and looks like the Conference Center.

The morning of the dedication it was 7 degrees outside! So cold! But, the dedication itself was wonderful. Pres. Henry B. Eyring spoke and dedicated the buildings. Elders Bednar and Nelson spoke as well. The choir sang "Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing" and the orchestra played "High on the Mountain Top." The Spirit was so strong. Elder Bednar said someday we'll tell our kids and our grandkids that we were at that event. I definitely will. It was pretty cool.

More information is featured on the LDS Newsroom website: http://beta-newsroom.lds.org/article/Mormon-Church-Reaffirms-Commitment-Education-Dedication-New-Buildings-BYU-Idaho. If you view the 2nd to last video, watch closely at 1:16 or so. You'll see someone in the background you recognize. ;)

R.S. Presidency

The Presidency and our VT supervisor.

This semester I've had the opportunity to serve as the R.S. Secretary. It has been a great blessing and learning opportunity. It has strengthened my testimony of the importance of individuals in our large church. I have to list the names of sisters who did not attend at all, or who only attended once on the report I fill out every month. I also have to list the reasons. Also, I have to list the names of those who were not visit taught. (All of this in addition to the numbers and percentages). Each person is important and accounted for.

Funny thing- all of my callings since I have been home have been in Relief Society. I have served as a R.S. teacher, R.S. 1st counselor, and now as R.S. Secretary. I guess there are lessons I need to be learning from R.S. I'm told it is likely that I will still have the same calling next semester. So, I'll continue to learn and grow.

Ward Christmas Party

Me and my friend Alyssa. Alyssa is currently my next door neighbor and will be my roommate next semester. We both love photography, which is fun. :)


FHE group.

I finally have something exciting to do a post about! (Blogging is such a nice break from finals, by the way.)

Tonight we had our ward Christmas party. We had dinner, chatted, and had an ugly sweater contest. (I actually wore my favorite sweater, as opposed to an ugly one as I didn't have money or time to go to DI and get one.) All-in-all it was a great break from finals. Kudos to my roommate, Kelsee, who is the former activities person (her calling no longer exists) for organizing the event.

Drained.

This semester has been so draining on me- emotionally and physically. I had a very busy semester- one full of group meetings and projects. Last Saturday I had a 3 1/2 hour long group meeting. One week during the semester I had 4 group projects going on simultaneously. It was not uncommon for me to have group meetings back to back.

On Wednesday of this week I had 2 group presentations in 2 different classes and a research paper due. I was stressed to say the least. From Saturday until Wednesday of last week I had a migraine. I never get migraines. Really. Very unusual. No bueno.

My poor, poor, body. It does not handle stress well at all. I think it had had enough today. I am just completely drained. I have now slept all of my Saturday away. Too bad I still have a final group project to complete, 14 hours of editing to do by next Thursday, cleaning checks to do, and 4 finals to prepare for. Somehow it will all get done. I just hope I come out of it all alive.

Only one more week until I go home. I can hardly wait for this madness to be over.

Carrie's Christmas Playlist

Being really busy with school/finals, I often don't get to do all the Christmasy things I want to this time of year. However, I enjoy keeping the Christmas Spirit with me by listening to Christmas music on my ipod to and from classes. Here are some of my favorites that are less known which I really love.

"Breath of Heaven"

"Were you there on that Christmas Night?"


"Christmas Shoes"

My final, final, answer!

Are you ready for this one? It really is my final, final answer. Well, this crazy girl is going to be staying in Rexburg winter semester. I AM crazy! I turned down 2 internship offers so I could go to walk to school in the -20 degree weather? Yup. I sure hope I haven't made the biggest mistake of my life. But, right now for some odd reason, I feel this is the best option for me. Maybe I went through all that internship stuff so I could know that I have the ability of getting an internship (one of my biggest fears was not being able to get one). I don't know if I will do my internship in the summer or next fall. I think I may just stay and finish up in Rexburg until July and then do my internship next fall. If that's the case, then I could probably walk in July(legitimate-grad cap and gown)! No matter what it'll all work out somehow. Just got to keep pressing forward with faith in the Lord. I've got some great classes next semester which will help me further prepare for my internship and life in general. I'll be taking PR Writing and Production, Photojournalism (SO excited for that one!), Event Planning (probably, not official yet), New Testament, Math 108 (NOT excited for that), and Infant & Toddler Development. I'll also be living with some great people. Somehow I will survive the bitter cold winter. :) I feel like my life has been such a drama lately. I'm looking forward to this semester finally being over and going home to relax with friends and family. Less than 2 weeks left!

Life is Funny

Since I'm keeping y'all updated on my life, I thought I'd tell you what happened today. I was heading home and checked my phone when I saw I had a voicemail from the people I interviewed with here in Rexburg the other day. I was offered the internship! I decided a while ago that I'm not going to take it, but still, it's nice to know I was offered it.

Also, earlier today I noticed that my ad for the online bulletin board was finally posted (it has to be approved). I also noticed that there were a billion other postings for contracts for sell. That's when it hit me that the likelihood of me selling mine- especially since there are only 2 weeks left in the semester- is not very good.

I called my Mom and told her that I am going to just stay here in the winter. That sounded all fine and dandy to everyone. So, I finally get home and check my e-mail. I had an e-mail from a girl saying she might be interested in my contract. I also had an e-mail from the lady who would be my supervisor at my internship in Salt Lake. She was just telling me how much they are looking forward to having me come.

Life is so funny. I can't wait until I get this all sorted out.

Peace

I have been filled with an incredible peace ever since I made my decision yesterday. I really should be so stressed out right now with all I have to do with finals coming up (I'm sure the stress will catch up to me shortly, however), but I'm really not. I just feel like everything will be ok. The following story in the scriptures illustrates perfectly what I've been going through:

Mark 4: 37-40
37 And there arose a great storm of wind, and the waves beat into the ship, so that it was now full.
38 And he was in the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a pillow: and they awake him,and say unto him, Master, carest thou not that we perish?
39 And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.
40 And he said unto them, Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith?

I was in a "storm" in a sense. The storm went on for a while. There were so many times when I felt like, "Heavenly Father, do you care???" And then, finally, He stopped the wind and things got peaceful. I really love the last verse. It definitely explains my life. I have fear and lack in faith at times.

Things aren't completely over. I still have to sell my housing contract. But, today as I was thinking about things, I realized I will be perfectly ok and happy with what ever happens. I know that things will work out the way they are supposed to. All things will work together for my good as long as I trust my father in Heaven.

I love this quote by Lance B. Wickman: "Still, we mortals quite naturally want to know the why. Yet, in pressing too earnestly for the answer, we may forget that mortality was designed, in a manner of speaking, as the season of unanswered questions. Mortality has a different, more narrowly defined purpose: It is a proving ground, a probationary state, a time to walk by faith, a time to prepare to meet God (see, for example, Abr. 3:24–25; 2 Ne. 31:15–16, 20; Alma 12:24; Alma 42:4–13). It is in nurturing humility (see Alma 32:6–21) and submissiveness (see Mosiah 3:19) that we may comprehend a fulness of the intended mortal experience and put ourselves in a frame of mind and heart to receive the promptings of the Spirit. Reduced to their essence, humility and submissiveness are an expression of complete willingness to let the “why” questions go unanswered for now, or perhaps even to ask, “Why not?” It is in enduring well to the end (see 2 Ne. 31:15–16; Alma 32:15; D&C 121:8) that we achieve this life’s purposes. I believe that mortality’s supreme test is to face the “why” and then let it go, trusting humbly in the Lord’s promise that “all things must come to pass in their time” (D&C 64:32).(Lance B. Wickman, “But If Not,” Ensign, Nov 2002, 30.)

I just LOVE that quote! It describes my life so perfectly! I am a planner. I try so hard to plan my life out. When things don't go the way I expect, I often ask "why?" But, really, it's all part of the learning and growing process. Our trials truly refine us and help us be who God wants us to be. I've been learning more and more how much we need to trust our Father in Heaven. He knows best.

This was kind of a personal post again. But, I realized that ever since my mission I've had a desire to share spiritual insights with others. This blog is a good outlet for me to do so.

My Final Answer. (I Think.)

I had my other interview today. It went well, but I just knew it wasn't right. There were several things about it that just wouldn't work. I'll hear back from them in a few days, but either way I've made my decision.

And that decision is... I am going to be interning with The Cancer Wellness House. It is a non-profit organization for cancer patients and their families. There are activities and services provided free of charge for them. (Support groups, yoga, massages, etc.) I fully believe in what they are doing. I think ultimately I want to do PR for a non-profit organization as my career. As an intern there I will be pitching story ideas to the media, writing grants proposals, planning events, writing press releases, etc. Unfortunately it is unpaid, and I will have to commute. But, I've got to do what I've got to do. I've got some ideas as to how I can hopefully have a little money coming in.

I've still got to work out some logistics- moving home, etc. I also have to sell my housing contract. That's the biggie. It's late in the semester, so a lot of people have already made their plans for next semester. If I don't end up selling it then I will be in Rexburg just taking classes, no internship. We'll see.

Thanks to everyone for your prayers and support! I feel a big burden lifted off my shoulders.

Advice?

I don't like to get too personal, but I am sharing this to see if anyone has any advice. I've been trying to get other people's thoughts since I have no idea what to do.

God has a plan for each of our lives, right? We are here to exercise our agency. But, what is the correlation between us exercising our agency and His will? I don't know if that make sense. Here's the thing- I currently have some options for next semester. I have to decide what I am going to within the next day or two. I've been torn for the past week. I have no idea what to do. I was offered an internship in Salt Lake. It'd be an awesome opportunity- great resume building material. But, I didn't feel very strongly about it. In my mind it feels right, but in my heart I'm not feeling it. I remember the scripture that says, "I will tell you in your mind and in your heart." BUT, what if I AM supposed to just make a decision instead of the Lord telling me what to do? I am so scared of screwing things up. This is such a big decision. What if the Lord really wants me to be in Rexburg in the winter, but I choose to go to Salt Lake? I have to have an internship to graduate. I'm afraid if I don't take this one, I'll miss my chance. I guess I've really got to exercise my faith, right? Any thoughts/words of wisdom/advice would be greatly appreciated. (Yes, I am praying, studying the scriptures, etc.)

So Much to be Thankful For

I love the message of this song. There really is so much to be thankful for. Happy Thanksgiving!

Thankful (by Josh Groban)

Some days we forget
To look around us
Somedays we can't see
The joy that surrounds us
So caught up inside ourselves
We take when we should give.

So for tonight we pray for
What we know can be.
And on this day we hope for
What we still can't see.
It's up to us to be the change
And even though we all can still do more
There's so much to be thankful for.

Look beyond ourselves
There's so much sorrow
It's way too late to say
I'll cry tomorrow
Each of us must find our truth
It's so long overdue

So for tonight we pray for
What we know can be
And every day we hope for
What we still can't see
It's up to us to be the change
And even though we all can still do more
There's so much to be thankful for.

Even with our differences
There is a place we're all connected
Each of us can find each other's light

So for tonight we pray for
What we know can be
And on this day we hope for
What we still can't see
It's up to us to be the change
And even though this world needs so much more

There's so much to be thankful for

Thankful to be Alive

skid marks in the mud

Tonight I am thankful for my life. I had quite the adventures coming home for Thanksgiving Break today. Looking back on the danger of many of the situations I was in, I am SO lucky.

I typically used the BYU-I ride board to get rides home and back up to school. It is a lot cheaper- usually between $20-$30 roundtrip instead of $80 roundtrip, which is what the Salt Lake Express shuttle charges. Now, you really never know what you're going to get when you ride with strangers. I've done this quite a few times and have met some interesting, some different, and some facsinating people.

Now that you have a little background info, I'll tell you what all happened today. My ride picked me up at about 9:15ish. Four of us had to squish in the backseat until Idaho Falls (30 min. away),where two people were being dropped off. Yeah, that's against the law and I'm definitely NOT a fan. So, we get to Idaho Falls and had to drive a long ways out of our way to drop the girls off. We get back on the freeway and get going again. By the way, it was lightly snowing. Not sticking, but the roads were definitely slick. When we hit the Blackfoot area, however,the snow was coming down hard and sticking to the road. This perhaps was when I started fearing for my life just a bit. Visability was low. Our driver, however, continued to drive 75 mph in the snow! Yikes! Luckily we made it through that patch alive. Once we got outside of Blackfoot it was just raining.

We had to stop at the Lava Hot Springs exit to pick up another passenger. So, we did that and then our driver started heading the opposite direction of the freeway. We reminded her that the freeway was the other direction. She drove for a little bit and tried to find a place to turn around. She found a street and made a quick, sharp turn. That, combined with the slick road, proved to be a poor choice. We slid, and ended up on the side of a small hill- just before a ditch. It was very wet and muddy. We were completely stuck.

We were all so grateful that we did not roll. Many of us thought we were going to. It all seemed so unreal to me. Things changed so quickly- in a split second, really. One second we were on the road, the next we were stuck in mud. I am extremely grateful we picked up that other passenger. He had just come from the Lava Hot Springs area, so he knew some people there who could help get us out. We were in McCammon,Idaho. Countryside. Idaho all the way. I felt like I was in a movie or something. There we were, stranded in the pouring rain in the middle of nowhere. After a series of challenges we were finally pulled free- an hour later.

We were back on the road and headed home. However, as if falling off the side of the road didn't give me a heart attack already, we had another close call. There was someone in our blind spot and our driver attempted to get over into the other lane. Luckily the other driver honked. But, we were really close to hitting him.
And, not to mention that our driver was texting while driving all through out. That alone is dangerous and very serious. FYI- the driver is a first semester freshman girl.

Perhaps I've been over-dramatic about the whole experience, but it really has shaken me up a bit. We could have died as she was texting while driving, or when she was driving fast through the snow, or when we slid off the road. But, the Lord was definitely watching out for us. Needless to say, I will not be riding back to Rexburg with her.

Our Deepest Fear

“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.” -Marianne Williamson

Just a reminder. I love this quote. It's so true- we are scared of how powerful we can be. God loves us and wants us to be successful and happy.

It's Time

Hey everyone, just wanted to let you all know that I am going private soon (most likely over Thanksgiving Break). Just to be safe. Please leave me your e-mail address. Thanks!

P.S. If you received a suspicious e-mail from me today, DO NOT open it. My hotmail account was hacked. I've been thinking about changing my e-mail address anyway, and will probably do so now.

Free Advertising For Heet

http://www.amazon.com/HEET-LT14-Windshield-Icer-av/dp/B001JTAGGE
Now that it's nice and chilly outside, you all probably spend several minutes scraping those frosty windshields. But, you don't have to! I don't have a car, but my roommate does. She uses this awesome product called "Heet." You spray it on your icy windshield and it immediately defrosts it. It's pretty cool (ha ha). It saves a lot of scraping time. I definitely recommend it!

Good News Minute

Ladies and gentlemen, I have some good news. I was contacted by an organization I sent my resume to (for an internship) and I have an interview down in Utah while I'm at home during Thanksgiving Break! Hallelujah! Finally, some sort of progress here! Now, I know it's simply an interview. So, we'll see.

Other good news- we BYU-Idaho students get a whole week off for Thanksgiving. It's coming up shortly and I am really looking forward to it.

The Lord Knows What's Ahead

http://www.morguefile.com/archive/display/87780

The past few months I've struggled to know what the Lord wants me to do next semester. I simply do not know. I feel like I'm not getting answers either. It's a very difficult thing. But, I've come to realize something- life is not meant to be easy! Imagine that! We aren't going to be given everything. The Lord wants us to learn and grow. Sometimes He has us struggle a bit- maybe for a period of months or more. It is in these times of struggle that we grow, progress, learn, and become something greater. I wish I had the exact quote, but I remember reading about revelation once. A general authority said that when we don't get an answer we should be comforted (something to that effect). It means God trusts us. He trusts us enough to have us step in the dark for a time. I thought about this tonight as I read 1 Nephi Chapter 2. Did Lehi know what was ahead of him when he left his home and journeyed into the wilderness? No, he didn't. Did he have faith and press forward anyway? Yes, he did. So, even if we don't know what the future holds, we must do the best we can and trust the Lord.
(just some more of my random gospel thoughts for y'all...)

Our True Identity

I’ve been thinking about beauty lately. True beauty. I am so tired of what the world says beauty is. I think it’s really sad that so many people think that you have to be super skinny, wear lots of make-up, and wear the latest fashions to be beautiful. Satan’s influences are all around us. But, honestly, there is beauty to be found in everyone- the old, the young, the married, the unmarried, the skinny, the overweight, the loner, the one with lots of friends. We are all children of God. We shouldn’t strive to look a certain way to please others. We should strive to be the best person we can be and that is between us and the Lord. I once heard an awesome quote by Sheri Dew which has stuck with me ever since. She says: “No amount of time in front of the mirror will make you as attractive as having the Holy Ghost with you.” (Ensign, January 2002). Please think about all this. We are all beautiful children of God.

This video is great and goes along with what I just talked about. Check it out.

My jam-packed fun Halloween weekend

My Thursday afternoon class was cancelled last week and one of my Friday classes was as well. So, I decided to leave for Utah Thursday afternoon and skip my Friday classes. I debated about it a bit, but spending time with Mom is definitely a better choice than going to class (Her birthday was Friday). I arranged to have Dad pick me up without telling Mom. I walked in the door Thursday night and Mom was so surprised! Indy, our dog was as well. He was barking up a storm, jumping on me, and running around in circles. That night I hung out a little bit and did some homework online.

The next morning I took a midterm online. Then, Mom, Grandma and I went out to eat at Zupa's. It's a really good soup/salad/sandwich place. I love their turkey cranberry sandwich and BBQ chicken salad. Yum!

Mom and I just goofed off the rest of the afternoon.

Friday evening we went out to eat at Los Hermano's. We were seated and had to wait for the rest of our party. Mom was confused as to why we were at a table for 9 when there were only 5 of us (including Chad and Buffy). I had to tell her that Chad was bringing some "friends." Traci, Gary and the kids walked in a surprised Mom. It was great.

After dinner we headed back to the house for cake and ice cream.

Saturday morning we hung out at the house. I enjoyed playing with the kiddos. They are adorable. I love them so much. Saturday afternoon I got a haircut. I also went to Nicole's and made sugar cookies with her. Then, Friday night, a few of my friends from BYU-I (who are all off-track this semester and living in various places) came over and we made pizzas together. (It was definitely a big "food weekend")

Sunday morning Traci, Gary, Dad, the kids and I all went to church. We had lunch with Mom before she headed to work. I headed back to Rexburg that afternoon.

So, I had a great weekend! I didn't get as much sleep as I would have liked to (and am now getting sick...), and I didn't get to do nearly all the things I wanted to do, but it was a fun break from school. I've realized that it is possible to go completely insane when you immerse yourself in school like I do. It's hard living in a small college town. If I do get out and do stuff (since I don't have a car I don't really go too many places), I still am reminded of school. Heck, I walk out the door and I see my school even if I'm not going to class. It's nice to just get away and be reminded that there's more to life. Family and friends are extremely important too.

Oh, in other news: I register for winter classes tomorrow. That snuck up on me! I usually have my schedule figured out weeks in advance. Not so much this time. I guess I've just been so busy keeping up with this semester. I'm not even sure I'll be here in the winter. I wish I knew. I better register in case I am though. I've received two e-mails in the past couple of days about internship opportunities down in Utah which I had previously inquired about. One of the organizations wants to have an interview with me when I come home during Thanksgiving break. Ahh! So, we'll see. I just keep praying that I'll be where the Lord wants me to be. I pray that He lead me to a good company/organization where I can further my skills. We'll see what happens...

They're Engaged!

Remember this couple a year ago?


Rachel and Bradley right after they got engaged.
I don't know if I ever told the story. Bradley was living in Utah and Rachel was living in Idaho with me. Bradley called me up and asked me to help him with his plan. He drove up to Idaho without telling Rachel and did a temple session. I had to get Rachel to go to the temple with me the same day. I was able to and we went to a session. Bradley had gone to the one before us. So, when we were done he was waiting in the celestial room. He asked Rachel to marry him there. Rachel was so surprised!!

Fast forward a year. Meet this couple:




A few weeks ago Jared e-mailed me asking me to call him. I did, and he asked me to help him with a plan he had. Jared is living in Utah and Kara is living with me. He drove up to Idaho this past Wednesday to propose to Kara. He had me and another roommate come up with a plan to get Kara to go out to the porch behind our complex so he could propose. So, my roommate and I told Kara we really needed a break from homework and wanted to go out to dinner. A bunch of us ended up leaving together to go to dinner. Kara was at the back of the group when we walked out. She didn't notice he was there at first. But, she did see him soon enough and was soooo surprised! It was great. Jared asked me to take pictures of the event. I did so through the window.

So, just call me the engagement helper-outer. It is so fun to be part of these things. So, who wants keep up with the tradition next fall? :)

More F.H.E. Fun

This week we had another awesome service-oriented F.H.E. One of our F.H.E brother's grandpa's birthday was on Monday night. He and his wife live in a retirement community here in town. We decorated cupcakes and surprised him and his wife with a mini-party. I loved the wife. She's so cute! She looks like Sister Hinckley. She is a social butterfly too. We had a lot of cupcakes so we took them to some other elderly people. The grandma just led us around, introducing us to her friends. We were able to sing hymns to a few people, which really brought the Spirit. I felt like I was back on my mission. It was such a fun experience.

This week has been a week of pulling off surprises. I pulled one off tonight, but can't share the details just yet. I also have one planned for tomorrow night. More exciting posts to come soon!

My Testimony

We had stake conference today. Our stake president gave a powerful talk, speaking of important truths of the Gospel. As he spoke, the Spirit once again testified to me that this Gospel is true. I was reminded that the Gospel is true and nothing else in this world matters. There are so many other small and unimportant things I worry about, but when it comes down to it, my testimony is the most important thing in my life.

Our stake president challenged the whole stake to share our testimonies on our blogs, if we have one. I don't think words can adequately convey the feelings of my heart about the Gospel and what it means to me, but I will try. I want the whole world to know that I know without a doubt that the Gospel is true.
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First, I know that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. He is our Savior and Redeemer. He came into the world, went about doing good, and lived a sinless life. He is our perfect example. He performed miracles while He was on the earth and He still can perform miracles in our lives today, if we have faith in Him. He loves us so much that He would suffer and bleed from every pore for every person on this earth. He did that so we could be forgiven of our sins and so he'd know how we'd feel. He has never and will never turn away from us- even if we choose to turn away from Him. He loves us so much.

I know that we have a loving Father in Heaven. He knows us. He understands us. And most importantly, He loves us with a perfect love. He sent us here to earth to learn and grow. He wants us to return to live with Him again. We can, if we live righteously.

Families can be together forever. Death does not have to be the end. We can see our loved ones again someday. This is made possible through ordinances performed in temples throughout the earth. I know without a doubt that this is true. Our earthly sorrows will be but a small moment in the eternal scheme of things.

I know that the prophet Joseph Smith restored the gospel to this earth. He was searching for a church to join, but after praying to God, was told that none of the churches had the fulness of the gospel on the earth at that time. This was because plain and precious truths had been distorted or lost over time. A restoration was needed. So, God the Father and His son appeared to the boy Joseph Smith and the true church was organized through Him. Joseph Smith was able to translate The Book of Mormon- another testament of Jesus Christ- by the gift and power of God. I know that The Book of Mormon is true. It goes hand-in-hand with the Bible.

I know that we have a prophet on the earth today, President Thomas S. Monson. He receives guidance and direction from the Lord. I know He was called of God. He is the mouthpiece of the Lord. We need guidance and direction in this crazy world.

I know that so much happiness can be found in the gospel of Jesus Christ. There is a better way to live, and that is by living the principles and teachings of Jesus Christ. We don't need to turn to the world for peace and comfort. We will not find it there. We will find it by turning to our Savior.

I know with out a doubt that these things are true. I have prayed and asked God if The Book of Mormon is true. I have prayed to know if we truly to have a Savior who loves us and died for us. I have prayed to know if we have a prophet on the earth today. I have received my answer- all of these things are true. I have felt peace, comfort and happiness. I know every person on the earth can know for themselves and feel these things for themselves.

I challenge you, whoever is reading this, to learn about these truths and get on your knees and ask God if they are true. I promise you there is so much happiness and peace that can come in to your life.

If you want to know more about the doctrines of the LDS church, visit www.mormon.org. There you can also find out how to meet with representatives who can teach you more.

Please tell me there is more to life than this!

It's Friday and I was just on campus from 9-6 doing homework and in class. I'm still not done. I have to watch a 60 minute video, take a quiz on it and do another quiz before tomorrow. Tomorrow I have to edit the Scroll for 3 hours, study for my PR midterm, take my PR midterm, start studying for my Editing midterm, do laundry, go grocery shopping and go to stake conference. Please tell me there is more to life than this. Life gets better, right?

Service Project

I haven't really done too much of importance in the past few weeks- nothing exciting to blog about anyway. But, last night we did service as an FHE group. It was wonderful! We were able to rake leaves for an elderly woman and gentlemen who live in houses near our apartment complex. Service really does give you warm fuzzies inside. It's so good to stop thinking about and worrying about your own life and problems and think about others.

Oh, and we went to Jamba Juice afterwards. :) Our Jamba Juice was having an FHE special (ha ha, only in an LDS community)- 8 oz. Carribean Passion for $1.50.

Technology!

I frequently vist lds.org. Today I noticed a caption titled, "Personal Progress Moves to the Internet." The text under it reads:

"Young women can now do their Personal Progress online—link to scriptures, track progress, submit plans and report completion, and keep their journal securely online. When finished, they can print the entire book, including their journal. Their parents and leaders can approve and track their work. Start now at PersonalProgress.lds.org."

No way! This is awesome! Technology is blessing the lives of Church members everywhere. I'm just waiting for the day when we can pay our tithing online with our debit cards. Exciting times.

Missing Chicagoland

Some days I really miss Chicagoland. Recently, I've had a bout of "homesickness" for Illinois. Fall seems to be the worst time for that. I loved fall in Illinois. I wish I could go back for a visit right now.

I know I've said it so much before, but my mission really does mean a lot to me. I feel like I don't get to express my love for my mission as often as I'd like. Up here at BYU-I people assume that guys have gone on missions, so that brings up the topic. But, not so much with girls. It's tough- I don't want to flaunt the fact that I've been on a mission, but sometimes I'd really like to talk about it with someone!

Luckily for me, the other day I ran into my trainer on campus. I had actually left my apartment 15 minutes earlier than normal and decided to go sit somewhere and read. I ended up running into her and we talked a little bit and reminisced.

I've been told that I'll see blessings throughout my life for choosing to serve. Some of the blessings are coming in really small and simple things. For instance, I recently had a quiz in one of my classes where we were randomly asked who the mayor of Chicago is. Thankfully, I knew. Being an RM comes in handy at times. :)

The other day I pulled out a notebook I used on my mission and started browsing through it. I came across a page entitled, "How I've Grown on My Mission and What I've Learned So Far (As of 2/18/08)." Several things were listed: "Increased in faith, more prayers in my heart, a deeper love for the hymns, become a stronger person overall, learned to be satisfied when I do my very best." Now, having been home for 21 months (as of yesterday), I don't always really think about how my mission changed me. But it did.

I'm glad the Lord prompted me and prepared me to serve a mission in Illinois. That experience has now prepared me for other things in my life. There will always be a special place in my heart for Chicagoland and the people there.