Finals.

So.... even if you're not in school, I think we all understand the stress of taking a test. Well, multiply that by like 5 million and you'll understand what some finals are like in college.

At the beginning of the semester you're pretty chill about it. Yeah, we have this huge test a the end, but I've got this. No worries; I'll keep up on studying and homework and it will be a breeze. Pretty much it ends up not being that way though. Ice cream? Sure, homework can wait. Movie? Well, this isn't really that important. Date? Of course, I'll come. I don't have any homework due at midnight, and tomorrow's won't take me that long. And the list of procrastination goes on and ON AND ON!!! Not that I'm complaining, of course, I love my social life. :)

However, I am approaching the end of a semester and those tests that I was going to be sooooo prepared for are in a couple weeks. I'm ready to be done and over with it all. Plus, I get my associates degree this semester, so I'm a little excited about that. :)

As I was browsing Facebook (dangit, another procrastination), I came across a friend's photo that describes my feelings almost exactly.

So good luck to everyone out there getting ready to take finals and I hope everything works out for the best!

Twin Falls Finally!!

So, forever and a day ago I said that I needed to go visit my fam in Twin Falls... and I finally did!!

I drove down there and listened to Andrew Allen the WHOLE way. He's pretty much my favorite artists EVER and I love, love, love his music. Particularly Loving You Tonight...and a lot more :)

ANYWAYS! Although Andrew Allen is amazing, that is not the point of this post. I love road trips, especially when I end up at my family's house! I got all the way there and the girls came out and gave me a huge hug! Then I got to see Uncle Jon and Aunt Amy, and we just had fun! We ate some deliscioushness food (haha, Aunt Amy spelled it that way) and watched the new Spiderman movie. The next day was Uncle Jon's birthday so we ate some more delicious food and made cake pops that were SO good! I loved seeing the girls and playing with them! If only they were all closer (hint, hint). ;)

Hope

The other week I was asked to give a talk on hope. At first I was a little intimidated, because I didn't really know how to address it. I decided to look through my posts to see if I had already written about and I came across The Power of Hope. This clip has such a powerful message, and it helped me to get a start on my talk, so I wanted to share it with you.

Now, I would like you all to think of a time where you were very scared, or where you felt completely lost…

For me, this was my first semester of college. I’m from little old Rexburg, and I’ve lived here my whole life. However, instead of coming to BYU-Idaho, I went to BYU-Hawaii first. I know, pretty chill life, why would I have complained? Well, I’ll say right now that I absolutely loved it and I would go back in a heartbeat; at the time though I was terrified. It was my first time being away from home permanently for a long period of time. Some of you might understand my situation. It was hard to not be close to my family and participate in traditions and go to my brother’s soccer games and have girls’ nights with my little sister. I remember being terrified that I wouldn’t be able to make any friends and that I wouldn’t be able to enjoy myself. Once I got there I felt completely lost. Laie is very different than Rexburg. I didn’t know where to go or who to turn to, and it was a struggle. However, there was one thing that kept me going. What do you think it was?

I want you all to think back to your times where you were scared or lost and think of how you made it through. Did hope have any play in your ability to keep going?

For those of you who know me, I love The Hunger Games. My ringtone is even Rue’s whistle. :) At one point President Snow explains that the reason they have a victor is because of hope. He states, “Hope is the only thing stronger than fear.”

Now, I don’t necessarily love President Snow, but I do agree with this statement. If there was nothing stronger than fear we wouldn’t be able to overcome it. However, just because there is something stronger than fear doesn’t mean we automatically overcome it. Hope is a choice, but what exactly is hope?

We all have hopes and dreams. However, I think that this look at hope diminishes its real power. I read a talk by Larry Miller called Hope: The Misunderstood Sister. He explains how there are three sisters: faith, charity and hope. Faith is the most talked about sister. She leads the way so that we can find our way back to our Heavenly Father. Charity is who we aspire to be like. She is always kind and genuine. However, hope is often used in a sense of keeping our fingers crossed so that all will work out; it’s not very reliable. But, "Hope is anything but wishful. It is expectation based on experience." He shares a poem that I felt was very applicable to life.

Walking with Two Sisters

Faith walks before me,

Holding up her lamp

As I try not to stumble in the ink-dark hours before the dawn.

Her light illuminates

One step and then another.

Beside me, Hope, arm linked with mine, encourages and steadies.

Sometimes in the tedium,

Distracted by the pain,

My mind begins to wander, then my feet. I hesitate.

Unsure, I look to Hope.

Her hand takes mine.

The touch reminds me of another hand held out to me,

One pierced and scarred

Yet oh so tender

Lifting me and blessing me when I had fallen and despaired.

Remembering,

I move ahead

Buoyed up by Hope, who sees the end with perfect clarity.

Because of Jesus Christ’s Atonement we can have hope throughout our life. (Moroni 7:40-43 explains this well!)

President Dieter F. Uchtdorf shared the following statement in this talk The Infinite Power of Hope;

The Lord has given us a reassuring message of hope: "Fear not, little flock." God will wait with "open arms to receive" those who give away their sins and continue in faith, hope, and charity. And to all who suffer--to all who feel discouraged, worried or lonely--I say with love and deep concern for you, never give in. Never surrender. Never allow despair to overcome your spirit. Embrace and rely upon the Hope of Israel, for the Love of the Son of God pierces all darkness, softens all sorrow, and gladdens every heart."

Hope is always looking for the best. An easy way to think this way is to just look at the word. The first letters form a sentence. Have Only Positive Expectations. President Gordon B. Hinckley said, “Things will work out. Keep trying. Be believing. Don’t get discouraged. Things will work out.”

Trials are going to come our way and we need to be looking for the positive outcomes. However, hope does not mean that we turn a blind eye to the world. I found a quote on Pinterest…don’t judge me… that sums this up very well. “Hope is not pretending that troubles don’t exist. It is the hope that they won’t last forever. That hurts will be healed and difficulties overcome. That we will be lead out of the darkness and into the sunshine.”

Because of the Gospel of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints we can have hope in everything. This can provide us with stable ground to live our lives from. Hope is necessary for us to be happy. 

(Some great scriputers are Ether 12:4 and Moroni 10:20-22)

President Thomas S Monson tells us, “I testify to you that our promised blessings are beyond measure. Though the storm clouds may gather, though the rains may pour down upon us, our knowledge of the gospel and our love of our Heavenly Father and of our Savior will comfort and sustain us and bring joy to our hearts as we walk uprightly and keep the commandments. There will be nothing in this world that can defeat us.”

We must have hope to reach the limits God has set for us. We may not feel like we can stretch as far as He wants, but He will never put something in front of us that we cannot do. We have hope that He will always be there for us.

Now, I’ve spent the majority of my talk on keeping hope within yourself, but I wanted to mention something quickly. Although we need to have this kind of hope we also need to instill hope in others. Sometimes you are the reason somebody has hope. They cling to your support and strength in their life and you help them to move forward. Never give up an opportunity to be hope for somebody else. Sometimes all it takes is an arm of comfort, a shoulder to cry on, a memory to remember, or a laugh to share. Be there star in the darkness. We all look to one another to find hope, and we need to remember to have charity towards all and help life each other up.

Neal A. Maxwell said, “Genuine hope is urgently needed in order to be more loving even as the love of many waxes cold; more merciful, even when misunderstood or misrepresented; more holy, even as the world ripens in iniquity; more courteous and patient in a coarsening and curt world; and more full of heartfelt hope, even when other men’s hearts fail them. Whatever our particular furrow, we are to ‘plow in hope,’ without looking back or letting yesterday hold tomorrow hostage (1 Cor. 9:10).”

I would like to leave you with a little “Knapsack of Hope.”

A star to remind you to keep shining.

A paper clip to help you hold your things together.

An eraser to fix all the small mistakes.

A lock to keep all your secrets safe.

A penny so that you’re never broke.

A rubber band to help you stretch beyond your limits.

I know that hope is very important in this gospel, and I pray that you can always keep it in mind.

Hope is not just a careless wish, it is the rock that holds us steady when we sway, it is the anchor that keeps us firm when we drift, it is the Savior walking with us step by step always encouraging, it is the voice at the end of the day saying keep moving forward I am here with you always.

Lost...

At the end of my last post I mentioned how I'm a little confused in life at the moment. There are so many options, and, at moments, I feel like no direction is offered.

This pretty much sums up my feelings on the whole issue.

Now, this post is not to inform you of my sudden inspiration of figuring everything out. It's more of a comfort post for hopefully more than me. I started school this week (one week down!) and I'm in a Doctrine and Covenants 2nd half class. Our first reading assignment was sections 77-81, and I read through them without looking for anything specific. However, I reached section 79 and I started paying a little more attention, and it has helped me out a lot this week; specifically verse 2-3...

"(2) And I will send upon him the Comforter, which shall teach him the truth and the way whither he shall go; (3) And inasmuch as he is faithful, I will crown him again with sheaves."

I wasn't quite sure what being "crowned with sheaves" meant, so I looked it up through the Latter-day Saint website. The first help I came across was in the D&C institute manual;

"Anciently, grain was cut by hand and tied into large bundles or sheaves which were then carried to the place of threshing. To see a person or an animal “laden with many sheaves” ( D&C 75:5 ) was proof that the person had reaped an abundant harvest and would now enjoy the fruits of his labors"

So my interpretation of these verses is this... if we are faithful and doing the best that we can, the Lord is going to comfort us. He is going to provide us with direction, and we will be blessed and "enjoy the fruits of our labors."

I may not know where I'm exactly going in life, but I know that I am going to be faithful to my Heavenly Father. I know that He loves me and will provide me with direction, and although I may have trails I will be able come out on top and enjoy the blessings that will be given to me.

I hope that this post provides a little comfort for you all. We are not alone, and all we need to do is rely on the Lord. 

Change.

Those that know me will already agree with what I'm about to say (especially if your names are Mom or Dad ;) ).

I hate change.

No...not the kind of change that I put in my piggy bank... the kind of change that means you are going to have to do something different in your life. Now I'm not afraid to make little changes in my life; getting up earlier, eating something different, buying clothes, and the list could go on for a while. I hate the kind of changes that are going to alter your life direction.

Here I am doing just fine on my little road of life when this sign shows up. Change? Wait. I don't need to change. This road is going just as it needs to... I don't need to get off that exit. No worries enter my mind until I keep seeing the sign and then I start to understand that change is the only way to go. Denial is usually how I deal with this. What!? I'm not ready to change!! Maybe I'll be okay staying the way I am... I mean, it's gotten me this far hasn't it?? Yeah, that's right. I'm going to be fine on my little road. However, as the miles pass behind I slowly start to realize that change is inevitable. I keep cruising along thinking about how different things are going to be when my worst fears are confirmed.

I really have no choice about this exit and it's coming up too fast for me. Now saying that this is my worst fear is a little over-exaggerated. I know change isn't going to kill me, and I know it's for the best. In fact, while I was coming to the conclusion that change is inevitable I considered everything that will be positive from this experience, how much I will benefit, what I will get to see and who I will get to meet. Logically, I can understand why I want the change and I'm almost okay with it until I almost reach the turning point.

Okay. This is really happening. This... this is really happening. There's no way I can stall now and I'm pretty sure that I am not going to be able to handle this. Breaking point begins. I'm usually a mess and I can't keep myself under control and I hate it. Remember the part about being able to think through all the positive things logically? Yeah, pretty much I feel like that part of my brain decides to malfunction.

I take the exit and lots of new things bombard me and I'm not quite sure how to handle it. However, pretty soon I start to get the hang of things and I'm okay with the changes. In fact, I even start to enjoy them.

Now, I'm writing this post right before the start of a new semester, new roommates, new apartment, new classes, and me not even being sure where I am in life right now. Do I want to change my major? Go to a different school? Country? Let's be honest. I have no idea, and I don't plan on figuring it out right now. But I know those change signs are going to come up in my life and right now I'm ready for them. Right before the exit...not so much, that whole malfunctioning will kick back in and I'll be a wreck. However, it's for my own good...right?

Twin Falls

So I've decided that I need to go to Twin Falls relatively soon.

I miss these guys!!

I miss all my other family too...these guys just live closer... :)

Youcam

So... me and my cousins have a tradition of taking pictures on my youcam every time they come up. And I'm not kidding. EVERY time. We seriously laugh our heads off taking them and we have hundreds of photos. Hundreds and hundreds and hundreds!!

And guess what? We never ever get tired of it. Seriously. As I was creating a collage my little 7-year old cousin, Madison, was literally snorting as we looked through all of the ones we took. I'm not joking. I told her to get off my lap because I couldn't even hold her anymore!!!

We've had a ton of fun so far, and we plan to take many more; but here is a very tiny selection of all of our photos!

Smile :)

I mentioned in my last post and one a long time ago that smiling at someone, even if you don't know them, can be a very positive moment in your day.

Let's be honest, sometimes a stranger smiles at me and I think they are a downright creeper. Or weird. Or psycho. Or a million other things. However, if I think one of those million things and it all just ends with smiles being exchanged then I am okay with it all. It still counts as a plus in the day for me. So try and overlook your judgmental thoughts and take the smile in a good way. That person is (hopefully) not a creeper or anything so just keep walking and be more happy because someone took the time to smile your way.

So, I have a challenge for you all.

Or today, or the day after tomorrow, or just every day; take a moment to smile at a stranger and really mean it. You don't have to say anything if you don't want to, but I guarantee that little smile will help the stranger have a better day. Who knows? If you let it, it might help you have a better day too. :)

Attitude

Life. In short, it's all over the place and you never know what's going to happen. It could be great, or it could be down-right awful. However, it's how we view this craziness that determines how much we enjoy life.

When it comes to roller coasters screaming and enjoying the ride are basically simultaneous in my book. When it comes to life, on the other hand, they are definitely separate chapters.

There are ups and downs every day. Whether they be big downs and small ups, or small ups and big downs; or maybe even big ups and downs, or small ups and downs. Those ups and downs are always there, but it's up to us how much we focus on them and make them a part of our life.

Imagine a day where everything is going wrong... I can think of multiple. Some of them I wake up feeling on top of the world, and then I actually get out of bed and everything that could possibly go wrong does, and I don't know how I'm going to handle it. This is when you need to focus on the ups.

In an earlier post I mentioned that we need to enjoy the simple things. This is so true. Think of anything positive in your day; anything. Great hair day, sunshine, you talked to someone cute, you got to class on time, someone smiled at you... maybe you can't pick out anything little, but at the end of the day think, 'hey! This day is over, and tomorrow can bring something better!'

Yeah... a little bit cheesy and a lot a bit cliche...but seriously.

You have so much power over how you view life. Of course there are things out of your control; your car breaks down, you get sick, group members don't help out, issues with people, too much to do and the list could go on forever. Literally. It's easy to focus on these downs and pretty much be miserable. But we are not here to be miserable. We are here to live the best life that we can.

Attitude is everything. Wake up each day saying 'I am going to rock today.' No matter what comes your way you are going to make the best of it. I'm not saying this is easy to do. Personally, I epically fail at this most days. Nevertheless, when I do have this positive attitude it makes all the difference.

Let's be honest. Everything could be going wrong in your life. You have no hope, and nothing is ever going to be the same again, but choose to love what's going right, because I guarantee that there is at least one thing going right and whether that one thing be big or small; it's worth it.

Reading...

So I kinda like to read....okay, I love reading. I love being able to get into a story and feel apart of it and get to know the characters. I love wondering what's going to happen and figuring it out page by page. I love the suspense, the mystery, the romance, the fantasy, the non-fiction, the action...almost anything I can get my hands on.

Now, don't judge me when you finishing reading this paragraph... I love books. I love the smell of a new book that's never been opened, I love the feel of the pages on my fingertips, I love being able to feel how much you've read and how much you have left. I will always feel that way, BUT... I do own a Kindle (this is where the 'don't judge me part' comes in). Even though I love everything about a book and I won't just stick to reading my Kindle, it's really nice to have a Kindle! Especially when I'm traveling.... no worries about ripped, bent, destroyed pages, or finding a bag that will fit everything you want to read on your vacation. It's just all right there and it fits right in your purse...or it can look like a manly planner of some sorts. :) Anywho. I'm not here to rave about how convenient a Kindle is...

With my love of reading comes no inhibitions when it comes to my reactions. I've had a couple books make me cry, and some even make me angry! My favorite, though, is when they make me laugh. I just get into my own little zone of reading and pop! there's a joke, or a funny scene, or just something humorous to me; I can't help but to laugh. Sometimes I find whatever I just read to be so hilarious that I keep laughing and I can't even continue reading. There is absolutely noooooo problem with this in my book...but I do get a lot of odd looks...

20 Seconds...

Have you seen We Bought a Zoo? I'm sure every single one of you will love it!

 I just love watching the trailer! :)

Recently I've been trying to keep up with one of Benjamin Mee's quotes...

That's a little crazy to think of, huh? No matter what happens within, or after, those 20 seconds will lead you somewhere great. I think all of us need to have 20 seconds of insane courage and go for something we might be too scared off....what's the worst that could happen?

Blueberry Muffins

Now. I love muffins, and one of my favorites is blueberry. However, I have noticed in my apartment living experiences that people don't know how to do these things right...

Alright.... imagine a blueberry muffin...

 Now how delicious does that look? Pretty dang delicious is what I would say.

But Courtney! That's what my blueberry muffins look like! How am I doing them wrong? ...these are some things you might say to me as you are reading through this post. Never fear! I will get to the part where they become heaven in a muffin cup!

The part that makes these little muffins heaven is called streusel topping. Here is how you make it...

Mix together

1/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup brown
1/2 cup flour
1/4 cup butter

This concoction should become a crumbly consistency. Once you have reached this crumbliness, cover the tops of your uncooked muffins with it and bake as directed on your muffin box.

Result!?

Heaven in a muffin cup.

Up!

So... I mentioned in an earlier post how I love Up! If you still haven't watched it, let me know, we'll have a little movie night. ...seriously.

Anywho. On Pinterest I came across some nails that were painted like Up, and I had to give it a try... here is the end result! Not 100% perfect, but I love them!

Also, as I was looking at Up things I found this awesome house in Utah!!! They replicated the house, and then this cute little couple took their 2nd year anniversary pictures with Rock'n'Roll Bride. I know it's a little crazy, but it's also way cool!!

Avocado Salsa

So basically I'm a fan of food... I mean, who isn't, right? It can be sooooo delicious, and so much fun to make...depending on who you're with and if you know what you're doing... good times, haha.

Well, awhile ago my mom came across an avocado salsa recipe that we had to try. One, salsa is always good; add avocados to that and it's pretty much heaven in a bowl. Two, we love avocados. :)

The nice thing about this recipe is that you can adjust things to your liking... if you haven't noticed, I love avocados so I tend to put more of those in, but feel free to leave some out or add more tomatoes or whatever your little heart desires!

1-2 Roma tomatoes diced (these can be normal tomatoes, but just tiny sized Romas are what I use)
2-3 avocados diced
1 can black beans drained and rinsed (you don't have to rinse them, but it makes the end result look more edible if you do)
1 can shoepeg corn drained(you can find this by normal corn, it's in a smaller can--and there IS a difference so don't try and be cheap and get normal corn! Okay, you can if you really want to, but I just love the shoepeg corn)
1/4 diced red onion (the original recipe calls for 3 green onions, but I prefer the red onion)
1/2 cup Zesty Italian dressing
Salt and Pepper as desired

Mix it all together, grab some tortilla chips, and enjoy*!!

*I am not responsible for any addictions that this might cause.

Noah's Ark

Everything I need to know, I learned from Noah's Ark.

1- Don't miss the boat.
2- Remember that we are all in the same boat!
3- Plan ahead; it wasn't raining when Noah built the Ark.
4- Stay fit. When you're 60 years old, someone may ask you to do something really big.
5- Don't listen to critics; just get on with the job that needs to be done.
6- Build your future on high ground.
7- For safety's sake, travel in pairs.
8- Speed isn't always an advantage; the snails were on board with the cheetahs.
9- When you're stressed, float awhile.
10- Remember, the Ark was build by amateurs; the Titanic by professionals.
11- No matter the storm, when you are with God, there's always a rainbow waiting.

The Power of Hope

Woman Up!

 My first semester of college I attended BYU-Hawaii. I know, crazy, right? Well, I was very excited to go; however, I was also scared out of my mind. My first semester was going to be somewhere that I could never visit family or close friends for support, and I was going in knowing practically nothing about the area.

A little overwhelming...okay, a LOT overwhelming.

Let's say that I cried a ton, I decided that Skype was evil and never going to help ease missing my family, and I felt like giving up way more than once or twice. In short, it was hard. I was even reading through my journal this past week and letters that I had stuck in there from my family. I couldn't even read my dads without crying, and it's almost been two years! I definitely was pushed while I was there, and I came out with way more confidence in myself than ever before.

Not to be negative there, but I just wanted to give you that background. My dad would always tell me to woman up... even before I left, but the phrase was brought up more once I was 3.5 thousand miles away and struggling.

I tried to keep that phrase in my mind when I felt like giving up because I knew I could do it; it was just a whole mind trick thing that was making me freak out. So, one day when I went to the Swap Meet (it's like a giant farmer's market for those who don't know what I'm talking about), and there was a cute little man personalizing these little leather bracelets. I picked one out and wrote what I wanted and I've worn it ever since.

It's a constant reminder that I can do whatever I set my mind to. Sometimes I just need to pull myself together and woman up!

Nerve.

 Remember what I said about adventure being out there?

Well, I just wanted to remind you that it's still out there; go find it! Plus, I think this little quote is a good motivator for doing things, even if you're nervous.

I mean, honestly. What is the worst that could happen? Just go for it.

Find Joy in the Journey

I'm apologizing right now for a longer post...but I just kept having thoughts! And there are some really good quotes, so you should keep reading ;)

“Anyone who imagines that bliss is normal is going to waste a lot of time running around shouting that he has been robbed. The fact is that most putts don’t drop, most beef is tough, most children grow up to be just like people, most successful marriages require a high degree of mutual toleration, and most jobs are more often dull than otherwise. Life is just like an old time rail journey ... delays, sidetracks, smoke, dust, cinders, and jolts, interspersed only occasionally by beautiful vistas and thrilling bursts of speed. The trick is to thank the Lord for letting you have the ride.”

~President Gordon B Hinckley~

Things are going to come up in life and you are not going to like it. For example, a few Fridays ago was crazy for me. I had homework starting at 7 until 9, and then classes from 9 until 11:15, and then I had to run to the testing center and take a test and a quiz… which I did not do very well on. Then I hurried to my next class at 1, and then at 2 I finally was able to head to my apartment. However, this did not mean I had down time. I still worked on homework, and then I had to get ready for work from 4-10. I got off work and then went to visit with my mom for a couple hours, and when I got back to my apartment I had homework until 1. Can you say crazy? I had been dreading that day all week (and it was a FRIDAY for crying out loud!), and when it finally came I didn’t even have time to think.

As I reflected on my thoughts for the day they were mostly negative. I don't have enough time! I'm exhausted! Work? I still have homework! I just am no good because I can never pass a test/quiz in this class... and, trust me, the list went on.

However, as I relived my thoughts I came across good things that made my day better and caused a little smile to escape in the madness. They weren't huge... just simple, random things throughout my day.

Simple, rejuvenating experiences surround us.
~Richard G. Scott~

The girl who said good morning with a cheery smile as I walked to class...

Tripping over myself, but regaining balance and just laughing...

The boy whistling for all the world to hear...

The boy jamming out with his headphones in, not a care in the world...

Laughter and smiles from people I knew, and people I didn't know...

And that list goes on too...

I recently read a talk by Elder Joseph B Wirthlin where he gives us 4 steps to help us find joy in life…

Learn to laugh--I couldn't help but think of my snowboarding experience. :)

Seek for the eternal--Always keep your goals focused on an eternal perspective...not an earthly one.

Understand the principle of compensation--The Lord will bless you, even if it doesn’t come at a time that you want.

Trust in the Lord--Put your trust in the Lord, do your best, and He will do the rest.-Joseph B Wirthlin

If we keep these 4 steps in mind we can be happy eternally. My absolute favorite quote from Joseph B Wirthlin is, “Come what may and love it.” No matter what happens in life, find the positive side and focus on it...even if it's not so grand, it will seem better.

“Sadness, disappointment, and severe challenge are events in life, not life itself.”

~Richard G. Scott~

This means that life will go on. Every trial that we go through will come to an end eventually. That end may be far away, but it will come. "Everything will be okay in the end; if it's not okay, it's not the end." We need to remember this… keep everything in perspective and keep living life. “Come what may and love it.” Don’t let events get you down.

A lot of times I find myself worrying about the future… graduation, marriage, family, a career, and the list goes on. Sometimes I get weighed down with everything that I’m going to have to do and I forget about my life right now in the present. President Thomas S Monson tells us, “I plead with you not to let those most important things pass you by as you plan for that illusive and nonexistent future when you will have time to do all that you want to do. Instead, find joy in the journey—now.”

Don’t worry about what is going to happen. Yes, you should prepare for it, but don’t spend time worrying about when it’s going to happen and what you are going to do when it does. That will all come with time, and you should just live life now. When I get stressed my dad tells me to live life one day at a time. That's what I try to do. Don’t worry about tomorrow when you’ve still got today.

We only live life once and we should make the most of it. President Monson also tells us, “Let us relish life as we live it, find joy in the journey, and share our love with friends and family. One day each of us will run out of tomorrows.”

I hope you will be able to live life in the now. Don’t worry about what you are going to do in the future. Live in the present, put your trust in the Lord, learn and live the gospel... and learn to laugh. I promise you that you will find joy in your life if you do this. I know that the Lord is on our side. He knows what’s best for us and He will help us throughout life, even if it's just through the simple things we encounter every day.

Think of Yourself as a Pencil...

1- Everything you do will leave a mark.

2- You can correct any mistakes that you make.

3- What is most important is always inside of you.

4- In life, you will go through painful sharpenings to make you better.

5- To be the best you can be, you have to allow yourself to be held and guided.

That One Rule

I know that I get caught up in what others think... too much. I worry and stress over how somebody else is going to view me and my actions, heck, even just my looks. I know, kinda shallow, but I'm just being honest.

Anyways. I think we all get caught up in this constant chase of pleasing everyone around us. Let's be honest. You are never going to please everyone. Sorry if I burst some bubbles there, but it's the truth. No matter what you do, there will always be at least one person who disagrees. If we all know that, then why do we still worry so much about what everyone else will think?

This quote just put my thoughts into perspective a little bit. They are going to judge regardless, so why should we waste energy pretending to be somebody we aren't? Be the best you that you can be.

Always be a first rate version of yourself and not a second rate version of someone else.

~Judy Garland~

About all you can do in life is be who you are. Some people will love you for you. Most will love you for what you can do for them, and some won't like you at all.

~Rita Mae Brown~

...be yourself-not your idea of what you think somebody else's idea of yourself should be.

~Henry David Thoreau~

Easter

Easter... colored eggs, candy, bunnies, chicks, egg hunts, more candy, hidden baskets. These are just a few of the traditions that people celebrate on Easter. I know that my family enjoys many of these, and I love the memories that I have from throughout the years.

However, we also focus on the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Sacrament meeting usually consists of a special program, and all of our lessons turn to the momentous occasion of Christ living again. I would just like to bear my testimony again that I know He lived and that He was resurrected, and that we will be able to have the same blessing if we live on the straight and narrow path.

I hope you all have a great Easter!

My Own Special Way

I am an elementary education major, and this semester I have been in an early field experience class where I go to an elementary school twice a week for two hours. I've been in a first grade class, and I have learned a TON!

I felt pretty legit when I got this little name-tag, and then the work began. I was in my first grade class Wednesday and Friday from 12:45-2:45. Some days I didn't feel like going, but once I got there I loved every minute and I looked forward to coming back. Although I could apply what I have been learning in all my other classes in the classroom, there's nothing like hands-on experience. I've definitely questioned my choice of major, and wondered what else I could go into. However, as of now, I'm sticking with it because I love those kids!

My sad news is; yesterday was my last day with my first graders. :( And I really am sad about it; I'm going to miss them! I got to the school and we had a 'going-away party' where we played games, and just had a ton of fun. At the end of the day our cooperating teacher had all of her students sign a book that we read to them. My book is A Teacher for Bear.

It's a really cute book about this little bear who thinks he knows everything about school, because his sister told him it all. However, when he goes to school he has a different teacher and he needs to learn how to do think differently. It teaches how we need to do things in "our own special way."

After I read, we sat down and all the kids came up to give us a high five/knuckles/hug and say goodbye. It was so cute, and I really am going to miss them all!

Life

Don't take anything for granted. You may not love it right now, but, in the end, it will be worth it. In the end you'll look back and appreciate everything that's happened, because all of your moments make you you.

Everything will be okay in the end, if it's not okay, it's not the end.

~Unknown~

Hang On

As the semester comes to an end, I realize how stressed out I am, and how much I need to do, and how much time I have. Let's just say that how much I need to do compared to how much time I have left do not seem to compare in any way. I realize all of the assignments that I should have started a few weeks ago are almost due, and finals that I am stressed about are almost upon me. Not to mention working and packing and white glove checks.

I think a lot of people are on the same boat as me, and it doesn't take much to rock it.

Well, let me offer some advice. I was in charge of devotional for my math class today and I quickly Googled some quotes on endurance and whatnot. There was a few that I really liked, but this one stuck out to me...

When you come to the end of your rope; tie a know and hang on.

~Franklin D. Roosevelt~

I feel like I've reached the end of my rope, and that there's not much else I can do to make it to the finish. However, I know that I've done my best this semester. I've studied, paid attention, finished homework and projects, and I've gotten good grades. I've been doing the best that I can. 

This preparation is my knot at the end of my rope. I definitely have reached the end of it, but because I have prepared I know that it will get me through to the end of the semester. I also know that, because I have done my part, the Lord will help me.

I hope everyone out there who has reached the end of their rope can tie a knot and hang on. I know you can do it.

Deepest Fear

~Marianne Williamson~

I love this quote. It really puts things into perspective as to how we view ourselves. As I read the red text at the beginning I think, "Yes! That is my deepest fear." I don't measure up to people around me, and there is so much more I could be doing to be living a better life...to be a better person. 

As I continue to read I don't change my view to think that I am powerful beyond measure, but I keep reading... "You are a child of God." I am a daughter of God, and I have so much potential just knowing that.

"We are all meant to shine." I need to be 'shining,' or sharing what I believe and who I am. By not doing this I am providing a disservice towards those around me. Everybody should share what they believe in and be themselves for all the world to see.

I believe in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I know that we lived in a spirit world before this earth and we decided to come here and live our lives fully. We knew of the trials we would face, but we also knew that God would be there for us. I know that God is there for me whenever I need Him. All I need to do is ask and do my best and He will meet me halfway. I know that Jesus Christ is my Savior, and that He atoned for my sins so that I will be able to return to the highest degree of glory in the Celestial kingdom. I  know that we have this full gospel on the earth today because of Joseph Smith. I know that he saw Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ and they helped him to restore the Church. I know that the prophets and leaders we have today are called of God and that they are helping us to stay on the straight and narrow path and lead a happy life. I know that I love this gospel and all that it has done for me in my life. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

www.lds.org

Hunger Games!

 
So. I am a little bit addicted to The Hunger Games Trilogy.

Don't judge. Those books are AWESOME. If you haven't read them, go now and do so. You won't regret it, and if you do... there is something wrong with you. :) Okay, I won't judge you, but I'm pretty sure you'll love them. These are the books so get reading!

Since I love these books so much I had to go to the midnight premier last night. My roommates and I even read aloud the whole first book again in basically one day, and we made shirts and painted our nails and some made bows and arrows... I did say we were addicted... ya'know, obsessed a little...

Anyways! We went last night and had a TON of fun. I for sure preferred the book, like usual, and that's all I'm going to say there, but just know that Hunger Games rocks and you have now been told that you should read them!! So get to it!