Ice cream is sweet.

This post is about ice cream and life.
Sometimes life gets hard, but ice cream always makes it a little bit sweeter.

Grandma RueLeen used to have a bowl of ice cream after dinner every night. I remember the vanilla frozen cream covered with chocolate and sprinkles. It was always chocolate and sprinkles. And when I would spend the evenings there you had to eat it just like her- stir it until it was all melted together and then eat the outside, or the more melted part, and work your way in.

At Grandma's ice cream made everything better.

Last week in institute Elder Cherrington asked, "Why do bad things happen to good people?" and then today the answer was given - compounds. "If compounds didn't exist life would be static." (Refer to 2 Nephi 2:11)

I have never felt so scared in my life- I have never felt so conflicted and torn. . . I have never felt so alone.

I was driving back to Logan, the sun was setting and as I went underneath the overpass near the Willard Bay exit I saw how red the eastern mountains were due to the reflection from the sunset.  Then I turned to my left and saw how bright the last rays of sun stretch from behind the threatening storm clouds before lying down for the night.

That was my ice cream. 

Everything suddenly seemed sweeter.

I am not alone.
There are arms being stretch forth towards me.
The arms of Christ.

We have a Savior, Jesus Christ, who has felt our pains, He has felt alone, He has felt fear and He is the only one who can truly understand what we are going through. He took upon Himself these sufferings so that we wouldn't have to alone. So that when we hit those rough days He can give us hope and remind us of the sweetness of life.


So have some ice cream today.
Life is sweet.

Love is:

I dream about love. In my head I had an image of what love should be, and to be honest I thought I had it all figured out.

The kids will be outside running around on a September evening much like this one. The kitchen window will be open and the laughter from outside will fill the home with songs of happiness. I will be inside washing dishes and waiting for the dinner to come out of the oven humming a soft tune that reminds me of my sweetheart. And then out of no where his arms will appear from behind me, wrap me up close and he will kiss my neck ever so softly. I will laugh and then he will run outside to rough up the kids. Before I know it I smell burning food- I had been so caught up in watching my family that I had forgotten about food. And even though I will fill bad about having a crispy dinner- I won't care because I will be surrounded by happiness!

I still have this vision.

I want this- I mean, who doesn't?

But love is more than that.
There will be hard times and rough roads.

Love is about sacrifice.
Heaven is love.
So in my mind in order to have Heaven here on earth we have to sacrifice.

Joseph Smith said that "Sacrifice brings forth the blessings of heaven."

My entire life I have been taught to serve the Lord first and everything else will fall into place. That as long as I give my whole heart to Him, He will take care of it and guide me to do the things which I should do. And in some cases giving up yourself unto the Lord is a sacrifice.

I am sure those are reading this and know that I am preparing to serve an LDS mission assume that I am just talking like this because I am in "missionary-mode" but it is more than that. This is an issue about love. A love that I have for my Heavenly Father and a love that I want to pour down on me and my family for generations to come.

I have applied this lesson about sacrifice and love to the idea of love that I had before. . . and I like it so much more.

It is late. I am exhausted. We have been pacing the hospital hallways for hours now and still haven't heard how the procedure went. I stop, slide down the wall and rest my head on my knees. I can't cry anymore, but instead I just sit there. My sweetheart sits down in front of me and grabs my hands. "Babe, I love you. You are strong, but honey this is in the Lord's hands now," he will know exactly what to say because he always has. Then he will kiss my forehead. "Together, with the Lord we can overcome this trial. Don't worry Honey, we are an Eternal Family Remember," and then he we slide up next to me and I will lie my head against his shoulder.

Now, that is love.

S. Mason

This song describes how I am feeling as of late.

I would say that I am someone who is pretty reserved. . . well, my "at-home" Kelsie is really quite reserved. College not so much.

However I don't think I am one to just throw myself out there and to take huge dramatic chances. Moving to Logan was a huge step in my life, and here I am getting ready to make an even bigger one. But you see I have had lots of time to think about life and about our time here and know what I have come up with? Life is something to be experienced (hence my post just previous of this one).

I have had such an amazing life thus far. Really. I love and am loved by my family more than I can describe. I have been given opportunities that many only long for. And I witness miracles every day. No, my life isn't perfect. Somedays I cry and somedays I question my worth. Trials are real and they are really hard, but those not so perfect days make the good ones so much sweeter.

As a sophomore in high school the thought of becoming a sister missionary crossed my mind. I had watched all of my brothers prepare and leave for their missions and the anticipation, excitement, and sacrifice was something that humbled me. The desire of missionary work settled in my heart. Over the years as my testimony in Christ and of this gospel has grown so has my desire to serve. 

But, I had doubts I would go. Why? well because I kind of thought I would be one of those girls to graduate from high school, go off to college, find her prince charming and follow the trend of so many others. After all that trend runs true and strong in my family. I was ready to accept that lifestyle. But that desire to serve the Lord never left me. It is like I knew in my heart that I would be given the opportunity to serve. And I even though I didn't have to serve a mission I knew I would always be left questioning. 

So I started the missionary paper work.

I filled out all the information and set up interviews as fast as I possibly could.

After a few doctors appointments and a few phone calls they were on their way.

Soon enough I will be known as Sister Mason.

I haven't been telling very many people- except for close friends, family and those who ask about what I will be doing in the next couple of months. But ya know, I might as well share the news with the lovely little blogger community. You are my friends and you all probably know more about me than I do of you, but that is fine. 

Now for the big question(s) that are commonly asked:

Where do I want to go?

I honestly have no preference. I mean it would be really cool to learn a language and be thrown into a new culture, but at the same time if I was in states, speaking english I would cherish just as much. I have no clue where I want to go, but it is going to be wonderful where ever it is.

When will I leave?

Well, I don't turn 21 years old until October, so my guess is somewhere around then. However, I would really like to leave before, and you know sometimes that happens- missionaries can turn eligible in the MTC. But I won't know the official date until after I get called.

When will the call be here?

Oh, the question I ask myself every day. It will either come next week, or the next, or possibly even after that. I will keep you all posted. 

Will I be going back to school for Fall Semester?

I won't know that until I know when I will be leaving. I did register for classes and I put money down on a apartment just incase I do go.

What about the blog?

Well, I am currently working on something great. So here is another "stay tuned" answer.

What about my photography business?

Yes, this question has kind of sickened me. I will miss taking pictures so much. I love what I do and the magic I have in capturing someone's life on film. I was recently given the opportunity to take pictures for a company the rest of the year- they would use my pictures on their website, magazines, billboards and anywhere else they needed advertising. However, I could only agree to a limited time because I will be leaving before too long. To be honest that was a bit hard, however I understand that I am going to be on the Lord's errand. My life is in His hands and I know that if I have faith and always put Him first He will see that everything works out for the best.

*If you would like to have me answer any other questions feel free to ask.

**I also like to hear where people think I will go so feel free to guess away

Peace in the home.

When life gets hard there is a comfort.

Go to the Temple.

There is peace, security and hope there.

Our Heavenly Father's loves is everything.

Mormon Messages make my day.

I have a lovely roommate, Ashly.
She shared this tonight, and it made my day-

"Don't you quite, you keep walking, you keep trying- there is hope and happiness ahead,"
Elder Jeffery R. Holland

Please enjoy.

On the topic of Mormon Messages.
I also really like this one.

I feel like one of the luckiest girls in the world.

I have been blessed in so many ways

and I have had the opportunity to feel the love that the Lord has for me.

And all I want to do is share that love with everyone I can.

I have a fever-

the fever of a believer!

Given to all

The Atonement of Jesus Christ to me means:

Love

Strength

Peace

Happiness

Hope

Healing

Understanding

Power

Blessings

Attachment to my Savior

Mercy

Grace

Freedom

Clean

Pure

Sweet

. . . . . . . . . . . . . .

I know that my Redeemer lives.

"Would you rather"

Would you rather be loved and never love?

OR

Love and never be loved in return?

I hated playing the game "Would you rather" as a child. Why should a person have to choose out of two very unrealistic (usually) circumstances which they would prefer when most of the time neither were desired. . . then again this was the point of the game. . . AND after all it is only a "game" - I just think too deeply for games such as this.

Once I was asked the question stated above - a terrible heart wrenching question. Wanting to be unselfish my first answer would be to love and never be loved in return, but I can't imagine not being loved. Not necessarily a romantic love, but I can't imagine never being loved by my friends, my family, my Heavenly Father. I am so blessed. Never before have I felt entirely alone and forgotten because I know I am loved and I don't think I could go on with out it.

Then I refer to the other option: To be loved and never love. I can almost picture how that would turn out. . . I would be like a celebrity putting on a good show for all those around me, but inside dying slowly. Without love how could anyone be motivated to live - I don't think I would be able to handle the heart ache of not having a heart.

Love is the thing that I live for. Love is what keeps me alive. These words might seem somewhat dramatized, but I believe it entirely. The purpose of life is to love and to be loved. 

Disclaimer: 

I do love one "Would you rather" question and I use it every time I play this frustrating game. 

 Would you rather have a three-inch wide belly button, 

or a belly button that sticks out three inches.

I know, it is a hilarious question - you can thank me later.

Later is now.

Alarms: wake you up

Naps are a terrible cycle to get into, but I must say that I had a glorious 40 minute nap today. . . hence the reason I am awake now.

A cell phone was ringing, but it wasn't mine. . . and I wasn't quite sure where it was coming from. I stood in the back of the gymnasium up against the cold brick wall and looked for the owner. Hundreds of students were filing in and taking their seats, soon the Religion in Life devotional would start and a silence would blanket the room.

I stood in the back because I needed to leave early- I wanted to slip out with ease and simplicity.

The phone was still ringing and I found it quite odd that no one had turned it off yet. The student conducting the program had stood to welcome the crowds and to introduce the speaker - the ringing continued. By this point other students had heard the chimes of the obnoxious jingle and where looking to me to relieve them of the sound. . . 

I looked down.

Next to my feet was an abandoned coat and back pack. I bent down and leaned closer to the deserted articles and sure enough the sound grew louder. I scanned my surroundings for the owner, but I was alone.

What was I supposed to do?

I found the pocket that held the cellular device and squeezed the shape of the phone hoping to turn it off, and it worked. . . or so I thought.

I stood up to listen to the speaker and not even a minute had passed when the alarm went off again. I repeated the "pocket-squeeze" and again the ringing ended. I stood to listen. And then again not even a minute had passed with the alarm went off for a third time. The students on the back row looked back at me with looks of confusion. I smiled confused and returned my attention to the coat. . . I snoozed it again for the third time, but this time I knew I needed to dismiss the alarm.

Again I scanned the area for the owner of the coat - of the cell phone, but no one acknowledged me.

I reached into the pocket and for a moment felt like I was invading someone's privacy. I probably looked pretty sketchy as well considering the fact that I kept looking back and forth for anyone who would come running to turn off their phone. . . still no one.

The phone was small. I am not sure the make or model, but it looked like an old touch screen model, maybe a Motorola. I started flipping through screens looking for the alarm files.

By this point I felt like a complete creeper-thief-snoop-evil person who was searching for juicy details that will lead me to discover this person's hidden past. . . Yep, I was feeling uncomfortable to say the least. 

Alarms! found it.

There wasn't just one alarm either- the phone had nearly twelve different alarms set. I started to scroll down to find the disturbance responsible. As I scrolled though I couldn't help but read the titles of all the other alarms on the phone.

"Sings songs of happiness"

"Be grateful. Today is a beautiful day!"

"Run- because it will make you feel good"

"Smile because there is so much to smile about"

What kind of alarms were these?

I turned off the alarm setting. Put the phone back in the pocket and placed the coat back on the ground. Just the way I had found it. 

Returning to my previous position up agains the brick wall I tried to focus in on the speaker. But I couldn't. My mind was going wild about the phone with the weird alarms. 

Or were they weird?

Each day we live is beautiful, marvelous, wonderful and great. I know that I have been blessed with so much and I feel guilty about announcing this, but there are days that I can't help but complain, there are days where I just go through the motions of life and days that I don't recognize as significant at all. . . and how foolish am I for being so insensitive. 

The phone with the alarms was not mine. I don't know who owns it or why they set alarms that would remind them to cherish each day and to live with a heart full of gratitude. I do know that its ring changed my life though.

Each day is beautiful. 

Each day there are wondrous things to be discovered.

Each day there is something to smile about.

And sometimes we just need to be reminded.

Don't forget how great life is - because it is marvelous.

Someone is Listening.

I turned off the radio and proceeded to follow the line of cars that headed southbound out of Cache Valley. It was dark and the lights from the cars snaked through the canyon. And for a moment I became entranced by the beautiful ribbon of lights that I was now apart of. 

I am not one to sit in a car musicless- especially if I am alone. But my heart was pounding and music at that time was annoying. I drove, my mind raced and I sat there contemplating the choices that will soon come to ahead here in a matter of months. . . I have mentioned before that 2012 is going to be a big year, but never did I imagine it to be this big.

Words were forming into questions in my head. Soon they made their way from my brain to my tongue until my tongue became so swollen that I either had to spit out my thoughts or choke on them. I checked my surroundings, I was alone. I couldn't breath anymore.

My thoughts came spilling forth. But I just wasn't whispering, and I didn't feel foolish. Instead I was firm and felt bold. Originally my questions were focused to air that I was breathing- I was okay if they were just going to float away, but soon I focused them inward . . . and then I realized that my words weren't being wasted, but instead directed. Directed to the one who has never left my side. Directed and focused to the only being who I know will see me through, the one who knows what will make me happiest. Yes, these thoughts, these words were for Him.

Happy Sunday. 

It is an indescribable kind of love.

I think people are beautiful.
Uniquely beautiful.

Couches line the hall where I sat studying.
Hymns seep through the walls of different classrooms creating a sound of glorious chaos.
I plug my ears to concentrate on the text. Soon the music would end and a Spiritual silence would radiate inside me again.

I decided to study in the LDS Institute this afternoon because I wasn't ready to face the rain that hadn't stopped since early this morning. And to be honest I enjoy studying within the safe walls of this large building.

Being the prepared college student that I am, I planned ahead and packed a lunch this morning. When the hunger pains stung the hollow depths of my stomach I pulled out my ham and cheese sandwich, complete with mustard, red pepper and lettuce. Yes, I am a huge fan of this lunch.

I wrapped my left leg underneath me and sat ready to devour my hand-held deliciousness.

The first bite was splendid.

But as I chewed my mind wondered away from the flavors that were being absorb into my mouth and focused on the events going on around me.

Class had just gotten out.

Spirit enlightened students were filing out of classrooms.

So many students.

I couldn't help but watch them. All of them.

They are so different, but we are so much a like.

When I watch people I try predict their story. I make up stories of where they have been, where they are going. I think of them as if I know who they are and that we are life-long friends. . . and in my mind we are.

As fast as they came into my field of vision they were gone again.

These friends of mine, who in all reality I don't even know their names. . .but they are beautiful and I love them.

Have you ever felt such an indescribable love for someone that you don't even know?

I love these people.

I love them so much that I drew them.

I don't want to forget them. Ever.

People are beautiful.

These people.

Heavenly Father's people.

Christ and Castles.

I have been having huge writers block.

I have started multiple posts about radiating happiness and love that I have felt this Christmas season, but none of them quite get it right.

How do I share what I feel without cutting my heart out of my chest and inserting it into yours . . . that may be a bit gory for a Christmas post, but that is the question I face.

I feel like I have been cheated. The season has ended too soon and I am not ready for it to already be over.

Everything about this season is magical. Everything. 

And lets face it, who doesn't love magic?

I have been thinking about magic a lot recently. Not the magic that turns mice into horses and allows teapots to sing but the magic that is of Christ and it brightens every life it touches.

The perfect kind of magic. 

I want it to last all year long.

. . . scratch that I want it to last for the rest of my life.

And in a way it can.

I want to deserve the magic.

Cinderella was patient, resilient, obedient and kind. Her happy ending came true.

So I will be Cinderella. 

I will do all I can to have the magic of Christ in my life everyday.

It is the season of Chirst.

Merry Christmas.

truth.

It is Thursday.
I feel exhausted, and to be quite honest I don't have time to devote to this post, but I need to write this.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is true.

I feel His love for me everyday.
My life is blessed.

I call my mom between classes at least once, if not twice, a day. I tell her all the happenings in my life. But recently our conversations have change. My perspective has changed. Love is an amazing thing and I am experiencing it on a level that before wasn't imaginable. Now, I am not talking about the man of my dreams who has swept me off my feet. . . this is not a post about my hopeless-romantic-self. This is a post about the love I feel for my sisters and the Spirit that expounds that love and directs me in caring and service.

I beam the entire time I am on the phone with my mom as I try to explain to her how I feel. My heart burns and I get excited over just the thought of my Relief Society and IWA (Institute Women's Association) Sisters.

It hasn't been easy to get to this point though.

When I pray, I pray for the Sisters.
I pray for them by name.
I pray to understand their needs. I pray to love them. I pray to serve them. I pray to know them.
They are beautiful Daughters of God.

My testimony has grown tremendously as I have applied one principle of the gospel to my life.
The principle of putting the Lord First.
Sounds simple enough. Right?

I have felt the blessing of my actions in day-to-day activities.
My memory has magnified. I give all credit to the Lord.
I am able to accomplish so much, and when I do the things of the Lord first my time multiplies.

Monday I had institute. The lesson was Scripture Study in Personal Life.
I walked in knowing I was going to be Spiritually fed.

Brother Hopkins started off:

   "I knew I had to graduate from college quickly. At the time I had three kids, two part-time jobs, and I was taking 31college credits. I had to put my trust in the Lord. I knew that if I did all that He needed of me first then He would pick of my loose-ends. There was times that I only had an hour before a test to cram. I would pray to have my mind directed, then when I would open my books it was like the words I needed to study would stand off the page. Sure enough when it came time to take the test the topics I studied where the things that were asked. And even though these were my busiest times of life, I always did well."

I left class challenged.

I was off to gain my own experience, build my testimony.

On Mondays I have an hour break between Institute and my next class, which is news writing.

News writing is my hardest class. Every Monday we are given a five point quiz on the an article that we should have read during the previous week. The class is assigned about 32 articles a week, giving me pretty bad odds if you think about it. 

You may be think, "It is only five points, what is the big deal?"

I need every point I can get in that class! Yes, I am that desperate/determined to succeed.

I had done all the required reading. I wanted to review, but didn't have the time to review everything. It was crutch time. And so I prayed.

I prayed that my mind would be open, and that I could be directed. I prayed that I could be prepared for this quiz.

As soon as I opened my eyes, I felt strongly about one of the articles. Looked through it. And went to class. I didn't doubt for one minute.

Papers were passed out among the students.

I wrote my name at the top.

The question was asked, and even though I knew it was coming I still was surprised. 

My professor asked a question concerning the article that I was prompted to review.

The lord blesses us when we put Him first.

It is a simple truth that has change my life entirely.

My blog is puking words. sorry.

Blog world: I am still alive and still dedicated to posting.

I have just been really busy. 

This is a poor excuse and there isn't much to say 

about this post either, but here it is.

. . . . . . 

I am just throwing-up words

Yes, these are my feet.

No, they are usually not this veiny.

This is what happens to me after I run.  

Veinyfootitise.  

Don't worry it isn't contagious. 

. . . and yes, I am fully aware that my feet are dirty- I don't wear shoes a lot of the time, it happens.

For all those who don't know.  

I am running a half marathon Nov. 5 in Moab.  

I have been craving a good blog session for nearly a week now.

It is ironic really, I want to write to escape writing. . . 

"Life is what you make of it.

Always has been, always will be."

Eleanor Roosevelt.

I am blessed.

My heart is filled with humility and joy.

I think the organ that pumps blood through my body has grown three sizes in the past two weeks.

It is swollen with love.

"I want to change the world"

This has been said before.  

But I want to join the crowd and change things for the better.

I want to make an impact- I want others to feel the things I feel.

I have a plan too.

Soon I will write about something romantic, hilarious and glorious- O the stories I am waiting to share!

He is my crock-pot.

I like listening to The News.
Current events fascinate me. . . now that you know this there will be no surprise when I say that this next post was inspired from something I heard on the radio.  A news stations none the less.

"Wealth cannot be cooked up in the Microwave.  

Wealth is cooked in a crock-pot.  

It takes lots of time and cooks slowly."

The world we live in expects everything for nothing.  I know that I am guilty of falling into that mentality.  It sounds great though doesn't it? A life with no worry or stress about bills and funds, but just the carefree lifestyle of having a never ending supply of means.  Who wouldn't honestly want that?  BUT wealth shouldn't just be something we happen upon, or in the words from the new anchor, 'wealth cannot be cooked up in the microwave."

This thought lead me to think of my father.
A man that works harder and longer than anyone I know.
When I was young I never had a bed time, if I did I wouldn't have been able to see my daddy.  See, Dad runs the family business.  He would leave before the sun would rise and then work well into the night.  I remember being asked as a little girl if I had a dad because my friends had never seen him.

My parents never fought over money.
The one thing they disagreed on though was time.
If my dad wasn't working at The Shop then he was fulfilling a church calling
or volunteering his time as an EMT or as a fireman.

My perspective of my father's time was very one-sided.
I was selfish.
I wanted more time with him.
I wanted him to focus on me. . . When the whole time he was.

Everything my dad does is for my sake.
Out of the love for my mother- their family, my family he sacrifices.

(My heart is pounding right now.  I have goose bumps.)

Sunday night I received a Father's Blessing.  Before each school year all the kids at home get one.  I can't imagine my life without the Priesthood power in my home.

My Dad.  A worthy and active Priesthood holder.

My dad is also the Bishop of my ward.  (gulp. It is true, I am the 'bishop's daughter')  Every Sunday I walk into church he is walking around the chapel shaking members hands and he always has a bold smile dancing across his face.  I see the light in his eyes and he shows his love to the members of our ward, then he turns to me.  We grasp hands and quickly pass a handshake our handshake across our interlocked fingers. I laugh, then sit down.

My Dad.  A leader.

Dad loves people.  Everywhere he goes he has a friend, and if they weren't friends before then they are now.  He is so good at relating to people and making them feel comfortable and at ease in his presence.

My Dad.  A friend.

I absolutely love it when my dad rough houses with my older brothers.  Dad is the worst at telling jokes, because he starts giggling before the joke is even told.  My dad laughs a lot.  I think he has "Santa Clause" cheeks- rosy and soft.

My Dad. A tease, he is funny. He laughs.

Since I live in a small town I am asked who my parents are when I introduce myself- especially when I introduce myself to people 40+.  When I tell them my father's name there are always good things to be said about him.  "He is a good man.  You have good blood.", "That Ferald, he knows how to work hard.", my personal favorite. "Ferald is your Daddy?! Good people this one."  My dad has helped so many people and I never realized the effect he has had on other people's lives until recently.  He is an amazing man.

My Dad. A lover. A provider. A help. A hard worker. A support.

My Dad. A Father. My Father.
I have good blood in me.
I am proud.

My thoughts process was all over.  I know, I thought about tying it all together, but I didn't want to.  

Instead I want you to enjoy the same path of thought I did, maybe it will take you on a different route.  I liked where I ended up.  

sincerity

Dear cell phone that has given me fits lately,

Thank you for taking a marvelous picture of all the flood water for me

during our Sunday evening drive.  I truly appreciate it!

Sincerely,

Miss Dawn

Have you ever thought of what it is to be sincere?
Often times we close our letters with Sincerely, but what does it mean for someone to be sincere?

sincere |sinˈsi(ə)r|adjective ( -cerer , -cerest )free from pretense or deceit; proceeding from genuine feelings : they offer their sincere thanks to Paul.(of a person) saying what they genuinely feel or believe; not dishonest or hypocritical.

ORIGIN mid 16th cent. (also in the sense [not falsified, unadulterated] ): fromLatin sincerus ‘clean, pure.’


Sincerity sounds like such a simple act.  I mean all it takes is a bit of genuine love, patience and respect.  That is all it takes, but it even this simple thing is so hard to do at times.  As humans we get into the groove of an everyday routine and it is so easy for us to stay on that constant.  It is as if we are put on cruise control, going through the motions day-by-day.  Nothing really changing.  How boring life can be. During the Spring Semester up at school I was called as the Historian for my IWA (Institute Women's Association) chapter.  As part of the presidency we were asked to fast a pray about the coming year and to set a personal theme goal that we could focus on and live by through the coming semesters.  I am one to contemplate these kind of requests very deeply.  I thought about it for nearly three weeks, keeping an open mind and by seeking out personal revelation.  Well, about two Sundays ago I was sitting in Sunday School and the word Sincerity exploded inside of my head.  At that same time my heart was oozing with comforts of the Spirit and I knew that this was the answer to my prayers.  This word was so simple and true.  SINCERITY.  I rolled it over and over inside my head.  I wrote it down, along with a game plan I could follow to achieve my goal.
It hasn't been entirely easy to be SINCERE.  I already have experiences and challenges that I could expand on, but for now I just want to extend my goal as a challenge to all those who read up on my blog.  Now I am doing it for the whole year, but I challenge all of you to try and be more sincere in your daily activities.  Try it for a week at least and see the perspective change in your life.  
Sunday, in Sunday School we watched this video.

I love it and it goes so well with my SINCERITY theme.

Merry Sunday and other thoughts

There is something beautiful and elegant about a silhouette.
The extreme contrast of an object against a lighter background can have a magical effect.

I was in Lake Powell again this last week with a few of my friends.  The sunset was majestic the first night, and five of the fourteen people there ended up watching it from atop a hill that was close to camp.  None of us spoke and the silence was comfortable.  Sitting there watching something so miraculous was just enchanting and Spiritual- at least that is what I felt.  As I was sitting there my mind began to over flow with thoughts and symbols of what was happening around me.

I thought about the five of us sitting there.  We were all looking at the same scene, but each of us was taking something different from it- each experience was unique and personal.  I compared it to the life we live here on earth.  Each of us was sent here for the purpose to return to our Heavenly Father, some of us are even given similar experiences, but what we take from it is different, unique and personal.

That same night, on that same hill top as the sunset slowly faded into night and the contrast between the mountain tops and the sky became less visible one of my friends shared a thought that I really liked.  He asked me to imagine there was a lantern on top of a hill across the lake.  I did.  Then he went on to explain that our eyes would always been drawn to it.  At this point I was wondering where he was going with his analogy.  Then he asked if the lantern would be able to see us from where it was sitting.  I answered knowing that it would have no idea, especially since we were sitting in the dark.  My friend sharing the analogy concluded by saying, "You never know who could be watching you. . . hope you are sharing the right kind of light." He also quoted Matthew 5: 14-16, "Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven."
. . . . . . . Told you it was good.

Some of you may, or may not know this. . . But I DO NOT wish on shooting stars.  You may think me to be silly, or too mature, but I haven't for a long time.  I remember being a little girl and looking out my bedroom window at the stars.  I saw a shooting star and started wishing, but before I could finish my wish I stopped and felt foolish.  I knew that wishing was silly because after all how would my wish be answered?  Instead I started praying every time I saw a shooting star.  I knew that Heavenly Father answers prayers, I figured my wishes would be wasted if Heavenly Father knew what they were-  He is always willing to help out, if it is His will.
. . . .My prayers didn't consist of the same wishes that I used to caste upon shooting stars though- I felt silly wishing for things of the physical nature.  I started wishing instead for something I want with every fiber of my being.  Every shooting star that cross the sky in my sight I pray to Heavenly Father that I will make it back to Him, that I will make it to the Celestial Kingdom and live in His presence.  I was really young when I started doing this, and I still do it today- This is what I want, this is what I pray for.

Merry Sunday!

when it rains. . .

. . . it pours and it doesn't stop for a week and a half-  Well, that is how it has been lately.

Growing up we were always taught to pray for water. . . 

To all those Latter-day Saints: you know the routine prayer. . .

" We are thankful for this day, for our many blessings. . . . (other details)

. . . . please bless us with moisture, that we may water our crops. 

Also bless that we can get home safely. . "

The fact that we have gotten so much rain shows that prayers are answered.

I have a few theories to the rain answered prayers:

1. There was a bad signal, and our prayers weren't getting through until recently.  Heavenly Father knows of our dryness and is doing all he can to prepare us for dusty days to come. . . 
2. He doesn't want us to stop praying.  So, either we need to pray for more water or pray for less- beggars can't be choosers right? Besides, this way we stay humble.
3. He knows what He is doing.  He has a larger perspective of the matter.  AND have you seen how beautiful and clean all this water makes my little Central Utah town and the towns surrounding?  Simply breath taking! (don't worry more pictures to come!) 
4. OR- maybe this rain is suppose to give us opportunities to serve others
5. It could also be that the weather is suppose to keep us inside- practically making us FIND time to read or scriptures and build up our gospel doctrine.
6. Maybe the rain was sent to us in such large quantities to try our patience and to give us an opportunity show our gratitude for what we are blessed with.

Yep, it is decided, I like the rain.  I also really like my rainy-day theories.  

My niece, Halee, is being baptized on Saturday.  I am so proud of her, (as mention before) but the rain reminds me of this song and it makes me beam!  Clean, beautiful and pure- like the earth after rain!  Simply Marvelous!  IT IS TRUE! can you feel it in your heart? It makes all my heart expand and my breathing shallow- Heavenly Father loves us so much that we have been given the opportunity to be baptized.  Through Jesus Christ's atonement we can repent of our sins and once again return to live with our Heavenly Father one day.  Pray for guidance and strength- because through Him anything is possible.  I know this.  

Perspective.

I know.  I have blogged a lot lately. . .

goodness I have just had a lot to say and you obviously like reading!

Please, try to enjoy it as much as I do.

. . . and yes Shay, this is your shirt.  I have had it at college for nearly two months now- Thanks for letting me borrow it without asking!  Love you!

Today is my last day in Logan- until next school year of course.
I move home tomorrow and even though I am so excited for the change I know it is going to be bittersweet.  There has been a lot that has happened this year.  I have grown so much and yet, it is hard to believe that it is over.  Where did the days go?

Last semester at this time I was having a rough time.  I got more homesick than I had ever been and to encourage me I came up with the moto that "I am in Control"- check it out here.  And for a long time it really helped me to feel happy- after all I had total control on how I felt, whether I wanted to be happy or not was entirely my choice. . . . Or so I thought.  My perspective has change however, I am not entirely in control.  Now of course I an choose how I react to circumstance, but there is more to it than that.

I was reading some passages from my journal last night- I was on a journal kick and to be quite honest I didn't want to study for a final that I have today (I am really not all that worried for it though, I know the material- and no matter the outcome my grade will stay the same).  It was fun to read about some of the problems that I was going through and then as I would read on I would see how the Lord played a huge roll in the outcome.  Over and over again blessings were pouring from my treasured pages.  While reading I felt foolish in a sense to have gotten so down on myself.  I felt ridiculous for ever questioning "why"- when every little trial shaped me.

PERSPECTIVE.  Goodness gracious.  This word has so much meaning to me and it has taught me so many lessons.  Have you ever wondered what life looks through another person's eyes.  I do this a lot.  While carrying on a casual conversation I will wonder what it is like talking to me through another's eyes.  Different experiences, behaviors, values, beliefs change the way we look at things- Changes our perspective.  Oh what I would give sometimes to have the perspective of another being- of course I would never trade my own, but think how intense that would be.

HOLD THE PHONE.  Are you putting two and two together?  There is someone who has ultimate perspective.  The Lord.  There is nothing that He doesn't know and doesn't understand.  By the Atonement Jesus Christ suffered for not only our sins, but all our afflictions. (deep breath)  It is a simple, yet MARVELOUS truth.  He feels our highest highs and lowest lows, loving us through it all.  He is ALWAYS ready to help us up and guide us through our troubles IF we turn to Him.  The ultimate perspective.  He knows what we must go through to become the Kings and Queens of His kingdom.  Can you feel the truth?  Pray.

Love. Gratitude. and Joy.

To my friend.

I believe the Lord put people in our lives for a reason.
And today my life has been blessed with so many amazing people who don't realize their impact.

One of those marvelous people made my day today-
and this is for you!
Thank you!

11:33 PM (dedicated to my IWA squad)

It is my bed time, past it actually.  About a month ago, give or take a few days, I gave myself a bed time.  For a few reasons:

1. In institute I learned that when you have more rest you are more open to receive personal revelation because you are tuned into the Spirit.
2. I have started to get up early to go to the gym to work out- I have needed to get back to a schedule.
3. Early to bed, early to rise is just healthy- look it up.

Tonight however I am awake and as the minutes pass by (it is now 11:36 PM)  I am feeling guilty for staying up so late.  I just need to write though- writing is my escape.

I had the best time tonight.  It was the last activity for my IWA (Institute Women's Association) group and we went out with a bang.  I absolutely love Mama B and all the girls that surround me while I am there.  I feel so loved and so welcome!  The Lord loves me, knows me and has put these strong girls in my life to remind me of these simple truths.  I wish I could capture those feelings in a jar and whenever I needed a little pick-me-up I could just take some out of the jar and relive it all over again.  I do know that no matter what, those girls will always be there for me.

Top 10 Favorite things of tonights activity (no particular order):

1. Mama B's AMAZING FOOD!  We had soup in bread bowls- I can't describe the marvelousness!
2. Getting to REALLY know more of my IWA sisters!  They are just so perfectly lovely!
3. Mama B's house is so charming and Spiritual.
4. Testimony and story time! (LOVED THIS PART!)
5. Baring my testimony- it was such an overwhelming feeling
6. THE SPIRIT!
7. The love and unity I felt for everyone in the room.
8. Discovery of fellow blog-buddies! 
9. Laughing!  When the Rebekah Chapter gets together we GET TOGETHER!  'nuff said!
10. Drive to Lewiston!  (We didn't get lost! AND we didn't even have to turn around once!) 

It was simply marvelous in every way.  I am going to miss my girls and Mama B.

Current time 11:40 PM.

I have been on a roller coaster of sorts the last few days.  Not necessarily a bad roller coaster, but it has had its fair share of ups and downs.  One moment I am happy, the next sad- then I am hyper and bouncing off the walls, not too long after I find myself deep and concentrated on thoughts.  I will admit I called my mom on the phone Monday evening and just cried to her (if you know me I am not much of a crier) I felt better afterwards though.  

Maybe it is because it is the end of the year.  With everything coming to a head like an ugly zit just waiting to explode with forces of puss- aka: emotion and stress.  Actually that probably has a lot to do with it.  There are other factors too of course- there has to be.

Time: 11:46 PM.

I just got off of a Facebook chat with my mom.  She asked why I was still awake.  It made me laugh a little bit because when I was living at home there is no way I would be even closed to going to bed at this time.  We talked about my night and how great IWA was.  (If you haven't picked it up already I talk to my mom nearly every day,  usually more than once- I like talking to my mama.)  We also talked about some other things  that were weighing on my mind.  My mom always has the best advice, this is what she told me:

"One thing that I know that helps is to pray about all probolems not that things 

change but the way you look at things does."

I have been taught this principle since I was little, but little reminders help.  They help so much.  

Prayer is a powerful thing.  My Heavenly Father loves me, He thinks I am beautiful.  Oh HE LOVES ME and that is all I need.  Sometimes I forget and get caught up in the craziness of the world when all that really matters is the Love that I feel from my Savior.  Simple truths are so pure and beautiful.

Ending time: 11:54 PM.

This picture really has nothing to do with anything despite give you something pretty to look at while you read my post.  I took it last summer coming home from a movie with my friend Kaden.  It makes me excited for summer sun sets!