begin again

This past year was incredibly hard.

 

Countless times I got on my knees and just poured my heart out to my Father in Heaven, asking Him to help me, to lift me, and without fail, every time, He did. Our Father's love is never out of reach.

 

Admittedly though, some of the things I went through, for whatever reason, I have not been able to move past. Until now. (Nothing like waiting til the very end of the year eh? I'm a master procrastinator. #reallybadatbeingserious #everyonehateshashtags) 

 

For those of you who know me well, you'll know I have a good friend serving his mission currently in Washington named Landon. I've known him for years, and he even broke my nose once...but I digress. The point is, Landon sends out a weekly email with videos and little messages, just so he can bear his testimony to some friends and family back home. They are all really wonderful, Landon has such a powerful testimony, and this week's in particular really struck a cord with me. I just want to share with you the video and what he had to say about it:

 

http://youtu.be/lrZij9MSTRI

 

so, i hope you were able to feel the power in that message. this came out last year and just stuck with me so much that i still remembered it and wanted to share it with you all. Don't look back. if you are having a hard time leaving something behind, how much harder can you make it by continuing to stare at it. and how much harder is it to go forward and stay on a good path and do good things while walking backwards or all sideways and awkward with your neck all crooked. we're designed physically as we are intentionally and i think there is a reason we can only look one direction at a time. i believe we can take hints and learn something about our spiritual, emotional selves by considering all that.

so, it's not a new principle, but i hope you'll consider it again, especially at this time when new beginnings are on everybody's minds. and maybe watch that video again, and apply what they are saying to you.

i promise you, people, you, do have the power to change.

i love you all.

-Elder Newton

 

Happy New Year everyone!

 

No regrets. It's time to begin again. After all, "no one ever gets to see what could have been."

 

we always make the cutest faces

 

time again for another good idea, bad idea

LESSON 14: GOOD (and bad) DATES CONTINUED...

It's that time again! Another good idea, bad idea--for dates.

GOOD IDEA: Drive in movie date

During the summer I was dating a guy, and one night we decided to see the new Spiderman movie. We went to dinner first at Carrabba's, (love that Italian food) and on our way to the movie, we bought candies (sour patch kids, some of my favorites) and a slurpee. I laughed through most of the night, and when he was walking me home, he kissed me in the rain. First kiss in the rain I ever had. Such a date can win her heart.


BAD IDEA: Being rude and then trying to kiss her

I met a guy last spring who told me he wanted to take me boating, however I got a weird vibe from this guy, so I declined. But he spent the next 3 hours trying to convince me he was a nice guy and his friends were cool, and blah blah blah. Why he was so insistent is beyond me. Don't most guys want to salvage their pride a little? So I finally agreed (under the pretenses (hoping in the very deepest part of my heart of hearts) my best friend would be able to join us) and he said he'd come get me in an hour. Not only did he show up 2 hours later, but when he did, he told me all his friends bailed, so he'd just take me out to get something to eat. I went, and he barely had time to talk to be because he was texting the whole time(ya that blog is coming), and when he did talk to me, he just told me how great he was, and belittled me in whatever way he could. Then when he dropped me off, he told me he was thirsty and asked if he could come in and get a drink. Reluctantly, I let him, and when he came in, he thought he'd try to kiss me. To which I promptly told him to get out of my house. Such a date derseves the move from What Happens in Vegas...


SIDE NOTE:
I have officially been writing in my blog for a year. Wooooo! Kudos to me for committing to something. Especially because I used to make fun of my mom and oldest sister for writing blogs--I always thought blogs were for losers. And look at me now! Either blogs got cooler or I got lamer...

In honor, I have condensed my blogs into one, mostly because I don't want to manage 2 anymore, and renamed it. But fret not, more dating advice to come.

And since it's Christmas time (ish) I present this video:

Muppet Carol of the Bells

The Swedish Chef kills me.

you're still my best friend!

LESSON 13: YOUR VERY (NOT) BEST FRIEND

It's time to talk about that age old question: can men and women be just friends?

Many of you watched that video, why men and women can't be friends. Likewise, Huffington Post came out with this article a while ago on the subject, and the consensus seems to be: while they can be, either one or both parties wants more. I have said time and time again, if you are spending an inordinate amount of time with a member of the opposite sex, there's an attraction. This may come across as shallow, but lesbihonest, you're not going to spend all your time with someone who repulses you, right? It's one of those harsh realities you are going to need to accept. Because that's just the way humans are wired. Now, I'm not saying you're going to want to make babies with every one of your friends, just that there is some level of attraction, and it's not even always physical.

At this point, you're probably going through some platonic relationships you have, thinking to yourself "but I have this friend, and we are just good friends, I am not romantically interested in them at all." If such is the case, the attraction is on their part. OR, you have/will think about being romantically involved at some point. In my experience, I have found that two "best friends" that talk and hang out all the time, one or both of them haven't ruled out the possibility of something more. But, often times either party is too scared to say anything because "they don't want to ruin what they have." Another harsh reality though: in 1-5 years, you're likely not going to be friends anyways. Not as close anyways--this is the rule, obviously there are exceptions. Let me tell you how many people that I was close to from high school I still have frequent contact with...I can name them all on less than one hand. So if you're spending so much time with someone, and you've thought about asking them out, do it! What harm can it do? If things don't work out, guess what, you probably wouldn't be talking to them in a few years anyways. Plus, I've gone on dates with friends, and we either became closer to becoming something because of it, or it didn't effect anything and we could still spend time together just fine regardless. Doesn't the possibility of what could be outweigh the sting of what will turn into inevitable rejection? Think about it.

500 Days of Summer. Watch that movie.

this was fun, i'll give you a call, we'll do it again sometime

LESSON 13: SECOND DATES












Ya I've got nothing, because I rarely go on any...at least in comparison to first dates. Comme ci, comme ca.


Now, please enjoy 10 hours of this running horse. It's like a train wreck, you don't want to watch, but you just can't look away...

http://youtu.be/AEOpX8tmiUI

"it's the end of the world as we know it"

Disclaimer: I am very passionate tonight, so if you are a feminist, sorry if I offend you, but read this.

I have always considered myself the antifeminist. I would love to just be home, raising kids, chilling in the kitchen. Just call me Donna Reed.

I recently had a conversation with a friend who told me I had no ambition because I have no desire to go to school. Thanks. Rude. My ambition in life is to be a mom. I don't care to get a degree, because I just want to have kids, I have not now, nor ever had any desire to have a career. My mom is my hero, not because she is some high standing lawyer, or because she runs a business, but because she is first and foremost, my mom. That woman has raised 10 children side by side with my dad. He works hard out in the world while she works hard at home. You push 10 human beings out of your body after being pregnant for a collective 90 months, feed them, change their diapers, heal their hearts, clean their wounds, and teach them morals and values and say your job is harder.

http://fox13now.com/2012/12/11/group-encourages-lds-women-to-wear-pants-to-church/

This post however is not about my dream of being a mom, it's about the importance of women. The link above leads to a story about a group of women in the church who are protesting for equality in the church by wearing pants this Sunday to their meetings. Nevermind how completely inappropriate that is, but how sad it is to me that these women don't recognize their value. Earlier tonight I participated in one of those pointless facebook posts arguing my point (have you met my mother?) and I saw a lot of people arguing the degradation and oppression of women in the LDS church...hmm...

"The Relief Society is the oldest and largest women's organization in the world. Relief Society was established in 1842 for women 18 years of age and older. Its purpose is to build faith and personal righteousness, strengthen families and homes, and help those in need."

Really? We are oppressing women, but we have the oldest, largest woman's organization in the world? Good call. I was called a few weeks ago to be a secretary in my ward's Relief Society, and neither in this nor any other calling I have had, have I felt insignificant as a woman. The amount of service we do (not just in my ward, but as sisters) is incredible. We provide charity. Such an act is unsurpassable in this church, as stated in the scriptures. The women may not hold the priesthood or be prophets, but that's because we don't need to. Just like we are not charged with the duty of serving a mission the same as the boys, but we do have that ability. President Hinckley almost never gave talks that didn't at one point or another acknowledge the importance of women, and how special we should be treated. Men and women do have gender roles as defined in this church by The Family: A Proclamation to the World. But neither is superior. Merely different. I don't know if y'all have noticed by now, but men and women are different. Physically, mentally, spiritually. We are simply not built to do the same things or perform the same duties. Women think and feel differently than men. There's a divine reason we as women of this church are asked to stay home and have and raise and nurture children. There's a divine reason men are asked to go out and provide for their families. There's a reason they hold the priesthood.

Gordon B. Hinckley, prior President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, said:
“Women do not hold the priesthood because the Lord has put it that way. It is part of His program. Women have a very prominent place in this Church. Men hold the priesthood offices of the Church. But women have a tremendous place in this Church. They have their own organization. It was started in 1842 by the Prophet Joseph Smith, called the Relief Society, because its initial purpose was to administer help to those in need. It has grown to be, I think, the largest women’s organization in the world... They have their own offices, their own presidency, their own board. That reaches down to the smallest unit of the Church everywhere in the world...
“The men hold the priesthood, yes. But my wife is my companion. In this Church the man neither walks ahead of his wife nor behind his wife but at her side. They are co-equals in this life in a great enterprise.”

Joseph Fielding Smith explains further:

"Women do not hold the priesthood, but if they are faithful and true they will become priestesses and queens in the kingdom of God, and that implies that they will be given authority. The women do not hold the priesthood with their husbands, but they do reap the benefits coming from that priesthood."

The priesthood is bestowed upon men by God. Once they receive the priesthood, it is their sacred calling and duty to honor and magnify it. Women have been given a different calling. They are chosen by God to be the mothers of men. Is one greater than the other? No, both are equally as important but each has its own responsibilities and tasks.

A man cannot receive exaltation without being married and sealed to a woman. And vice versa. "Nevertheless, neither is the man without the woman, neither the woman without the man, in the Lord." 1 Corinthians 11:11. Those feminists who don't agree with this and feel the need to protest this Sunday obviously do not understand the principles of this gospel. If the Lord ordained men to have the priesthood, He has His reasoning, so who are we to even question that? I have always felt precious in this church, like a daughter of God, like a princess. Because we all are. Even the feminists.

get your legs flexin and your arms t-rexin and do the creep

LESSON 12: DON'T GIVE YOUR DATE A CONCUSSION

Apparently tonight was flashback night. First, while at work, the brother of an old..ish ex came in, and started telling me what beautiful eyes I had. Then he realized who I was, got his yogurt, asked how my night was, told me his brother was gay (not really gay) and left.

Afterwards, I went over to see some new friends, and at their apartment, I run into an ex of one of my close friends from home, whom I have not seen since...March? So also, a little weird. (Probably not weird to any of you who don't know the story, which is most of you, but it was definitely unexpected for me.)

Then, since apparently I can't go to bed before 2:00 am now, I started doing some creeping on a boy I had dated just before moving to Utah, we'll call him Pursuit. Sometimes I'm just a creep. (Like all of you aren't!)

I also take pictures of interesting strangers I encounter daily:

On my most recent trip to California, I encountered the One True Ruler of Middle Earth. Nbd.

Anyways. So I was just curious about Pursuit's life, so I'm just going through pictures and whatnot, when I remember a story. It's too bad things didn't work out because this would have been classic to tell our kids.

MY FIRST DATE WITH PURSUIT

Part of the reason I didn't go out on many dates before leaving home was the fact that I lived 40 minutes from any town. However, one night in my Institute class, I meet this nice boy, and he tells me he would like to take me on a date. Graciously I accept, and that weekend, he drives from town, picks me up, and takes me back into town for our date. That ends up being 160 minutes for him by the time he arrives home. Like I said, nicest kid. So, as the main portion of this date, he takes me to this country dancing night. Now, those of you that know me know how lethal that is. Not only am I completely and utterly uncoordinated, but I am also incredibly accident prone. I have 2 broken noses to prove it. I try to warn him, but he is so excited, and regardless of the fact that I shouldn't, I still and have always loved dancing, so I complied with whatever he wanted to try. That is, until everyone decided it was "tall, strong boy backflip over your weeny clumsy lady partner" time. I was supposed to do some fancy spin or other, then bend over and link our arms so he can back flip over me. Terrible explanation? I know. But it's the best I can do. End result: I must support him as he flips over me. Now, to be fair, I pleaded with him not to try it. I said over and over that I would fall over and I would drop him. Poor naive Pursuit thought I was being humble/silly/whateverIdon'tknowwhyhewouldn'tbelievemeIdidtheaterforsevenyearsdangit!
He would not listen, and wanting to be a good date and make him happy, I bent down and prayed that somehow, somewhere deep inside I would find the strength to hold up this 6'4" lifeguard, swim coach guy. Unfortunatly these hopes were folly, and the moment he put all of his weight on me, I collapsed like Lindsay Lohan under the pressures of drugs and fame. He managed to fall away from me, so I was fine, but Pursuit was not so much. Landing on his head, he ended up getting a concussion.

I  g a v e  a  b o y  a  c o n c u s s i o n  o n  o u r  f i r s t  d a t e.

Somehow though, we ended up dating for a little bit afterwards. Maybe I need to go dancing with boys more often?

Moral of the story: if a girl says she can't support you, SHE CAN'T SUPPORT YOU.

Perhaps things would have been different had I danced like this:
http://youtu.be/tLPZmPaHme0

remember who you are

LESSON 11: DON'T BE AFRAID TO BE A DAMSEL

I always have the most interesting people come in and talk to me at work. This week was no exception. So as I am sitting there, making parfaits, a guy comes in and strikes up a conversation with me. He begins telling me about a boy that he had observed come in, that so obviously liked me, under the authority that he is trying to write a book about dating and relationships. I however did not agree, because although that boy likes to talk to me a lot at work and whatnot, he hasn't asked me out. I have said it a million times and I'll say it again: if a boy likes a girl, he will ask her out. Period.

Then he offered this perspective: he said, take a look at the media today. Family Guy, American Dad, Simpsons, etc. the father figure in all of these shows is a lazy, bumbling idiot. He said, he feels that in society today, the man is portrayed as a couch potato type, sitting around waiting to be rescued by his wife. Roles of men and women have been reversed, and men no longer feel that women need them. Women have become so strong and independent, that they are not "damsels in distress" but rather the heroine that if she has time, will look for a man as her sidekick. The movie Brave. Case and point. He said its very intimidating to try to take on a role that has become out dated and seemingly unnecessary, particularly when it's mens' instinct to be the protector, to "wear the pants," to be the knight in shining armor, to feel needed. Elder D. Todd Christofferson gave an amazing talk about this in the last priesthood session of General Conference. Whether the reason for this change in "gender roles" be because men got lazy and women have stepped up, or because women became selfish and were not able to recognize that being a wife and a mother is the single most important position they will ever hold, or both, society reflects that such is the case.

So all I ask, is that those of us ladies that know what is right and important, that are still damsels waiting for our knight, let men know how important and needed they are. Say yes to dates. Be kind, and gentle, men's hearts are often more fragile than you know. And guys, take heart that there are still girls that dream of fairy tale love and are waiting for you. So be men, and ask girls out. Reclaim your territory dangit!

I thank the Lord for tender mercies

Story time. I spent the last week in Colorado with my family for Thanksgiving (which was beyond wonderful, by the way.) Then, sadly, Sunday comes around and it's time to drive back to Provo. dragging our feet, begrudgingly we packed up our stuff and hugged our family goodbye. Two hours into the 6 hour drive, the car starts shaking and dies in the middle of an intersection in po-dunk Monticello, Utah. Let's be real for a hot second: the only redeeming thing about Monticello is the temple there. And down part of one road it has some really cute street lamps. That's pretty much it.

So the car is dead, and my sister Angela and I get out and push the car to the shoulder as my sister Rachel steers. (I really thought pushing a car would be harder. I knew all those years (not) of working out would pay off one day!) Side note: those who know me know I rarely wear shoes unless I need to. bad day to choose to pack all your boots in the suitcase. Anyways, we all get in the car, Rachel is calling our dad, trying to come up with any solution, not even knowing what was wrong with the car, when a large white suburban pulls up in front of us. An older man in a suit (he was just getting back from a stake presidency meeting) gets out and asks if we need any help. He then precedes to check out the car, trying to see what the issue is. When he discovers the transmission had blown(?), he goes home, changes, brings back a truck with a trailer on the back, and tows our car to a lot he owns, where he says we can keep it until we come back down for Christmas. As if that wasn't enough, then that kind man offers to A. drive us back to Cortez to meet my parents (a little town about an hour from my house), 2. drive us to Moab or Green River, (21-2 hours closer to Provo) to meet up with someone who could take us the rest of the way, and D. let us drive his suburban the rest of the way to Provo. (+ 10 points to whoever understands my movie reference.) When he saw my sister's uncertainty about driving his vehicle, he assured her that it is just a thing and that we are treasured daughters of God and we are what's important, not his car. My eyes tear up just typing this. Sweetest man in the entire world! So after conferring with my father, we decided to take the man's car, so his wife brings it over, full of gas, and they tell us they will just come pick it up later this week on their way to Idaho. Wonder of wonder, miracle of miracles. My heart is so full with gratitude for this man and his family and their kindness.

As we are driving back, Rachel is discussing how the cost of fixing the car ought to be a minimum of $2,000 dollars (so said the man) and how stressed that made her, because obviously she needs a car. Then today, she tells me the man had his mechanic friend look over it and it was only in fact going to cost $200 dollars. He is driving it up to switch with his car this week. The most Christ-like people can be found in even the most remote places. I am so incredibly thankful for his compassion. Let us all keep in mind what's important. Things come and go. They break and often eventually stop working. But the impression you can make on a person's life can last forever. I know God is watching over all of us, and I know that He sends us miracles when we need them.

let's hear it for the boy!

LESSON 10: THANK YOU KINDLY

In honor of Thanksgiving I just thought I'd write a post to say thank you. Thank you to all the kind boys that have taken me out on such wonderful dates. Thank you to everyone that taught me something.

While I was in high school, I didn't have quite the plethora of LDS gentlemen to go out on dates with, so before I graduated, I went out on one date. Before I moved to Provo, I got up to about 3 I believe. I think it's so important to date only return missionaries (or future ones for the 16/17 year old girls) because you marry who you date. From personal experience and observation, I have seen the effects of members marrying non members, and it's torn families apart. Date people with your same standards and beliefs (even within the church.) Don't we all want to spend forever with someone we can laugh and share with, that will help us be better and give us perspective, rather than someone we would constantly be fighting with? Do you really want to spend eternity trying to convince your partner that you're right? You'll have enough of that being a boy and girl (already built differently) and being raised different. The less you have to fight about the better, and the happier you will be.

So I am grateful for RM's (returned missionaries). I am so thankful for boys that have made good choices in their lives to be obedient and humble to serve the Lord, that give me a chance. I've been out with some really great guys that were so nice to me and treated me like a lady, like a daughter of God, and I remember the sweet things they did for me, and I won't go out with anyone who does less. I know girls can be just as mean to the boys as many have been treated, and that truly breaks my heart. These guys do so much, and they have so much expected from them, so ladies, let's never forget how special they are.

another one bites the dust

http://m.nbcdfw.com/nbcdfw/pm_117591/contentdetail.htm?contentguid=fs1dB5zn


Okay, I try to avoid posting political stuff (usually) so as to not offend people, seeing as so many of my friends have opposite views than me, (sometimes I still do though. eh. whatever,) but this is devastating. NO MORE TWINKIES?!! Good thing we elected Obama so he could help our economy and create more jobs for the American people....oh...wait. I have a feeling, I'm going to be finding more and more of these gems:

 

 

on my way home from work, asking for a handout. Good. I always wanted to just give away my hard earned money to those who won't walk and extra ten feet and apply for a job. By the way, he's probably filed for unemployment. And is on welfare. So by standing there, he probably makes more money than me, and gets more benefits. (Yes, I am assuming. Yes, I know what they say when you assume. And if this offends you...well, you don't really have to read my blog.)

ANDDDDD, if all the twinkies are gone, how are we going to keep having such entertaining videos on youtube?! Viewer discretion is advised, some of the material in this video may be offensive to some viewers, and if you just had lunch, I don't recommend watching for at least an hour. I also have not watched it all the way through so...I take no responsibility, I just trust the title:  http://youtu.be/L8Ilpm5n4iU

I guess there's still McDonald's. Dancing fat people. Ha.

and with a proposal like that, you didn't find eternal bliss?

LESSON 9: DATING ETIQUETTE PART 2
                HOW TO APPROPRIATELY ASK FOR A DATE

Let's start with a little scenario:

* Randolph texts Gracie Lou*

Randolph: hey what up?
Gracie Lou: Hey! How are you?
Randolph: good. so i was thinking we go out tomorrow night. you down?
Gracie Lou: ...

Now, first let me start off by giving Randolph props for asking Gracie Lou out in the first place. For some reason that seems to be a fleeting tradition in this day and age. However, I'm a girl that believes in chivalry and doing things the old fashioned way. I have had many people disagree with my thinking, and to them I say, stop reading my blog. It's all old fashioned baby. Also, those loudest advocates against my thought process are some friends whom are fast approaching their 30's..and still single. I asked them the last time they asked a girl on a date, my favorite answer was 2 years ago. Stay strong friends. You're going places.

So where was it that Randolph went wrong? Why didn't Gracie Lou graciously, eagerly accept his offer? Well, here are his main fault points--there are 2.

First, he texted her to ask her on a date. A little bit of me dies inside every time this happens. Personally, I will always (mostly) say no. Men, be men. Ask her out face to face or at the very least call her on the phone. Are you so afraid of rejection? The reality: either she wants to go out with you, or she doesn't. Whether you call or text her, if she doesn't like you, she'll say no. (As long as she's got some class and already gave you a fair shot.) However, if she does want to go out with you, if you text her rather than call/face her, she's wayyyy less likely to say yes. Texting leaves room for ambiguity and confusion. In a text (and albeit, a call (although, a call has at least voice inflections/tone of voice and possible hesitations?)) you can't read body language, which is so often a huge indicator. Texts are bland, casual, and impersonal. Who wants to be asked out like that?

Second, he barely gave her any notice. Gentlemen should always give at least three days notice. Ladies, don't accept any less. (Five to six days is most preferred. Girls need lots of prep...psychologically, physically...whatever. Haha. Just kidding. Kind of. Plus guys, this gives you ample time to prepare a super fabulous activity for y'all to enjoy. Right? Right.)  Usually, such short notice means a. someone else cancelled; b. he's lazy and didn't want to plan that far in the future; or c. he thinks you're going to be free. All are silly notions that you don't want or deserve, (even if you are free. He doesn't have to know that. You're a hot commodity, dang it woman!)

Also, a big pointer,  don't ever ask for or accept dates over facebook. I mean, honestly.

A good friend of mine, who also happens to be super fun and studly and a total babe, told me once that when he asks out a girl, he calls her up and gives her no less than a week, sometimes two, notice for a date. He then plans out these absolutely fantastic dates like food fights and pic nics and other cute, fun activities that allows him to see what kind of energy she has (which has to be tons and tons to match his own) but also that allows them to be able to talk and get to know each other. Which is why he's off the market and dating a super awesome girl right now. Those two. Obviously he's doing something right.

My Fellow Americans...

There is no doubt a division in this country tonight. Democrats elated at their victory, Republicans distraught over their loss. Both sides slinging mud and disparaging comments. And while I am on the "losing" end of this election, I hoped and prayed and voted for Romney to win this run, I am forced to face the reality that: Obama is once again our president. Now it's time to move forward. So, here's a list of the top ten reasons to hold on to hope, to unite as a country, and not to move to Canada.

1. No matter how bad things get here, Canada is always worse. 'Merica! Eh?

2. Resilience. How many wars have we fought? We claimed our freedom from the Brits, we ended slavery, and we came back flourishing after the Great Depression. This is a great country. We were the victims of terrorist attacks--an event that the hearts of the American people will not forget; an event that I personally feel brought this nation closer together than any tragedy or devastation or even victory since the Depression. We fought back. I know we can make it through the next 4 years

3. It is Better to Look Up. I implore you to read this talk. I have nothing more to add.

4. United We Stand, Divided We Fall. Truer words cannot be spoken. So let's come together as a country, as a people, as a nation, and pick up the pieces and stand together to strengthen these United States. The Founding Fathers established a land worth fighting for. "One nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all." So let's stand together.

5. You must be the change you want to see in the world. I don't believe in being a victim of circumstance. This country was established by the people, for the people. Don't sit idly by on your disinterested/unattached butts and complain that the economy, government, whatever is not what you want. If you feel strongly, do something. If you aren't making an effort to better your life, your country, your world, you aren't passionate enough. And if you aren't living passionately, you aren't really living.

6. This is what the leaders of the LDS Church have to say on the matter:

The First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints issued the following statement today:

"We congratulate President Obama on winning a second term as President of the United States.

After a long campaign, this is now a time for Americans to come together. It is a long tradition among Latter-day Saints to pray for our national leaders in our personal prayers and in our congregations. We invite Americans everywhere, whatever their political persuasion, to pray for the President, for his administration and the new Congress as they lead us through difficult and turbulent times. May our national leaders reflect the best in wisdom and judgment as they fulfill the great trust afforded to them by the American people.

We also commend Governor Romney for engaging at the highest level of our democratic process which, by its nature, demands so much of those who offer themselves for public service. We wish him and his family every success in their future endeavors."

See the statement on MormonNewsroom.org: http://www.mormonnewsroom.org/article/statement-on-election-result

And who are you to argue?

7. The true and living prophet President Thomas S Monson. He leads and guides us not only in this country, but to the far reaches of the earth. Put your faith and trust in him, because he is the Lord's mouthpiece, and he will not lead you astray.

8. Republicans maintain the majority in the House, so at least there is some balance.

9. A friend of mine (whom has a remarkable resemblance to Bradly Cooper. Babe.) had this status, and it's definitely some food for thought:

‎"A little rebellion now and then is a good thing and as necessary in the political world as storms in the physical."

THOMAS JEFFERSON, letter to James Madison, Jan. 30, 1787

10. Obama=Batman. Nuff said.

and it starts, sometime around midnight

LESSON 8: THE HEAT OF ANTICIPATION

Alright, to be frank, this one isn't so much of a lesson. But it's something I've been thinking a lot about recently. So bear with me.

A few weeks ago (probably longer, sometimes my memory is bad) I was talking with a good friend of mine. This is a friend that loves country music, (which tends to be rare in Utah) that even took me to a country concert to see Sugarland..(which was awesome, (and my comment was taken wayyyyy out of context! I loved everything--the concert, the "couple," the drunk girl, the rain, and our seats. REALLY)) and as we were talking, he told me he wished his life could be like the country song "Back to December." ME TOO! All the country songs. Because I'm a sap. But his was about wishing a former love could realize how great he was to her (which is totally legit and not conceited  and I wish I could tell you how he's completely justified, but I don't know how he'll feel about me talking about him in this blog...let alone the really personal things he's done.)

Then, a few days ago, I was talking with another friend on our way back from Salt Lake, and he said how he wished his life could be like a country song! (Why are all my friends so attractive? #agirlcan'tgetthetimeofday) But, in a slightly more shallow sense, this song, which I agreed I wished my life could be like, is called Kissed You (Good Night). Now, it's not necessarily about the lyrics, but the concept. Over the course of my dating life, I have kissed my share of boys (by that I mean, I haven't kissed any boys. Ever. Daddy, I'm still your little girl) and have also had my share of failed attempts. And for the purposes of this post, I did go back and count, and I have denied about 17 (?) boys. I may have missed a couple no-namers, but you get the gist. (side note, the number of boys I have denied exceeds the number I have kissed. Now stop guessing. Because it's zero.)  WHAT THE HECK?! This is not about self infatuation, but if anything, about deprecation. Not cool guys. And these are not stemmed from misread signals (mostly) but from going on a date (sometimes) and sitting, talking, with a good feet between us, and he suddenly pounces! I'm like, "woah homeboy, back up!"

So, I guess there is a lesson here: DON'T NINJA KISS!

And even with boys I did kiss back, some of them were really great, but many of them lacked ...passion? for lack of a better word. Obviously I was attracted to the boys I kissed, and I wanted to kiss them, and one time a boy I was seeing kissed me in the rain (super cute) and kissing is great, (bad. don't kiss people.) but whenever I'm dating a boy, the kiss always comes at the same time. We'll go on a couple dates, we'll like each other, be gazing deeply into each other's eyes, slowly moving closer, making the triangle (eyes lips eyes, eyes lips eyes) and then, boom! Fireworks! Its all great, it's what's expected...but sometimes I just wish...he wouldn't kiss me. When the chemistry is explosive, when the moment is perfect, the temptation is there, I wish he wouldn't do it. Think of the tension, how sweet that long waited kiss will be! I don't know, maybe I'm a nut. But sometimes, I just want to wonder--are you gonna kiss me or not?

PS. the title of this blog had nothing to do with the post, but I was recently introduced to the band "The Airborne Toxic Event," and they are fantastic. I'm slightly obsessed. Sometime Around Midnight

it's time for another good idea, bad idea

LESSON 7: REALLY GOOD (and bad) DATES

First of all, if you understood the reference of the title of this blog (for which, I take no credit, it's all WB copywrited) make note of your superiority to the deprived kids who didn't have a childhood. In the nicest way possible. If you didn't, here's a link. You probably never went to Disneyland either.

Alright, I guess it's time for a little personal experience. I give all this advice about dating, and you may ask from time to time, "how does she know that? Where do these ideas come from?" Well, I mentioned before that I have been on a monumental amount of first dates, (and I'm still single? It must be them...) and while I've had some real doozies, I've also had some of the most awesome first dates that you all will surely be jealous of. Like that time a boy took me skydiving for a date. Nbd. However, the details of that date will not be included in this session. Sorry.

Now, let's discuss good date ideas vs bad ones. These are gems I've been on.

GOOD IDEA: Asking her what she likes to do, her interests, etc. and plan a date accordingly.

About this time last year, I was dating a boy. (Are you shocked? Because that's rude.) He was not only the funniest person I had ever talked to, but he was also the sweetest. All of our dates were awesome, but for the purposes of this blog, I'll keep it to one story. Now, over the course of seeing each other, he had found out these pieces of information about me: I walked to work at the University Mall from King Henry every day, which is about 4.5 miles, because I didn't(/still don't) have a car, I love frozen yogurt, I think all the art in the HFAC at BYU (where we went to church) is junk, and I love country music---One day on our way to Institute, he asked me what kind of music I liked. I told him country. He scoffed and said it was barfy, and asked why I liked it. I told him it just makes me happy, and reminiscent of summers past, and I felt like I could relate. To which he made fun of me and told me the songs were all about beer and tractors. I told him I have a tractor at my house and there is in fact a song called Big Green Tractor by Jason Aldean that is so obviously the story of my life, but for real it is one of my favorite songs.

So one night, he took me on a date to look at the art show that was happening at the museum. We walked around and spent our time making fun of everything, (sorry if you have art there, yes we did realize we were terrible people) and then we went to get fro yo and I got my cookie dough ice cream. So I'm pretty content by this point, because I am a girl of simple pleasures--it really doesn't take much to make me happy, when on our way back, he stops in a big empty parking lot. He drove a standard Jeep, and knew I didn't know how to drive a stick, so he told me he was going to teach me. I get excited, because I love trying new things, and as I sit in the driver seat, he pulls out his iPod, and turns on the Big Green Tractor song. My heart absolutely melted. And then he taught me how to drive a stick shift and told me I could take his Jeep to work because he had another one. Best guy ever, right? I'm pretty sure he's married now, and let me tell you, to a very lucky girl.

BAD IDEA: Not planning a date and being a total conceited butt wipe.

Now some background so y'all can get the full effect: there was a boy in my ward last winter, we'll call him J, who started asking me out in September of last year. Now, I was dating this other boy at the time (Big Green Tractor boy) so obviously I kept turning him down. Then, I still kept turning him down even after me and this other guy broke up, because J was so full of himself it blew my mind. At one point, J calls me and tells me he wants to take me out for some weekend, which I finally agree to, that he then cancels because there was a football game that night and he had season passes, and even though he went to every other game, he felt like he hadn't quite gotten his money's worth so he had to be sure not to miss one single game. Like, really? He asks me out for months and I finally say yes, and then he blows me off for football? Winner. So time passes, and we are still friends-ish, and he calls me one day in February and asks what I'm doing that Tuesday, and I usually had Tuesdays off, and I wasn't about to make up a lie, so I told him nothing. He informed me we were going on a date. I was like, whatever, I guess. So I get ready, and my roommates are all excited and talk about how great it was that I was going out for Valentine's Day. Woahhh, wait, it was Valentine's Day? My hatred for this particular holiday burns with the white hot intensity of a thousand yellow suns, ever since the 3rd grade. But that's another story. So for various reasons, I'm already not stoked on this date, but I resolve to be good company, because it's polite and courteous. He then shows up a half an hour late, (strike 1) and I get in the car, and he says "so, where do you want to go/what do you want to do?" Really, after asking me out for 6 months you didn't plan anything? Strike 2. We eventually decide to go to Texas Road House, and he tells me I can get anything on the menu, because money certainly isn't an issue for him. Okay, first, I'm sorry, but that kind of thing doesn't work on me anyways, shallow boy, and second of all, if you're going to try to boast about how fabulously wealthy you are, at least take a girl somewhere nice, like Sundance. That is a classy date. Then, for our entire date, he talks about how great and funny and good looking he is. He did not ask about me once, and then he was flirting outrageously with our waitress. At one point I asked if she wanted to sit down and take my place, and the two of them could have this date (which would have been a valid option, honestly, I'd be glad to get out.) Strike 3. Game over buddy. I ate as fast as I could and made him drive me home and told him I didn't want to go out ever again. Sadly enough, this isn't the worst date I've ever been on.

Moral of these stories: some guys are really awesome and want to take you out on super magical (I know, I'm a sap,) dates that you'll never forget because they are so wonderful and want to make you happy. Gentlemen, be like that. You will win hearts far and wide. Plus, every girl deserves to be treated like a princess. Ladies, those are the boys worth your time. Remember when President Uchtdorf said:

Be strong and of good courage. You are truly royal spirit daughters of Almighty God. You are princesses, destined to become queens. Your own wondrous story has already begun. Your “once upon a time” is now.

Be worthy of your happily ever after, and you'll find someone that will give it to you.

honestly? i don't like you.

LESSON 6- HONESTY IS THE BEST POLICY

Alright, this is one I struggle with. Letting someone know you aren't interested. I try really hard to be nice to everyone, and I'm really afraid of hurting people's feelings. Except in rare cases, I don't usually tell boy I'm not interested. I just usually tell them I'm busy or I stop answering texts--
that being said, gentlemen, if you ask a girl out, and she tells you she's busy without giving you another day as an option, she doesn't like you. Ladies, vice versa.

I do however, realize the cruelty in this. If you give someone a chance, and you decide you don't like them, let them know.

BUT, if you're interested in someone, and they don't like you, but aren't being upfront, these are signs to look for.

1. Unanswered calls/texts. The limit is 2 or 3. If you keep calling or texting after that, you're officially cast into CREEPZONE. If y'all thought friendzone was hard to get out of, creepzone is impossible. And if you take a girl out on a really horrible date and treat her really poorly, to the extent that she practically begs you to take her home, and you keep texting her the next day, and she tells you that you're a creep and to leave her alone, but you keep trying to talk to her anyways, 5 unanswered messages later, she will probably call the cops on you. For a random example...

2. "I'm busy." If a person isn't making time for you, they don't like you.

3. Girls, if he isn't calling you, if he isn't seeing you, if he doesn't ask you on a date, he doesn't like you. Period. Or at the very least, he doesn't like you enough. If a boy wants you to be in his life, he'll make an effort to have you there.

4. If they aren't committing, they don't like you. "It's not you, it's me." I'm sorry, but it's always you. We're about to get real personal here. But I do this so you can all understand where I'm coming from on some of this. I recently had an experience with a boy I liked a lot. We dated for a little while, but he was afraid of commitment, so we stopped seeing each other. Now, I understand probably better than anyone being "relationship phobic." I'm coming up on 20 years of being single. I don't do the boyfriend/girlfriend thing, because it usually just stresses me out, so I avoid it. However, with this boy, I wanted it. I wanted to see him and only him. I wanted to be his girlfriend. I had no desire to spend time with anyone else. So, pretty big deal for me. And I couldn't let go. So a little while after we "broke up," whatever you want to call it, I went to see him. I told him I still had feelings for him, I told him I was scared, but I was in, because all I wanted was to be with him. He was this boy that treated me so nicely and made me so happy, that I was able to put my fears aside for this chance. He told me he had been hurt, and he was scared, and he had to think about it. Which crushed me. Because being with someone isn't something that needs to be thought out, considered for weeks, weighed out. If you want to be with someone, you'll be with them, fears and pains aside. And even though it broke my heart, I realized and told him that. Obviously we didn't get together, but at least now I know that even though he may have liked me, it just wasn't enough. I said everything I needed to say, and I put my whole heart out there, but as bad as I wanted it, he didn't. And I can move on knowing that this time, it wasn't because I was scared, I just wasn't the right person for him. Everyone you know and spend time with teaches you something. I learned that it's not necessarily that I can't commit, but simply that til this experience, I hadn't found a boy that my head and my heart wanted that with. Live and learn.

And because I'm uncomfortable being so serious, here's a little video for everyone to watch! ON A SCALE OF 1-NIGEL, HOW DATEBALE ARE YOU???
http://youtu.be/X5Bc4GRGT0M

don't be a sucky date

LESSON 5: DATE ETIQUETTE

This post goes out to a friend of mine who told me about girls he has taken out who neglected to even thank him for dinner. Shame on you girls!

Now, there are certain procedures that are appropriate to follow when you are on a date, and they are as follows--

1. Be on time. It is so rude to make your date wait. And girls, be ready when he knocks on the door.

2. Open the door. Gentlemen open doors for their dates. And ladies allow them to do so. Obviously this is not true in all cases, but I think as evident by society, boys are only as gentlemanly as girls make them be. So let's all have a little class. And girls, be sure to have some manners and thank them for their chivalry.

3. HAVE A PLAN. Nothing is more unflattering to a girl than to find out your date put so little thought as to what you're going to do and where you are going to go. I have had boys start driving and ask me where I want to eat. I'm sorry, for real? I appreciate that they want to take into consideration where I would like to eat, but they don't get a second date. Ask her beforehand and make a plan. Don't just "wing it."

4. Compliment. Tons of girls take so much time to look nice for a date. I personally take an hour just to curl my hair and put on my make up. It's nice to hear your efforts are appreciated. And boys I'm sure like to hear that they look nice too.

5. Ordering food--girls, I can not tell you how many times I've had friends vent to me that they take their dates out to a restaurant and the girl a. gets a salad, or b. something way expensive and doesn't eat it all. I understand that not every girl can out eat their dates/hate salad (which may sometimes be embarrassing...for him!) so get something small, and in the price range as your date. He'll be glad you didn't break his bank, and you ought to be able to finish it.

6. Find out about each other. I have had dates talk about themselves the entire time. I conclude that he ought to just date a mirror and I write him off. I have also had dates ask me questions about me the whole time, answer whatever questions I ask, because that's what dates are for. To learn about the other person, to see if you're compatible, if you have fun, whatever it is you're looking for to have a relationship. Hello.

7. Don't be boring. No one likes boring people.

8. Say thank you. Ladies, he just spent money to feed and tolerate you. He deserves your gratitude. And gentlemen, you ought to be grateful she said yes. It's just good manners.

9. Most importantly, don't be Miley Cyrus in her movie, or in real life. Ever. This is how she is portrayed in my mind: http://www.hulu.com/#!watch/182712. Just remember: have fun, be kind/polite/courteous, and you'll have a good time.

your muscles are huge! kiss me

LESSON 3: APPROPRIATE KISSING

I was having a discussion with a good friend of mine the other day, and I said, as a lady, I think it's shady if a boy kisses you before the third date. He told me that it should be the second date because, "boys feel entitled to a first date. A second date however, means that she liked him enough to go out with him again, and therefore, he can kiss her."

A little food for thought. He has a very solid point. So I got to thinking...

First date kiss--I know from experience and have been told this many times, a boy will kiss a girl on the first date if he doesn't see it going anywhere. So ladies, if its your first date, and he leans in 90 degrees, he doesn't like you. He lusts you. And I've heard the line "I don't know what it is about you. I never kiss girls on the first date. You're just different. You're special. I feel this connection with you.." blah blah blah. He is so full of crap, and he's going to try to schmooze his way in. I've fallen for it. But I've learned better, so now I'm sharing my wisdom with you. And even on the rare occasion that it all might be true, if you kiss him on your first date, you're already taking big steps and crossing lines in that relationship that you can't take back. And things will escalate quicker. But just try to remember, you're not the exception. Ever. You're the rule. Sorry.

Second date kiss--For me, this is like, hey you're cool, we have fun together, let's see if we have some potential towards a relationship. This is more, getting to know the person, finding out a little bit more about how they think, just a little more insight into their story. For me personally, this is still too early for taking that step. I still feel like, I don't really know him, he doesn't really know me, so how could he know if he wants to get involved emotionally with me?

Third date kiss--Here's where the money is at. Because usually, by now, you've spent enough time together to know if you like him, if he likes you, if y'all can pursue some kind of real relationship*.

*If he kisses you and doesn't want to establish a relationship, then he sucks. Friends should never kiss friends. President Spencer W. Kimball said “Kissing has … degenerated to develop and express lust instead of affection, honor, and admiration. To kiss in casual dating is asking for trouble. What do kisses mean when handed out like pretzels and robbed of sacredness?”

In a 2001 New Era, Bruce Monson gives a talk on this subject, and I think he's got a really solid point. Read it. I've had many conversations on the subject and I'm tired of arguing with friends that kissing with no strings attached is wrong. Read again what President Kimball has to say. I have nothing left to add.

And while on the subject, girls, if a boy calls you after 9pm to "come watch a movie," he's horny and he just wants to kiss you. That is a booty call. It's a jerk move on his part, and a decision of loose morals on yours if you respond. You have so much value as a woman, as a lady, as a daughter of God. Don't cheapen yourself. And don't put him in that position either, (because I know boys aren't the only one to use this trick.) I truly feel that if everyone recognized their self worth, we would all treat each other better.

"People are made to be loved and things are made to be used. There is much chaos in this world because things are being loved and people are being used."--Anonymous

let's be friends

LESSON 2: AVOIDING THE FRIENDZONE

Sierra, this one is for you.

Now, we could debate the complexities of the alleged "friendzone" and whether or not one can

get out of this type of purgatory---

Borimir says no, to which I argue, it can be done. However, I do agree it can be hard, so enclosed are tips for avoiding it altogether. This one is for everyone. Girls and boys. We all know the feeling.

Last post I talked about flirting. Flirting is always a good precaution to avoiding being just friends. Because flirting (if done right) can effectively lead to dates. And dates are the first step to dating. Obvs.

Now, you've flirted, you touched his elbow, he asked your for your number and a date, you're in right? Wrong. One date does not allow for escape. So here's what to do and/or avoid:

RISKS--
In my opinion the number one reason people stay friends, is because they are scared. So suck it up. Everyone gets their heart broken. Everyone has broken a heart. It's just how things go, and how they will continue to go until you get married. You just need to learn that everyone has something to offer, and something to teach you. Stop being a baby and crying about your last relationship that went sour and left you broken, because we've all been there. Take time to heal, that's cool. But if you swear off dating forever because your former 'lover' "really hurt you" is wrong. You're not alone. I've been hurt just like everyone else, and after some time, I'm better. I learned something and that's what's important. Take a risk. If you aren't getting your heart broken, you aren't doing it right.

GIRLS--
1. Do not hangout. If a boy likes you, and you like him, you need to make him take you on dates. It's classy. And old fashioned. And it works. Hanging out is not only what friends do, but it is what the Apostles counsel us NOT to do. They are inspired. Good rule of thumb--always listen to Jesus.

2. Do not talk about other boys. I don't know why girls do this. It is the ultimate "I'm not interested in you" message. It will not make him jealous. It will not make him like you better. It will just turn him off.

3. Do not go on lunch dates. Lunch dates are friend dates. It means he's not into you. Sorry.

4. I love you. A friend of mine had this status: "Whenever anyone tells you that they love you, you are being "zoned". Either family zoned, lover zoned, or friend zoned (most commonly the latter)" 'Nuff said.

BOYS--
(much of this is the same on your end)

1. If you like a girl, do not be her girlfriend. Do not go shopping with her, do not buy her groceries, do not let her get so comfortable around you that she doesn't care if you see her without make-up...or wearing crocs.

All these things are fine if you guys love each other, but until you're together, if you do these things, she's going to make you her best friend. Except, even if you are in love and happily married, never wear crocs.

2. Do not talk about other girls. Girls do get jealous. And it's obnoxious. And it eludes to you being a player. Which nice girls don't like anyways. 

3. Do not accept or offer lunch dates. Taker her out on real ones.

THE GAME--

Everyone hates it. And everyone thinks it's stupid. But it has to be played. If there's no chase, no mystery, one or both parties will get bored and move on. I'm not saying to mess with each other's heads and emotions, or to be a tool/floozie, or to be dishonest. I'm just telling you, don't show all your cards upfront. Everyone has something to offer, something different and beautiful, something not everyone knows, so make them work to see that. You're worth it. Promise.

Now, I'm not saying these tips are foolproof. You're not going to be able to date everyone who catches your eye, because that's just not plausible. Unless you are Ryan Gosling. As for the rest of us, we aren't compatible with everyone, and that's cool. That's what dates are for! To find out. I'm a big fan of dates...


If anyone else has anything to add or share, or questions to ask, feel free. These are just tricks I've learned from personal experience.

flirting 101

THE PROVO CHRONICLES

9/12

FLIRTING

LADIES! Recently, I've had some girl friends talk to me about how they somehow always become the "best friend" to the boy(s) they are interested in.

"Coach me how to flirt!" (actual quote)


Now, let's face it. Flirting is an art form. Here are the top flirty signals to let a guy know you dig him.

Step 1. Check the finger. Just make sure you do your part and check. You don't want to waste your wiles on someone that's already taken. Plus, then you'll avoid being a home wrecker.

Step 2. Giggle. Every guy thinks he's Jimmy Fallon, so just laugh at him. Boys like laughy girls. I've recently started a job as a waitress, and in the last 2 days, I've had a man and his son, and an old woman tell me (separately) "laughing girls are marriageable girls. Girls that laugh all the time and are happy are the first to get married."

Step 3. Hair twirl. Boys, subconsciously or not, look for it. And I must tell you, it has yet to fail me. I get free meals when I go into food places alone, I got a free smart phone, it's how I get out of trouble for a lot of things, and it's one of the cutest ways to tell a guy you're interested.

Step 4. Touching. Elbow touching to be exact. Touch a boy's elbow, it's a sure fire way to let a boy know you're interested. Why? I have no idea. But for whatever reason, it works.

Now, girls, these are the most effective, important flirtations that I have found to work--flirting is certainly not limited to what I have specified though.

If anyone has any tips or questions they'd like to ask or share, feel free to comment or message me. I'll take your identity to the grave. And I won't be offended. Thanks gurlssss (and undoubtedly guys)

"as long as there is hope, there can never be true despair"

Yes, the title of this blog is off The Dark Knight Rises.

For a while now, the messages of hope seem to be coming at me from all sides. Admittedly, I was needing to hear a lot of them, but this post is for some people that I hold very dear to my heart, people that I know are struggling and need some light at the end of that tunnel.

I love Mormon Messages, because they are all so inspiring, and they're short and don't take a lot of time to watch, so here's one about the Infinite Power of Hope.

If you'd like to read the entire talk, I'd direct you to the LDS website, General Conference section, which I highly recommend because it's beautiful and so powerful.

I am a firm believer that no one has harder trials than anyone else. We are all tested, and we all go through trials that are hard for us individually.

Everyone hurts the same, just from different circumstances.

I know that the Lord will never throw anything at us that we cannot overcome. We have simply to endure, and to persevere. I want to echo what my brother said this morning, that "to give up achieves nothing."

So press forward through the pain and the hardships, and look with optimism to the future, and know that Jesus, our Lord and Savior is there to guide you and help you.

Life isn't supposed to be easy, it's not supposed to be fair, but no matter how dark everything seems to be around you, I implore you to never give up.

Never stop fighting.

You are never truly alone.

For those of you who don't know or haven't read it, there is a book of divine revelations written in the latter days called the Doctrine and Covenants. It begins with Joseph Smith recounting his Vision, and is passed along by prophets until 1918. In section 122, the Prophet Joseph Smith is in jail at Liberty, Missouri, and this poor, wonderful man, had been through so much grief and pain, being tarred and feathered, watching his friends and children die, being betrayed, persecuted, and eventually murdered, I cannot imagine the kind of despair I would have slipped into were I in his position.

But, while in this prison, the Lord speaks to him, and tells him that all these perils and trials will give him experience and be for his good.

Essentially, Heavenly Father tells Joseph, that even if he is betrayed, killed, even if the very jaws of hell open up to swallow him, "The Son of Man hath descended below them all. Art thou greater than he? Therefore, hold on thy way...for God shall be with you forever and ever."

So don't despair.

The Lord knows exactly what you're going through, and He wants to help. 3 Nephi 15:9 says "Behold, I am the law, and the light. Look unto me, and endure to the end, and ye shall live; for unto him that endureth to the end will I give eternal life."

http://youtu.be/j2Ll28f60f4

Hope is the abiding trust that the Lord will keep his promises

"I Know That My Redeemer Lives"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z1GXdeqizBU

this song makes me tear up every time.

My sister in law and her brother are so talented. And at 00:20, you'll notice a picture of firemen holding a portrait  that is burned entirely around Christ.

Here's the story if you're curious... http://www.heraldextra.com/tabernacle/article_db328b06-0b0f-11e0-a131-001cc4c03286.html

I have such a testimony of Jesus Christ.

I want everyone to know, that I know, without a shadow of a doubt, that he lived and died for us, and that he was resurrected. I'm positive, that were he to appear to me in person, right now, I couldn't believe in him more than I do now, because the Holy Ghost has touched my heart and proclaimed of that truth to me.

For those of you still searching, I implore you to pray earnestly, read the scriptures, and I promise you, that you will receive the knowledge and truth that I have come to know and love.

Jesus Christ is our Savior and Redeemer, and I'm thankful for this opportunity at Easter to not only hear that beautiful, incredible story once again, but to share with anyone and everyone my testimony. I love this gospel. I can only imagine what my life would be like without it, and it's empty.

Nothing brings me more joy or peace than being a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. I love my Savior. I feel his presence in my life every single day. I know that Christ is the only way, and that by him and through him, no matter where this crazy life takes us, we have the opportunity to reach our full potential, to be all that we can possibly be. I pray that I can be such an example, that by knowing me, people will want to know Christ.

No matter your religion, or the lack thereof, I hope everyone takes just a moment at the very least, to just ponder the message of Easter today.

I posted this on my profile already, I know, but here it is again. Just watch, and really listen:
http://youtu.be/bAuaSpJ7zGs

"now, remember, it is better to look up"

My attention was called back today, on a talk given in the last General Conference by Elder Carl B. Cook, called "It Is Better To Look Up."

If you haven't read/heard it, or it's been a while, I suggest reading it today--http://www.lds.org/general-conference/2011/10/it-is-better-to-look-up?lang=eng.

The message is so wonderful. Our Savior loves us, and is simply waiting for us to reach out to Him for help and guidance.

In church, we were asked to think first, "what makes you discouraged?" There are so many things in life that are hard, so many things that get us down, and it happens to everyone.

We all face trials.

Everyone is fighting a hard battle.

The point was made that when people have issues with praying, it is because they have forgotten or do not fully comprehend their relationship with the Lord.

We need to constantly and actively be seeking Him. Elder Cook says that when President Monson told him to look up, it was symbolic for remembering Christ. The only perspective that gives us hope, is up.

When we are sad and feeling discouraged, when our hearts are heavy and we feel burdened, it is easy to hang your head, and look to the floor. But, think of the limitations.

A sister pointed out, when you look to the ground, that's it, you can see everything, you see where it ends; there is no depth. But when you look up towards the sky, towards heaven, your perspective reaches up into infinity--a perspective eternal.

It reminds us that we as humans, can't see how it ends, that there is so much more that the Lord has in store for us. The sky is bright, and when we are constantly looking up, it directs the attention of those who know us and see us to look up as well.

My roommate stated that "we know we can look to Christ, and with that knowledge comes the responsibility to do so."

Christ suffered in Gethsemane for the very purpose of taking on Himself our every hurt, our every struggle or disappointment, that He can relate to us and comfort us in a way that no one else can, because He felt exactly the same.

I so often forget that.

Things can get hard, and I'll admit, I've felt at times like I have lost some direction in my life.

But I was reminded again, that my Savior knows. He has felt what I've been feeling, and I need to let Him help me. Another girl quoted her grandma in saying "the only time to look down, is to raise someone else up." That's what the Lord does for us. He raises us and carries us. As I'm writing this, the poem comes to mind that my parents always had hanging in their bedroom:

The church is so true. I love it with all my heart, and I love my Savior.

MATTHEW 11:28-30: "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart; and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light"

"i love love!" (for real this time)

In light of Valentine's Day, I am inspired to write about love (naturally).

Now I have church every Sunday morning at 9 am, which proves to be very difficult sometimes, because I like staying out late on Saturday nights as much as the next girl (probably more.)

As a result, there are mornings that going to church is hard, and paying attention is even harder, and sometimes, to keep myself awake, I draw pictures....

But, I have found that on days that I am actually awake and really praying to be touched by the Spirit, I have the most amazing lessons.

Today we had this incredible lesson about love. Not necessarily the "I love you let's get married and have babies" kind of love, but the kind that we ought to have for everyone.

Over the course of the lesson, points were made about reserving our judgements about people until we get to know them, because that leaves room for love to grow

"Why do we love Christ? Because He loved us first."

This got me to thinking, how many of us hold back on loving people, because we don't know them or we think they don't deserve it, or we think they don't love us back?

The fact of the matter is, everyone not only deserves love, but we all require it. As human beings, we have to have love, tenderness, affection, or we won't make it.

Like a newborn baby will die if it isn't immediately and constantly in contact with another human's touch, I think we also will wither away and stop living if we aren't loved.

God doesn't make mistakes. He has never made a single person that he hasn't loved, and expected others to love as well.

It's not our duty to pick and try to discern who is entitled to it, but rather to give that love freely and without limitations, because don't we want that in return?

We love Christ because he loved us first--Jesus didn't wait for us to prove ourselves, to see if we were worthy of his love, he just gave it to us.

Who are we to hold back?

You can't choose who to love, because everyone deserves it.

And what a difference that would make in our lives, in society, in the world, if we loved without hesitation. That being said, how can we expect to be loved if we don't? So love without fear, live without regret, and realize that everyone is fighting a hard battle--we all just need a little tender loving care.

come what may and love it

Of course, since it's a new year, we're all writing down our goals, making resolutions, trying to grow, become better than we were the previous year.

As I was writing mine down, I realized, I haven't written down or hardly made New Year's resolutions in years.

So one of my resolutions--make and fulfill some New Year's resolutions...I know.

Really though, some of my goals are that I plan to better myself and grow as a person.

I plan to have a greater knowledge and understanding of the scriptures and gospel in general.

To develop better, closer relationships with my friends and family, as well as make new friends.

On being more outgoing in all aspects of my life, especially with sharing the gospel.

I want the light of Christ to shine from me in a way that people will want to know Christ by knowing me.

I plan to show more service, and be more charitable. Most of all though, I plan to live my life starting now around Elder Joseph B. Worthlin's talk in the 2008 General Conference "Come What May, and Love it."

Everything happens for a reason.

All experiences in life are meant to build you and help you grow.

So I've realized I need to be thankful for every one of them--good or bad--and love what happens. I made a friend today that I went to church with, and he told me "If you live it, you'll love it-if you don't you won't."

Life is meant to be lived to the fullest. We are meant to laugh, love, achieve, get our hearts broken, occasionally fail that we may learn how to succeed.

This is going to be a wonderful year.