Friday, August 31, 2012

Growing Up

Growing up is a funny thing.

The first week of school is always a huge party.
There are events every day and night, encouraging students to get out and get involved from the beginning.
In past years, I wouldn't have missed any of these things.
For the first three years of college I was in the middle of it all, planning and executing the events.

This week, I was so busy with work and you know, starting grad school, that I didn't go to a single thing.
A younger version of me would have panicked.
This version?
Didn't even notice.

I spent the week at work.
I came home each night just wanting to be done with people.
Tonight?
Earlybird dinner with my grandparents and a Meg Ryan/Tom Hanks marathon by myself.
Best kind of night.


Wednesday, August 29, 2012

Wednesday, August 22, 2012

Wednesday Wisdom

Since I missed last week I was planning to double up today, but then I just couldn't make up my mind.
I promise this series won't always be church-y things, but today it was necessary.

Tonight I'm going to the open house for the new Brigham City Temple.
(if you want to know more about temples and why we have them, go HERE)

Anyway. I absolutely love the temple.
So here are some bits of wisdom from church leaders about the beauty of these sacred buildings.
All the photos are mine (thank you, iPhone).




"I know your lives are busy. I know that you have much to do. 
But I make you a promise that if you will go to the house of the Lord, 
you will be blessed; life will be better for you."

—Gordon B. Hinckley 





"You are never lost when you can see the temple. 
The temple will provide direction for you 
and your family in a world filled with chaos.
 It is an eternal guidepost which will help you from 
getting lost in the 'mist of darkness.'"

—Gary E. Stevenson






"As we touch the temple and love the temple, our lives will reflect our faith.
As we go to the holy house, as we remember the covenants we make therein,
we will be able to bear every trial and overcome each temptation."

—Thomas S. Monson





“I plead with you to be worthy, to be steadfast, 
and to look forward with great anticipation to the day 
you will receive the ordinances and blessings of the temple."

—David A. Bednar 



"Everything that occurs in the temple is uplifting and ennobling. 
It speaks of life here and life beyond the grave. 
It speaks of the importance of the individual as a child of God. 
It speaks of the importance of the family and 
the eternity of the marriage relationship."


—Gordon B. Hinckley





"Prepare now for the temple, the mountain of the Lord. 
Never allow the goal of the temple to be out of your sight. 
Walk into His presence in purity and virtue, and receive His blessings.'"

—Elaine S. Dalton


Tuesday, August 14, 2012

On Being Me

I've never been one to really struggle with image issues.
Or at least I didn't think so.
But over the last few days, I've realized just how happy I am with myself.

This year I've put a lot of effort into me.
I work out consistently.
I eat out less.
I sleep more.
I put more effort into getting ready.

This summer, I can honestly say I walk out the door feeling pretty each morning.
Tonight as I put gas in my car, I caught a glimpse of myself in the window.
Even in an old tank top and short, hair not done after a shower and all, I was HAPPY with what I saw.

Like I said, these are things I didn't know I was missing.
And now that they're there, I like it.

I'm more confident.
I just. feel. good.

I'm in a great place right now.
I have great friends.
I absolutely LOVE my job.
I've got a lot coming up, and I can't wait to see what this year holds.

Saturday, August 11, 2012

.....
I can't sleep.
I have an early day ahead and I can't fall asleep.
My mind is spinning, yet blank. All at the same time.

Almost a year ago, I received a terrible phone call. A phone call that caused me to think about things and deal with emotions I never imagined having to deal with at that point in my life.

The death of a friend.

Today, the situation was all too familiar.
A familiarity I wasn't fond of.

As I scrolled through Facebook as I left work, I came across an awful sentence informing me that this sweet, talented, kind-hearted boy had left this Earth.

I didn't know details at that point, but in that instant, so many emotions came flooding back.

Denial. Surely this was a mistake.
Anger. Of all people, not him.
Sadness. Instant tears as I climbed into my car.

I didn't know Kris extremely well. But I loved him. He was always quick to greet you with a warm, genuine smile. He wanted to know about your life. He cared completely.

The last time I saw Kris was a couple weeks ago while I was at dinner with my grandparents. He was working at Golden Corral that night, and just so happened to be our server. We chatted, I introduced him to my grandparents, we had a good time. Each time he walked away after filling out drinks or taking an empty plate, my grandma would say something kind about him. How great she could tell he was in just that minor interaction.

I never imagined that would be the last conversation I would have with him.

.....

In times like these though, I realize how grateful I am for the things I know.
The things about life.
The things about death.
The things about forever.

You will be missed Kris.
You touched countless people.
Our campus, our world, our lives won't be the same without you.

Wednesday, August 8, 2012

Wednesday Wisdom

My sweet friend Clarissa has a weekly blog feature that she calls Wednesday Wisdom.
I find myself looking forward to Wednesdays to see what sort of advice she has to share.
Today I decided that I'm going to (attempt to) do the same thing.

In honor of the Olympics going on, I figured we'd start with this one.



"The most important thing in the Olympic Games 
is not winning but taking part; 
the essential thing in life 
is not conquering but fighting well."

- Pierre de Coubertin (founder of modern Olympic Games)