tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30304854667584338572023-11-16T09:48:01.612-07:00Expecting the UnexpectedI'm just a girl. Living life. A day at a time.Megan Allenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04656694106410265818noreply@blogger.comBlogger410125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3030485466758433857.post-45037212854974398792015-01-27T23:10:00.000-07:002015-01-27T23:19:37.280-07:00The Breaking PointThe thing about growing up is that it's really, really hard.<br />
And just when you think you've gotten the hang of it, a cruel reminder slaps you in the face.<br />
It's been a weird year as I've started this adventure into the so-called real world.<br />
I don't know that it's necessarily harder than I expexted, I knew what I was getting myself into. But it's been the things I didn't quite process that I've found the most difficulty.<br />
<br />
It's in work, when there's so much going on and so much to handle all at once. So many things to learn and piece together (because after all, I'm just a kid) all while still learning to not take every little thing so personally. Trying so hard, but knowing you'll never be able to please everyone completely perfectly...<br />
<br />
It's in finding out your best friend will be moving and dammit, I'm tired of trying to make new friends because mine all keep leaving Logan...<br />
<br />
It's in dating and trying to not be overwhelmed, all while being just so over it all (Men are confusing and evidently impossible to understand), especially when I'm trying to try harder and put all that I can into it and why, oh why can't it just be easy??<br />
<br />
So I'm going to eat this ice cream, have a good cry on the floor of this hotel bathroom (classy, right), take a shower and go to sleep so that I can wake up and pretend like none of this ever happened.<br />
<br />
In the meantime, I'll remember the things are going well and make me feel good...<br />
<br />
That I've gone through things before and gotten to the other side just fine...<br />
<br />
That I don't have to be perfect. I'm trying as hard as I can, and that's all I have to expect of myself.<br />
<br />
That I don't have to do any of this alone.<br />
<br />
This is one of those posts that I can never decide if I'll share on social media or not. And if I do, it's one that will probably end up being deleted. Because this isn't a plea for help or sympathy, or even understanding. It's simply a way to attempt to piece my feelings together, in hopes of coming to answers of my own. So if you do see this, thanks for listening. You're wonderful and I'm seriously so lucky to have you in my life.Megan Allenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04656694106410265818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3030485466758433857.post-64949124368074070522014-12-30T19:06:00.000-07:002014-12-30T19:07:10.681-07:00Looking Back & Moving ForwardWhat was it Charles Dickens said? It was the best of times, it was the worst of times?<br />
Maybe that's a little bit over-the-top, but that's kind of how I feel about 2014.<br />
<br />
There were a lot of laughs and a lot of smiles.<br />
A lot of excitement and a lot of pride in accomplishing things I've always wanted.<br />
There were a lot of tears and a lot of frustration and confusion.<br />
<br />
It's just one of those things. I mean, that's how life works, isn't it?<br />
<br />
2014 was a year of learning for me.<br />
It was full of experiences that taught me what I want - and what I don't want - in life, in love, in so many things.<br />
<br />
Bring it on, 2015. I'm ready for you.<br />
Please be full of adventures, happiness and more to learn.Megan Allenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04656694106410265818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3030485466758433857.post-708076202301376042014-12-25T20:46:00.001-07:002014-12-25T20:46:51.056-07:00ghost of christmas yet to comehey you... it's been awhile.<br />
<br />
as i sit here, christmas winding down, i can't help but look forward to future christmases. i absolutely can't wait to do holidays as our little family. playing Santa for our littles sounds like the most magical thing. i can't wait to spoil you and them with the things that make you happy.<br />
<br />
the baking and decorating and cooking and eating for days on end, sign me up. i want to spend the day watching movies and playing games and taking naps and enjoying our families.<br />
<br />
it's a normal thing, I'm sure, but holidays alone are getting hard. every year i find myself saying "next year, for sure. i'm almost there." i'd sure like to believe that this time.<br />
<br />
wherever you are, know that i think about you often. i'm excited for all these christmases yet to come!<br />
<br />Megan Allenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04656694106410265818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3030485466758433857.post-32742034351379307592014-08-18T00:39:00.001-06:002014-08-18T12:16:30.065-06:00Simply TryingIt's funny how life works. <div><br><div>Satan is a tricky fella. </div><div>He knows when we're at our weakest and when we're trying our hardest to be strong. </div><div><br></div><div>Just when you set your mind to something, realize you need to be better, or really make any sort of commitment that goes against his plan, he comes swooping in. </div><div>All at once you're attacked - both with the things that have always been your struggles and with the temptations you didn't know you had. </div><div>Sometimes you show him who's boss, but you know what? Other times you give in. You let him win. </div><div><br></div><div>Luckily, Heavenly Father is kind of the man. </div><div>He gets it. </div><div>He knows we're not perfect. He knows we're trying. </div><div>He wants to help us and wants to get us through it. </div><div><br></div><div>Just because things haven't necessarily gone the way you hoped or planned doesn't mean it's the end of the world. </div><div>He didn't set us up to fail. </div><div>He doesn't want us to be miserable. </div><div><br></div><div>Sometimes you happen upon talks that you know you've read or heard, but they just hit you completely differently at other points in your life. That was how it went with this one... (I'll embed it later when I'm not on my phone, but it's excellent. Watch it.) </div><div><br></div><div>The Hope of God's Light, Dieter F. Uchtdorf --- <a href="http://youtu.be/aOfg6NxUBkk">http://youtu.be/aOfg6NxUBkk</a></div><div><br></div><div>"Yes, we will make mistakes. <span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Yes, we will falter. </span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">But as we seek to increase our love for God and strive to love our neighbor, the light of the gospel will surround and uplift us. The darkness will surely fade, because it cannot exist in the presence of light. As we draw near to God, He will draw near to us. And day by day, the hope of God’s light will grow within us, “brighter and brighter until the perfect day.”</span></div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBA2VI8zj0Iqi2GvCd7RTkW8Q-EFic_Mfxe3aXiese-H-VyfqFAb0Jr9gJQb3a_Nnb-6JhinCad9TpPOIWxCw98hx6RTkzypfStXeag7sre5NEgTd1gi-iYy_n34Zk2I751KE_Hp5qSYQ/s640/blogger-image--438116546.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBA2VI8zj0Iqi2GvCd7RTkW8Q-EFic_Mfxe3aXiese-H-VyfqFAb0Jr9gJQb3a_Nnb-6JhinCad9TpPOIWxCw98hx6RTkzypfStXeag7sre5NEgTd1gi-iYy_n34Zk2I751KE_Hp5qSYQ/s640/blogger-image--438116546.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>Anyway... There's today's ramble. </div></div><div>It's good to know that everything will be alright, you know? Things are hard sometimes, but I think that's part of the deal. </div><div>On the one hand though, I'm glad for some of these things that have gone on this last year. </div><div>I've learned a whole lot about who I am, what I do and don't want and what I'm capable of. </div><div>Some of these things have sucked, but they've been good at the same time. I don't actually regret any of it. </div><div>So here we go. Off to work, ready to be better. Ready for whatever may be ahead. </div>Megan Allenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04656694106410265818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3030485466758433857.post-59316353095706378052014-08-03T15:37:00.001-06:002014-08-03T17:26:19.713-06:00Short & Sweet<div>
Oh hey babe... </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
For a minute, I thought I'd found you. </div>
<div>
Things were complicated, but the way he kept hanging on kept me hoping. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
But then came the talk. I mean, as far as break-ups go, it went about as well as it could, but it's still not a pleasant conversation to have. </div>
<div>
Nothing cuts deeper than hearing "you're not the one." </div>
<div>
Man, that hurts. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
But you know what? This just means I'm one step closer to you. </div>
<div>
I learned a lot over the last year. </div>
<div>
Things about me, things about what I want and what I'm capable of. Things about what I hope for you. </div>
<div>
I'm now a little bit more ready. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Thanks for waiting. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Megan Allenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04656694106410265818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3030485466758433857.post-80072725107900046812014-05-27T21:30:00.001-06:002014-05-28T01:24:05.280-06:00Getting There<span style="font-family: inherit;">Every once in awhile I get what feels like a slap in the face from Heavenly Father.</span><br>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Does that ever happen to you? </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Things just come together or someone says something all right together in this Bermuda Triangle sort of way and it's just like "BAM! Get it together, Megan." </span><br>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Lately my priorities haven't been where they needed to be. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Things were getting in the way and I wasn't doing anything to fix it. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I got out of habits that I knew were beneficial and blessing my life. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">And while it's not like I wasn't necessarily doing anything <i>wrong</i>, things just felt off. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I know what I want. I always have. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">For the most part, I know what it takes to get there. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">For some reason, I got sidetracked. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Between a conversation with a couple of strangers at work and another with a friend, I had a pretty <b>defining </b>few hours. To these people, it was probably nothing. It was just a part of the time spent together and likely wasn't anything that stood out to them. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">But all of a sudden, something changed and I was reminded what really matters. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I don't have everything figured out. There are still a lot of unknowns in the near future. There's a lot of things that I wish I understood and whole bunch of answers that I'm dying to have. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">It will be alright. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Slowly but surely, I'm getting there. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I'm learning things along the way. Wherever I'm going, whoever will meet me there, whatever I'm going to experience - it will all be worth it. </span></div>
<div>
<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">I've got this. </span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br></span></div>
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Megan Allenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04656694106410265818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3030485466758433857.post-28775883353135046622014-04-05T19:39:00.000-06:002014-04-05T19:39:18.623-06:00My Favorite WeekendI just really, really love General Conference.<br />
At the end of the two days, I feel refreshed and rejuvenated.<br />
It reminds me of the good in the world and that everything will be alright.<br />
It renews my faith, hope and confidence in myself and the decisions I make.<br />
It reassures me that my Heavenly Father is always there and that His love is perfect and endless.<br />
<br />
I get all gooey and chilled inside when I think about the future and the Conferences in it.<br />
I'm so excited to create Conference traditions and memories with my little family.<br />
I can't wait to have a fun night with my girls as we send the boys off to Priesthood.<br />
I look forward to those days and having my own family to raise to love this weekend and this gospel.<br />
<br />
Now, I tear up thinking of my future husband, whoever and wherever he may be.<br />
I hope and pray that he's sitting in a chapel somewhere, watching the Priesthood session.<br />
There, whether it's direct words or more subliminal, he's preparing to become a husband and father.<br />
I can't wait to have that constant presence so close in my life.<br />
I pray continually for him as we get closer to finding each other.<br />
I pray that we are using the time it takes to get there to better ourselves and are doing what we need to be doing to create that life together.<br />
<br />
After tomorrow, it's another six months of time to get back on track in areas that may be lacking. It's time to re-watch and re-read my favorite talks or the ones that may hold something I missed.<br />
Time to continue to grow and prepare for whatever may lie ahead.Megan Allenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04656694106410265818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3030485466758433857.post-70194208040969543442014-04-04T00:30:00.002-06:002014-04-04T00:30:39.124-06:00Server LifeHere's the thing, I love working in a restaurant. Being a server is a ton of fun. It's always something new with different people coming in and out of your life all night. There are always people to talk to, babies to play with and boys to flirt with. Waiting tables is usually a really great thing, but other times it's the worst. Guess what? YOU can help make it better and I'm here to tell you how :)<br /><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
****</div>
Apparently this is a little-known fact, but servers don't make very much. It's varies by state, but here in Utah, we make $2.13 an hour outside of tips. That's not a whole lot of money. Then, that $2.13 generally goes straight to taxes. In the almost-year I've been working at Texas Roadhouse, I've gotten maybe one paycheck that was more than $10.<br />
<br />
That's where you, the guest, comes in. Tipping is KEY. 10 percent? NOT OKAY. These days, 20 percent is kind of the thing. However, most of us won't be mad about 15 percent. Math like that isn't that hard, I promise you can do it.<br />
<br />
When things go wrong, odds are it's <i>not our fault</i>. If your food is slow to come out or if something isn't cooked exactly the way you like it, guess what? I didn't do it on purpose. As a server, we're just the go-between. If something is wrong, we're going to do everything in our power to fix it and make you happy. Your enjoyment is our priority. If something does go wrong and if we did what we could, don't take it out on us and the tip you leave.<br />
<br />
When you come in to eat, 3 percent of the money you spend on your food/drinks goes to a little thing called tipshare. At the end of the night, we turn in 3 percent of our total sales that goes to the hostesses, bussers and bartenders. If you don't tip (or tip minimally), WE pay for you to be there and that's not cool.<br />
<br />
If you're going to sit and chat with the people you're eating with for a really long time, tip accordingly. At a restaurant like TXRH, we shoot for a 45 minute turnover - from the time you sit down to the time you walk out the door. That is ideal for us to make the most of our night. We have three tables available at a time and if you sit there for three years, we lose money. You may see it as just a few dollars, but when you add that up over several tables over several hours, it definitely adds up.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
**** </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
As servers, we are only capable of so much. We pride ourselves on our ability to multitask and carry a lot of oddly-shaped things at once, but we can't do everything. Especially if you're with a large group, be patient. Remember that we are one person and you are 12 (or whatever you may be). On top of your group, I probably have two more tables full of people. That's a lot for one person to handle, so just be patient. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
YES YOU CAN HAVE MORE BREAD. And yes, I'll give you a straw. That goes back to remembering we can't do everything at one time. I have a tray full of your drinks, I'm not going to throw them down to hand you a straw. Once I don't have my hands full, I'll get the straws that are visibly in my pocket and hand them to you. Sometimes we run out of bread. It's part of my job to make sure you have it when it's available. If I'm in the middle of taking your table's order, that's not the time to ask me for bread. You'll get more, I promise. </div>
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I'm going to ask you a lot of questions. Deal with it and answer them happily please. I want to make sure you enjoy yourself. I want your steak to be cooked right, you have to choose your sides, etc. Don't be annoyed by me trying to do my job. </div>
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Along with that, just enjoy your time there. I want to get to know you. I want to play with your kids. I'm going to enjoy my night a whole lot more if I can make some new friends out of it. We can read people and we know when you don't want to be bugged, but it's ok to have a conversation. It's better that way, I promise.</div>
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<br /></div>
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If you're walking through the restaurant, be aware of your surroundings. There's a very good chance there's one of us behind you trying to get somewhere. Odds are, we have our hands full with hot plates, a heavy tray full of steaks or an armful of drinks and bread. Get out of the way or at least walk quickly and make everyone's lives easier. </div>
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****</div>
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And, end rant. For now.<br />I'm sure I'll think of more things to add to this list in the future. </div>
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Come in and see us and help everything be legendary! </div>
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Megan Allenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04656694106410265818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3030485466758433857.post-42539574270179061012014-03-21T00:24:00.002-06:002014-03-21T00:24:39.349-06:00On Maintaining Composure Do you ever have those <strike>days</strike> weeks when it seriously takes everything you have to just hold it together?<br />
<br />
Like you're on the brink of losing it but there's absolutely nothing you can do about it.<br />
The worst is when you don't even know why you're feeling that way.<br />
I mean, there's a lot going on, but I'd been feeling good and positive about everything, but this week has just been HARD.<br />
<br />
Tonight it was the stupidest little things and I'd have to walk around the corner or hide in the bathroom to pull it together so I wouldn't just break down by my tables or in front of people. By the time I finally left work, I wasn't even to my car before everything finally just let loose.<br />
I wish I could pinpoint it on one thing - have something specific to blame.<br />
But it's all the little things that add up together... The work, the dating, the future.<br />
<br />
So now I'm lying in bed, blogging from my phone. I'm still in my work clothes and I have one of those awful crying kind of headaches. The honest truth is, I probably won't move until morning.<br />
<br />
On second thought, I'll probably go make a PB&J and turn on You've Got Mail until I fall asleep. Because as far as I'm concerned, those are the cures to anything.Megan Allenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04656694106410265818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3030485466758433857.post-5231769964598269692014-03-02T20:17:00.000-07:002014-03-02T20:17:16.888-07:00One of Those Sappy Churchy PostsI hadn't watched a <a href="https://www.lds.org/broadcasts/ces-devotionals?lang=eng" target="_blank">CES Fireside</a> in a very long time.<br />
I'm usually working or not paying enough attention to know it's even happening.<br />
Tonight I happened to have the night off and have spent the day working from my couch.<br />
I was only halfway paying attention when all of a sudden I heard Elder Holland's voice.<br />
He's pretty good at catching my attention.<br />
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<span style="background-color: #eeeeee; color: #772a86; font-family: Leelawadee, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 17.633333206176758px;">"I think that the Lord’s wish for us there, and his answer to our prayer was to get us on the right road as quickly as possible with some reassurance and with some understanding that we were on the right road and didn’t have to worry about it. In this case, the easiest way to do that was to let us go on the wrong road and very quickly know without a doubt that it was the wrong road. Therefore, we would know with equal certainty and with equal conviction that the other road was the right road."</span><br />
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">...<span style="font-family: inherit;">.</span></span></b><br />
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<span style="background: #EEEEEE; color: #049ca4; font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">"I have absolute certain
knowledge, perfect knowledge, that </span><span style="background: #EEEEEE; color: #049ca4; font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">God loves us</span><span style="background: #EEEEEE; color: #049ca4; font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">. He is good, He is our Father. He
expects us to pray, and trust, and </span><span style="background: #EEEEEE; color: #049ca4; font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">be believing</span><span style="background: #EEEEEE; color: #049ca4; font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">, and not give up, and </span><span style="background: #EEEEEE; color: #049ca4; font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">not panic</span><span style="background: #EEEEEE; color: #049ca4; font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">, and not retreat, and not jump ship
when something doesn't seem to be going <i>just
right</i>. </span><span style="background: #EEEEEE; color: #049ca4; font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.0pt;">We stay in, we keep working, we keep
believing, </span><span style="background: #EEEEEE; color: #049ca4; font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">keep
trusting</span><span style="background: #EEEEEE; color: #049ca4; font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.0pt;">, following that same path and we will live
to fall </span><span style="background: #EEEEEE; color: #049ca4; font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">in
His arms and feel His embrace </span><span style="background: #EEEEEE; color: #049ca4; font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.0pt;">and hear Him
say, </span><span style="font-size: 13pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="background: #EEEEEE; color: #049ca4; font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;">'I told you that
it'd be okay, I told you it would be alright.'"</span></b><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 20.700000762939453px;">Ummm OKAY. Just slap me across the face, why don't you Elder Holland? </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 20.700000762939453px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 20.700000762939453px;">It's funny how we hear the things we really need to hear at the time when we REALLY need to hear them. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 20.700000762939453px;">It's also funny how other people get what we need to hear without having necessarily told them what we need to know. </span></span></div>
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(she's kind of the best, in case you were wondering)</div>
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Things are starting to get real with this whole "finish school and get a grown-up job" thing. </div>
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Every day something happens or someone says something that reminds me that things are falling into place. </div>
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IT WILL ALL BE OK YOU GUYS!</div>
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Whatever. </div>
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Sometimes, things don't make sense. You think you get an answer, make your decision and off you go. Then BAM, dead end. But it's fine, because then Heavenly Father, being the cool guy that he is, is like </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">"No worries, I got your back. Let's go this way instead."</span></div>
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So here's to the future. We're at that point where some MAJOR decisions are going to have to be made. It's scary, but I think I can handle it. </div>
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Megan Allenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04656694106410265818noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3030485466758433857.post-33279467744991122652014-02-03T23:21:00.001-07:002014-02-03T23:21:25.251-07:00The Pro ListI (kind of, sort of, sometimes) believe it when people tell me "oh don't worry, you don't NEED a husband just yet. No rush!" I get that, I really do. While I understand that I'm only 24 and eternity is a really long time, there are definitely some reasons I think it would be nice to have a man around...<br />
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<br /></div>
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• someone to zip up the zippers on the back of your dresses</div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">• someone to eat the leftover food that isn't quite enough to really be worth saving, but enough that you still feel bad throwing it away</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">• someone to rub the IcyHot in on the hard-to-reach sore muscles </span></div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">• someone to reach the cookies on the top shelf without needing to grab a chair</span></div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">• someone to hang out with</span></div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">• someone to talk to</span></div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">• someone to solve the debate of where to eat</span></div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">• someone to make the "get all the groceries inside in one trip" rule easier to follow </span><br />
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">• someone to just <i style="font-weight: bold;">be</i> with</span><br />
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">• someone to eat the tomato off your hamburger</span><br />
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">• someone to meet you halfway when you left something important at home</span></div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">• someone to talk about the little things in your day with without feeling like you're trying too hard</span><br />
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">• someone to get ready for. or not.</span><br />
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">• someone to choose the next movie or tv show to watch</span><br />
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">• someone to vent to</span><br />
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">• someone to replace the stuffed animals to cuddle with at night</span><br />
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">• someone to tell you when you're overreacting</span><br />
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">• someone to tell you you're pretty on days you just really need to hear it</span><br />
<br />
The list goes on... In fact, I'll probably come back and add to this one as I think of things.<br />
<br />
I'm just... <i>ready</i>.<br />
But it's fine.<br />
It'll be worth it, right? </div>
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Megan Allenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04656694106410265818noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3030485466758433857.post-35420226685113623122014-01-20T23:41:00.001-07:002014-01-20T23:41:38.549-07:00Now What?I'm sitting here working on "grown-up job" applications and letting my mind wander 100 miles an hour in 1,000 different directions.<br />
<br />
I finally had to stop and reward all my efforts with an ice cream trip and a full disc of Gilmore Girls.<br />
<br />
Direction #17... I graduate in May. Like, for real. Done, never go to school again, here's a master's degree, go out into the real world DONE.<br />
<br />
I'm sorry, WHAT!?<br />
<br />
I finally buckled down and started thinking about this whole "career" thing they speak of. I just want to stay working at Utah State. However, I feel like looking into other options and having a back-up plan is the responsible thing to do. And I hear grown-ups do responsible things... And so it begins.<br />
<br />
I have moments of pure thrill and excitement when I think about the idea of a real job. It could be really cool to just pick up and go somewhere new. Start over. At the same time, it's very very scary. Like you just want me to up and go somewhere new all by myself and just make things happen!? No thank you.<br />
<br />
Speaking of going places... Direction #329...<br />
I want to go somewhere.<br />
I want to go to Ireland and Disneyland and Florida and the middle of the ocean and Hawaii and Chicago and Seattle and Vegas and Arizona and so on and so on.<br />
The thing about a grown-up job is that it comes with a grown-up paycheck.<br />
And with that sort of paycheck, you can just GO.<br />
I need time and money and courage.<br />
<br />
Direction #726...<br />
BOYS.<br />
Oh boy... I'm just so OVER IT.<br />
I watched tonight's new episode of How I Met Your Mother and there was this whole flash forward sequence about driving to the hospital in the middle of the night to have this baby. Ted has gone through all sorts of ups and downs with relationships and life all in search of this girl. They're perfect together. After all this time and all the crap, he's realizing that it was totally worth it. The Mother is all he's been wanting and waiting for and you now what? It's worth the wait.<br />
<br />
That's what I want. I'm sick of the games and the confusion and the annoyance of dating. I'm tired of being confused and trying to interpret every last move and word - or lack thereof. I know it will be worth it in the end, I get that. The longer this goes on, the better I'm getting and the better he's (whoever he may be) is getting. But I'm sick of the wait, I just want what Ted is finally about to find. The one that will just WORK.<br />
<br />
And that there is my problem. I want everything to be easy. I want all these decisions to be laid out and just <i>there.</i><br />
<br />
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Oh, you need a job? Here you go, take this one! Oh, you want a boyfriend/husband/wedding/etc.? Boom! Pick this one! Here's your way to eternity! </div>
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Apparently it's not like that, though. Who'd have thought... </div>
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So here we go. Off on this new adventure they call growing up. </div>
Megan Allenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04656694106410265818noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3030485466758433857.post-14179063228032682012013-10-26T09:29:00.002-06:002013-10-26T09:31:20.887-06:0025 by 25Yesterday I turned 24.<br />
<br />
365 days from now, I will be 25. Not only that, but I will be turning 25 on the 25th.<br />
<br />
Something about that birthday has always seemed magical to me.<br />
The "golden birthday" always seemed so far away when I was growing up, but all of a sudden it's staring me right in the face.<br />
<br />
I'm scared of this whole growing up thing. My whole life I wanted it all to go faster and now I just really need it to slow down.<br />
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<br />
But like it or not, I'm now in my mid-twenties. I'm not necessarily where or who or doing what I thought I would be at this point in my life, but you know what? That's entirely ok. </div>
<div>
<br />
For this next year leading up to 25 I've compiled a list. A list of things I want to do, feel and experience in the next year. They seem individually insignificant, but at the same time, the idea thrills me. I'm excited to see what happens!</div>
<div>
<ol>
<li>Go somewhere new. All by myself. </li>
<li>Have some sort of significant cash in my bank account.</li>
<li>Watch the sunrise.</li>
<li>Pull an all-nighter.</li>
<li>Find a new hobby.</li>
<li>Completely unplug for an entire day.</li>
<li>Read more.</li>
<li>Try something new.</li>
<li>Develop a cooking repertoire. </li>
<li>Go to the ballet.</li>
<li>Splurge on something I probably don't need.</li>
<li>Keep a plant alive.</li>
<li>Catch a fish.</li>
<li>Watch at least the top 10 movies on AFI's 100 Years 100 Movies list.</li>
<li>Sew something.</li>
<li>Meet someone who will become very important to me. </li>
<li>Learn how to better deal with mornings. </li>
<li>Get my body back to the one I was growing to love and feel proud of.</li>
<li>Play the piano more and remind myself why I fell in love with it in the first place. </li>
<li>Become more dedicated in my church habits. </li>
<li>Balance my soda intake with other good stuff (because saying I'd cut Diet Coke out completely is just silly)</li>
<li>Go to more of the Utah temples. </li>
<li>Read the Book of Mormon again. </li>
<li>Finish all of the pieces and projects of my masters degree. </li>
<li>Decrease what I owe on my car to at least half of what it is now. </li>
</ol>
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And there you have it. 25 things to accomplish in the next year. Wish me luck!</div>
</div>
Megan Allenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04656694106410265818noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3030485466758433857.post-56123360803374908742013-09-18T00:32:00.001-06:002013-09-18T21:15:12.803-06:00The Actual WorstHere's the thing. Dating sucks. <div>And not in the "boys are dumb, don't make this so complicated" way, but in an actual "this sucks, I hate it more than I hate anything" sort of way.</div><div><br></div><div>*And this isn't to say this is about one experience or about every experience. Just a generalization.*</div><div><br></div><div>I hate the games and the little things involved in making something happen. </div><div><br></div><div>How one or both parties look way too far into things. "Oh! We both like this band!? Clearly we're meant to be!"</div><div><br></div><div>And the texting! I hate the texting. </div><div>The trying too hard, the exaggerations about what you were doing at the time you received said text. </div><div>The same old get to know you questions every single time. </div><div>The over-the-top emoticons. </div><div>The too-many compliments that you run out of ways to respond to. </div><div>Ugh. </div><div><br></div><div>I hate first dates. </div><div>And the end of first dates. </div><div>And the after first dates. </div><div><br></div><div>Why can't we just jump to the end? Skip the in-between please. </div><div><br></div><div>Or hey, maybe it's different when both sides are equally interested...? </div><div>Like then the texting and the questions and the everything is cute?</div><div>I forget what that's like. </div>Megan Allenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04656694106410265818noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3030485466758433857.post-19061130867487634072013-07-07T15:10:00.000-06:002013-07-07T15:10:10.115-06:00Lessons Learned<a href="http://www.lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?locale=0&sourceId=586a2f2324d98010VgnVCM1000004d82620a____&vgnextoid=bbd508f54922d010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD" target="_blank">Fast Sundays</a> have never been my favorite.<br />
I get headaches really easily and that is only spurred on by the lack of food and water.<br />
Our whole lives we've been told that we need to fast with a purpose.<br />
However, there have been very few occasions throughout my life that fell around a Fast Sunday or that I felt like would really benefit from a special fast.<br />
Because of that mentality, Fast Sundays are a struggle.<br />
<br />
Over the last few months there have been two instances that have completely changed my attitude toward fasting.<br />
My testimony has grown exponentially.<br />
<br />
First there was <a href="http://unexpectedways.blogspot.com/2012/12/prayersfordanny.html" target="_blank">Danny</a>.<br />
Remember that?<br />
I thought that was it. That was the lesson-teaching trial I needed.<br />
<br />
Then came <a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=dallin+wengert&rlz=1C1CHFX_enUS401US401&oq=dallin+weng&aqs=chrome.0.0l3j57j62j60.2731j0&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8" target="_blank">Dallin's accident</a>.<br />
Dallin is one of my best friends from high school and we've stayed close since he moved to Logan.<br />
I won't hash out all the details of the last few weeks, but it's been tough.<br />
<br />
When he was first taken to the hospital, things looked bleak.<br />
No one really knew what was going on or what the prognosis was going to be.<br />
Everyone came together so quickly in prayer and support for the Wengert family.<br />
The next Sunday after the accident was Fast Sunday.<br />
So many people who know Dallin, along with countless others who don't know him, fasted with Dallin, his family and his doctors in mind.<br />
The Spirit I felt that day was indescribable.<br />
At the same time, I had the sickest, worst feeling in the pit of my stomach at the same time.<br />
I sat in church with the littlest things setting me off in tears but building me up at the same time.<br />
<br />
Over the last few weeks, countless miracles have occurred.<br />
There is love and support from literally thousands of people all over the world pouring in for the Wengerts.<br />
Yesterday, Dallin left the hospital.<br />
He went home.<br />
Not even a month and a half after this terrible accident, he is well on the road to recovery.<br />
<br />
Today was Fast Sunday again.<br />
Today I again fasted with this story in mind.<br />
However, today was different.<br />
<br />
Today was a fast of gratitude.<br />
Gratitude for Dallin's recovery.<br />
Gratitude for Amy's strength.<br />
Gratitude for the doctors and rehab staff who are helping Dallin.<br />
Gratitude for the way people have come together loving and supporting this sweet family.<br />
Gratitude for the impact this has had on me, my testimony, and the rest of my life.<br />
<br />
Prayer works. Fasting works. That's all there is to it, you guys.<br />
<br />
<br />Megan Allenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04656694106410265818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3030485466758433857.post-67097518130984275502013-06-30T14:14:00.000-06:002013-06-30T14:14:01.965-06:00Living the DreamIt's funny how as you grow up, things change.<br />
For most of my life, I'd had my heart set on being the "career mom."<br />
I never wanted to be <i>THAT Mormon mom </i>who just stayed home cleaning and cooking and such.<br />
I wanted to be that mom who had the perfect work life, but somehow still managed to keep that spotless home, have dinner on the table and raise charming, well-behaved children.<br />
Somehow, I was going to do it all.<br />
<br />
The thing is, the closer I get to having to enter the "real world" of life after college, the more I <b>really</b> don't want to.<br />
I love my job and would love to keep doing it, but it is SO not conducive to being a mommy.<br />
All of a sudden, all I want is to stay home and just BE.<br />
<br />
The more babies I see, the more time I spend with my favorite kids, the more I realize that's the life I want.<br />
I want to be the soccer/football/basketball/dance/whatever mom.<br />
I can't wait to play with them, explore with them.<br />
<br />
I want to teach them.<br />
Teach them to love books.<br />
Teach them the gospel.<br />
Teach them to move and be active.<br />
Teach them to love.<br />
Teach them to love music and culture.<br />
Teach them to stand up for themselves and for each other.<br />
Teach them to pray.<br />
<br />
Today in church we watched a movie of some church leaders discussing the life of <a href="https://www.lds.org/friend/1993/07/mary-fielding-smith-mother-in-israel?lang=eng" target="_blank">Mary Fielding Smith</a>.<br />
A single mom for much of her life, she moved her family across the plains and focused on raising them in righteousness.<br />
She dealt with a whole lot but it resulted in so many great things and an incredible posterity.<br />
The choices I make now are going to have such an impact on the future - so many things I can't comprehend or fathom right now.<br />
<br />
I want that. I want all of it.<br />
It's just a matter of remembering that it's not in my timing, but His.<br />
The longer it takes, the better I'm getting, the better he's getting and the better everything will be.Megan Allenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04656694106410265818noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3030485466758433857.post-77995037011664886672013-05-17T22:35:00.001-06:002013-05-17T22:36:02.844-06:00A Little Fall of RainFor the last few days, a storm has been brewing. <div>The temperatures have dropped and the sun has gone into hiding. <br><div>The wind has been blowing, clouds forming and welling up with water. </div></div><div>This afternoon, those clouds finally broke, letting the drops finally fall to the ground.</div><div>I drove home from work as the first sprinkles let loose.</div><div><br></div><div>Suddenly, water was falling from my eyes as well. </div><div>Everything had been building up and out of nowhere, became too much. </div><div>I was driving home to an empty apartment - devoid of people, furniture, entertainment.</div><div>I had dealt with two back-to-back phone calls, forcing further delays in moving and work. </div><div>I was facing another weekend of nothing to do. </div><div>From mid-August through March, my weekends are booked solid.</div><div>Because of that, by the time April rolls around I'm completely out of all social circles. Everyone has their "regulars" they hang out with, whether or not they actually have anything to do. </div><div>People have jobs and boyfriends and roommates who don't have significant others. </div><div>I have none of that. </div><div><br></div><div>It's a short drive home, but somehow it was long enough for all those thoughts to find their way into my brain.</div><div><br></div><div>So here I sit, on the floor of my empty living room, watching Gilmore Girls DVDs on my computer. </div><div>The biggest thrill of the night is the half-pint of Haagen-Daz ice cream that stands in my freezer. </div><div><br></div><div>The thing is, in every rainstorm, there are bright spots. </div><div>There are streams of sunlight, breaks in the clouds, and the sight of a rainbow if you're lucky. </div><div>Today, this was my ray of sunshine. </div><div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoNClM0xOK9DyB4XGcMmUeVDk_S8CD_aUJYB2eIqVTVpag3zEjmJRg8y9-Ecsg4uBvjj9C6JPXSvfnnANvQeGxekFHFsVCj86_6p0Uiz8PBwic-3kVbxilWNaa1VRAhwieEZK7O97tzd8/s640/blogger-image-357133483.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoNClM0xOK9DyB4XGcMmUeVDk_S8CD_aUJYB2eIqVTVpag3zEjmJRg8y9-Ecsg4uBvjj9C6JPXSvfnnANvQeGxekFHFsVCj86_6p0Uiz8PBwic-3kVbxilWNaa1VRAhwieEZK7O97tzd8/s640/blogger-image-357133483.jpg"></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">"Megan, I gots yous a fwower this morning!" </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">My favorite 5-year-old had this waiting for me at my desk this afternoon. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">A few minutes after I got to work, he came running in to tell me all about it. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Combined with the best little hugs you'll ever experience, it's hard to stay down for too long. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">As I sit here, every time I start to dwell on things or start crying again, I think of this little dandelion. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Such a simple thing, but a bright simple thing. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I'm off on a truly exciting trip to Walmart to stock up on cleaning supplies to tackle this empty apartment.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">May as well do something productive with all this free time. </div>Megan Allenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04656694106410265818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3030485466758433857.post-6162416148135264032013-05-03T14:10:00.000-06:002013-05-03T14:10:00.675-06:00Bonus Material (Like on DVDs)<span style="font-family: inherit;">A year ago, a Utah State student-athlete fell while rock climbing.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">In an accident that could have killed her, she suffered multiple bone fractures in her legs and was paralyzed from the waist down.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">This weekend, she will walk across the stage to receive her college diploma.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The whole story, particularly her attitude throughout the whole thing, has been an incredible thing to follow.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I got to write a story about her for work, you can read it <span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://www.utahstateaggies.com/sports/c-track/spec-rel/050313aaa.html" target="_blank">HERE</a></span> if you so desire (which I suggest you desire... I kind of like it.)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Anyway, a huge part of her story and the reason she has reacted the way she has is due to her faith and belief as a member of the <a href="http://mormon.org/" target="_blank">LDS Church</a>.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">While Utah is predominantly LDS, I didn't feel like I should include that as a huge focus of my article.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">So instead, I just wanted to share something she said here.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #e70b6f; font-family: "Maiandra GD","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.0pt;">"The
first time I remember crying in the hospital was just because I felt such an
outpouring love. There was love from family members, from the university. I
just felt so blessed to be alive. There’s a reason I’m not dead, a reason I’m
still here. I still have work to do. My mindset was that <b>it was going to be easier with God than without
him. If I got mad and closed off, I’d just be making it harder on myself. </b>That
kept me going. I needed to remain close to my Savior and to God."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I mean, really!? How incredible is she to have that as her first realization?<br />We've all been through hard things, but it's so easy to let your first instinct be the negatives and "woe is me" kind of thing</span><span style="font-size: 17px;">. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">In my years as a journalism student and a writer, I've talked to a lot of people.<br />I've done countless interviews. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Only a couple of times though has an interview made me tear up. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">This is easily one of my favorite interviews and stories I've done. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Let me know what you think!</span></div>
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<br />Megan Allenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04656694106410265818noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3030485466758433857.post-56901678875889885772013-05-01T12:56:00.000-06:002013-05-01T12:56:07.366-06:00Wednesday WonderfulsSo it's Wednesday. Generally Wednesdays are reserved for Wednesday Wisdom, but you'll notice I've been kind of MIA lately. Maybe I'm all out of wisdom? Maybe I'm just tired? Who knows.<br />
<br />
Anyway. My cute friend Alyssa (for real though, check her out and she can be your cute friend too! <a href="http://seethisgirlrun.com/2013/05/01/wednesday-wonderfuls-part-duex/" target="_blank">HERE</a>) writes Wednesday Wonderfuls posts, talking about the good things that are happening. Those are pretty plentiful right now, so this week, that's what you get.<br />
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<ul>
<li>I have a new job! Well, another job is more accurate, because it's not like any of the others are going anywhere. I'm headed back to my roots of the good ol' Texas Roadhouse. Working at the Marana one in high school was so fun and provided some of my fondest memories from those days. It will be tough to not compare this one to Marana, but I'm still excited. I have orientation this weekend and then training next week... After that, come visit me!<br /></li>
<li>I found out that along with paying for school, I'm going to get a $500/month stipend from Athletics. I've been getting that the last couple months and it has made SUCH a difference. I'm so much less stressed about money which makes me so much less stressed about everything else.<br /></li>
<li>The awkward yet entertaining moment of yesterday goes as such. I call my dad who answers the phone while someone asks him if he's seen the Rocky Horror Picture show. I pipe in and say "Oh man, I love Rocky Horror!" At which point I feel immediate regret, because that's not the kind of movie you admit to your parents you've seen, let alone love. Dad just laughs, says "Of course I've seen it! It's great!"<br /></li>
<li>I spend a lot of time with my boss' kids. They come hang out in my office every day and are so funny. Yesterday, a coworker offered a cookie to the younger one, saying he needed to eat it quick before his brother got there. The brother is one of the no-gluten kind of people, so we didn't want him to feel bad. D thinks about it for a second and says "Yeah, I'll have it. I like the glutens!" I like the glutens too, bud. Glutens are my favorite. Things like that happen every single day and make me laugh so hard! We have all sorts of summer plans including the two of them playing on baseball teams. Can't wait to watch them!<br /></li>
<li>Speaking of summer... it's practically here! SnoShack opened on Saturday and one barbecue is already under the belt. Both things signify that it's for real. We finished our finals a week earlier than regular finals week, so it's been interesting to sit around this week while everyone is frantic and stressed about tests. The downside is, we have summer classes, so it starts all over again on Monday night.<br /></li>
<li>Amy and I found out yesterday that we can move into our new apartment anytime! We were supposedly going to have to wait until June 1, but the manager called us yesterday and said we're good whenever! We have a lot going on and have contracts to deal with and such, so we're still waiting til May 20, but that sounds a lot sooner than June 1! Can't wait. We have all sorts of ideas planned for the summer.<br /></li>
<li>Oooh... one of those plans includes hitting up as many Utah <a href="http://www.lds.org/church/temples?lang=eng" target="_blank">temples</a> (ok, 'hitting up' sounded odd there...) as we can during the next few months. However, we found out yesterday that if you're going to do baptisms in a temple outside of your district (so any temple other than Logan) you have to bring your own names. That's a whole lot of names! Two (sometimes three) people, 12 temples, adds up pretty quick! We'll try and round up as many as we can, but if you or anyone you know have names that need baptisms done, we are more than happy to help!<br /></li>
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Ok, I think you get the picture. Things are lovely right now. I could keep going I'm sure, but I don't want to bore you :) I hope you have a lovely Wednesday and encourage to think of all the things going well right now, rather than the not-so-great things. It makes a difference, I swear! </div>
Megan Allenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04656694106410265818noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3030485466758433857.post-10941167943692832662013-04-03T22:15:00.002-06:002013-04-03T22:16:44.909-06:00Wednesday WisdomI know I shared this on Facebook already, but I don't care.<br />
It's just that good.<br />
This is a video they shared at the Young Women Broadcast last weekend as part of <a href="http://www.lds.org/general-conference?lang=eng" target="_blank">General Conference</a>.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/Oj9jpAlZX48" width="560"></iframe></center>
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if you don't understand this whole thing, read <a href="http://www.lds.org/church/temples/why-we-build-temples?lang=eng" target="_blank">HERE</a> and <a href="http://mormon.org/searchresults#?query=baptisms%20for%20the%20dead&filter=faq" target="_blank">HERE</a> to find out more about the temple.</center>
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I've watched this so many times and I still cry every single time. LOVE it.</center>
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Since January, my best friend and I have been going to the temple every Thursday morning. </center>
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7:30 a.m. is the only time we could both guarantee to be available. Both being <i>far </i>from morning people, it's been tough. But I can promise you it's been worth it. </center>
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The brethren and sisters who work there in the mornings have come to know us and look forward to seeing us. </center>
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There is no better thing to hear on a cold, early morning than "Good morning Sister Allen! Welcome to the temple!"</center>
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While they've been early mornings, I've noticed such an incredible difference in my life. </center>
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I've been happier. I've been less stressed. I've done a better job of focusing on the important things. </center>
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There really are blessings that come from standing in holy places. </center>
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Amy and I joke that we are racking up our "hot husband points" by going so regularly, and while it's funny, I think it's true to a point. By doing the right things now, we'll be blessed in... all sorts of capacities ;) The longer we have to wait, the better we're getting and the better our husbands are getting ;)</center>
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I can't wait for the day that I can go through the <i>whole</i> temple. </center>
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Being there every week makes me real excited. </center>
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And now, it's bedtime because I'm leaving for Ohio at 8 tomorrow morning, meaning Temple Thursday had to get moved up to 6:30... I don't remember the last time I got up that early :/ Oh well. Worth it, right? </center>
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Also, if you're interested, you can watch the rest of Saturday's broadcast <a href="http://www.lds.org/broadcasts/archive/general-young-women-meeting/2013/03?cid=HP000012&lang=eng" target="_blank">HERE</a>. </center>
Megan Allenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04656694106410265818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3030485466758433857.post-53222162404892999162013-03-27T21:40:00.000-06:002013-03-27T21:43:09.271-06:00Wednesday Wisdom<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<img src="http://cdn.iwastesomuchtime.com/10242012001998.jpg" /></div>
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<a href="http://iwastesomuchtime.com/on/?i=54758" target="_blank">(source)</a></div>
Megan Allenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04656694106410265818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3030485466758433857.post-68279657060691480612013-03-20T14:00:00.000-06:002013-03-20T14:00:01.047-06:00Wednesday Wisdom<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl11hu3QaCsT0_IblJCMsyEZrn6cNPn7qaVVhzXsiwIFNBVKtvidgNoGcnaU1XVn78QJ2CBiVfRqGtkdm4G4TZLZal4Lcxb_aL_07Jj9-sUhB9b-SgkQ4y6gAi_N_kOF4fa1MqztLlToA/s1600/1e7ede73adca917994d1a692e14d42e9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl11hu3QaCsT0_IblJCMsyEZrn6cNPn7qaVVhzXsiwIFNBVKtvidgNoGcnaU1XVn78QJ2CBiVfRqGtkdm4G4TZLZal4Lcxb_aL_07Jj9-sUhB9b-SgkQ4y6gAi_N_kOF4fa1MqztLlToA/s640/1e7ede73adca917994d1a692e14d42e9.jpg" width="425" /></a></div>
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Megan Allenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04656694106410265818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3030485466758433857.post-87911181520436183312013-03-19T00:22:00.000-06:002013-03-19T00:22:04.446-06:00Pants & Prayers & Perplexities It all started with pants.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwcxzWYXSzCWlgD8jRn1-3bUBgdaqAvT0aDeYNg12JgQeSMSw5GDKGxoMz0aNsmQ68TzsDqCYEnu3oUPiS1jNlrD7Bb0pp7gUyTiOWjL-G99B9fVvba8a17LfAC5LXxoXGAo6zrh2ejmo/s1600/Untitled.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="257" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwcxzWYXSzCWlgD8jRn1-3bUBgdaqAvT0aDeYNg12JgQeSMSw5GDKGxoMz0aNsmQ68TzsDqCYEnu3oUPiS1jNlrD7Bb0pp7gUyTiOWjL-G99B9fVvba8a17LfAC5LXxoXGAo6zrh2ejmo/s640/Untitled.png" width="540" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://mormon.org/" target="_blank">LDS</a> women all over decided they were tired of being "different" in the eyes of the church. </div>
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They organized this whole deal, encouraging women to wear pants to church on a specific Sunday. </div>
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Supposedly it was going to be a way to "stick it to the man" and be express their disgruntlement with gender inequality in the church. </div>
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<br />
Here are a couple articles about it in case you missed it...<br />
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<a href="http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/news/55477393-78/church-pants-sunday-wear.html.csp" target="_blank">Salt Lake Tribune</a><br />
<a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2012/12/20/us/19mormon.html?_r=0" target="_blank">New York Times</a><br />
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I figured it was just a phase, but then it came to prayers. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_LYdAen9_ANCQ_Vwc1rWAj6iAW7TaGdv6Vzghx8YdBSel-wdr7aRhtCNqdS5J1ojgRmohlB4at9FIYi1kCd0kbSeuJO_MCG08k3_YVMcCKNc7l3ybRJnqgJiedI3IvOAQP8bqQV6XVfU/s1600/Untitled.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="257" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_LYdAen9_ANCQ_Vwc1rWAj6iAW7TaGdv6Vzghx8YdBSel-wdr7aRhtCNqdS5J1ojgRmohlB4at9FIYi1kCd0kbSeuJO_MCG08k3_YVMcCKNc7l3ybRJnqgJiedI3IvOAQP8bqQV6XVfU/s320/Untitled.png" width="540" /></a></div>
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All of a sudden women were angry that our gender wasn't being represented in General Conference and other meetings. </div>
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To be honest, I'd never even noticed that women weren't praying. </div>
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Even once it was pointed out it me, I thought "Meh. Just the way it goes, I guess."</div>
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Apparently their efforts paid off today.</div>
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<a href="http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/news/56026380-78/women-general-conference-pray.html.csp" target="_blank">April Mormon conference may make history: women will pray</a></div>
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(even though the article says "Church spokesman Scott Trotter would not confirm or deny the female prayers.")</div>
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And it's not that I have a problem with women praying in Conference. </div>
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The problem I have is that they think there is a problem with gender equality. </div>
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Historically, our church is all about the men.<br />They have the<a href="http://mormon.org/searchresults#?query=priesthood&filter=faq" target="_blank"> Priesthood</a>, they are the leaders. </div>
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But the way I see it, that's not in any way saying that women are inferior or less important. </div>
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Yes, it's sort of stereotypical that we have the babies, raise them, cook the dinner, clean the house, and play the mom role, but SO WHAT?</div>
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What's wrong with that?</div>
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I am so proud to be a woman in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. </div>
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There is nothing wrong with the role that we have. </div>
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It is difficult and incredibly important to have that in the church. </div>
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I can't wait to be married in the temple, have those babies and make that dinner. </div>
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At the same time though, I plan on having a career. </div>
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Guess what? You can do both. </div>
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It's not an issue of equality, it's just differences. </div>
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If you're in to this sort of thing and the 'issues,' that's great. </div>
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I just don't get it.<br />I don't see any injustice or anything being done wrong. </div>
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This church is led by incredible men <i>and</i> women who have the Lord on their side. </div>
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That's the only opinion that really matters to me. </div>
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Ok, rant over. Carry on :)</div>
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Megan Allenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04656694106410265818noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3030485466758433857.post-38795396870674488722013-03-13T12:58:00.000-06:002013-03-13T12:58:16.099-06:00Wednesday Wisdom<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Megan Allenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04656694106410265818noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3030485466758433857.post-46464649210575172552013-03-05T23:47:00.001-07:002013-03-05T23:47:10.700-07:00A Welcome DistractionSometimes when you're studying for a midterm, you pull up the Mormon Messages website to listen to in the background.<br />
Sounds like a smart idea, right?<br />
A distraction, but not too much of one.<br />
False.<br />
Because you turn them on, randomly click on videos, and each one is something you desperately needed to hear.<br />
Then you find yourself replaying them, over and over.<br />
And then you're just sitting there crying.<br />
And then 45 minutes later you realize you haven't actually gotten anywhere with the studying.<br />
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But that's all ok.<br />
Because along with that, you realize that<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">your Heavenly Father loves you. always.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">you are not alone.
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<span style="font-size: large;">everything will work out.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">you are a child of God.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">among the hard things, are good and wonderful blessings.</span><br />
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And I could keep going on and on and on.<br />
But I won't, because I really do need to study.<br />
But go <a href="http://www.mormonchannel.org/video/mormon-messages" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">HERE</span></a> if you want to watch more!Megan Allenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04656694106410265818noreply@blogger.com0