Tuesday, September 30, 2008

mixed feelings...

On one hand I'm really excited because it's conference weekend this weekend and I get to see my brother along with a ton of other people who I absolutely love and miss like crazy! And I get to go to conference! I love general conference! It's amazing!

On the other hand I'm really frustrated because of quite a few things. I've decided that I hate making decisions! There are so many things that I wish I had answers for because I don't know what to do. And I really want to make the best choice and not do something that it only just good or that I'll regret later.

But thankfully, Heavenly Father is always watching over me, and I received some answers today at devotional. I am so grateful for devotional and the great atmosphere that is here at BYU-I. I know Heavenly Father loves me and just wants what's best for me. I just have to be patient. That's what I've learned. And now that I've come to that conclusion, I just have to remember that. Things will be great if I can just wait and not be in such a rush to do everything.

It still hasn't snowed yet, and I'm so grateful for the warm weather! I know once the snow starts to come I'll miss home SO much!

Also, I think I'm going to start a gratitude journal. I've heard this over and over again, and I've always thought it's such a good idea, but I never actually do it. I started it today, and it made me cheer up a little. I really feel blessed beyond what I deserve. I'm so grateful for everything, but I just have to remember all that I've been given!

Time for some homework...

Monday, September 29, 2008

homesick :(

Corey was ordained an elder today!  But the bummer is that I wasn't able to be there.  :(  He called around 4 and said, yeah, so I got ordained today, like it was no big deal.  Haha! I love Corey!  But I couldn't believe he hadn't told me earlier.  

I guess all of the family was there and that doesn't happen very often.  The weirdest part was to hear that Jarom was part of the circle.  I love Jarom and Will, but I'm not used to Tayler being married!  It's so weird, but it's exciting! Anyway, hearing that all of the family was together made me miss home, and I never EVER get homesick.  

I'm so grateful I was able to be home for Corey's senior year of high school, and I got to go to his Eagle Scout Court of Honor and his high school graduation!  And I get to go home and be there when he gets set apart as a missionary! I'm very excited for him, even though I'm going to miss him like crazy!  I love you Corey!

Monday, September 22, 2008

The Book of Mormon

This past week, I wasn't as diligent in my study of the scriptures as I usually am. I was reminded multiple times this week of the blessings that come from consistent and regular scripture study. I was talking to a really good friend of mine tonight, and he randomly asked if I had any quotes about the Book of Mormon. So, I was going through notes, talks, Ensigns, the scriptures, etc, and I found so many. I was reminded again tonight of the power of the Book of Mormon.

I am so grateful to be alive during this time when we have the Book of Mormon and the fulness of the gospel. I know this church is the only true and living church upon the face of the earth. I know that Joseph Smith was a prophet, and it was through him that the gospel was restored. I know we have a prophet who speaks to us today, President Thomas S. Monson. I am so grateful for the opportunity we will have to hear from him and other leaders of the church in two weeks.

"No other written testament so clearly illustrates the fact that when men and nations walk in the fear of God and in obedience to His commandments, they prosper and grow, but when they disregard Him and His word, there comes a decay that, unless arrested by righteousness, leads to impotence and death." -Gordon B. Hinckley Ensign August 2005

"To those who may not be familiar with the Book of Mormon but are sincerely seeking truth, reading it will have a profound effect on your life. It will expand your knowledge of the way God deals with man and will give you a greater desire to live in harmony with his gospel teaching. It will also provide for you a powerful testimony of Jesus." -Howard W. Hunter Ensign March 1989

"Thousands have tried this approach to truth; and have found the testimonies they sought. So far, no one who, with flaming desire, sincere prayer, earnest study, and fearless practice, has sought the truth of 'Mormonism' has failed to find it. Some, for lack of courage, though truth stared them in the face, have kept it to themselves. But, the approach never fails, so declares fearlessly the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints." -John A. Widtsoe Evidences and Reconciliations p. 17

"The Book of Mormon identifies the love of riches and the pride it engenders as the cause of the spiritual and temporal downfall of the people of God." -Dallin H. Oaks Pure In Heart p. 79

"By the power of God I translated the Book of Mormon from hieroglyphics, the knowledge of which was lost to the world, in which wonderful event I stood alone, an unlearned youth, to combat the worldly wisdom and multiplied the ignorance of eighteen centuries, with a new revelation." -Joseph Smith Teachings of Presidents of the Church p. 60

"From the Book of Mormon we learn how disciples of Christ live in times of war... And more than anywhere else, we see in the Book of Mormon the dangers of materialism and setting our hearts on the things of this world. Can anyone doubt that this book was meant for us and that in it we find great power, great comfort, and great protection?" -Erza Taft Benson Teachings of Ezra Taft Benson p. 59

"I told the brethren that the Book of Mormon was the most correct of any book on the earth, and the keystone of our religion, and a man would get nearer to God by abiding by its precepts, than by any other book." -Joseph Smith Introduction to the Book of Mormon

"The Book of Mormon is additional evidence that God loves all of His children and has provided a way for us to return and live with Him once again." -Elder Craig C. Christensen (70) Ensign May 2008

"The Book of Mormon is tangible evidence that Joseph Smith was chosen by the hand of the Lord to restore the Church of Jesus Christ to the earth in these latter days." -Elder Craig C. Christensen (70) Ensign May 2008

"The Book of Mormon was written for us today. God is the author of the book. It is a record of a fallen people, compiled by inspired men for our blessing today. Those people never had the book—it was meant for us. Mormon, the ancient prophet after whom the book is named, abridged centuries of records. God, who knows the end from the beginning, told him what to include in his abridgment that we would need for our day." -Ezra Taft Benson Ensign May 1975

"Among the lessons we learn from the Book of Mormon are the cause and effect of war and under what conditions it is justified. It tells of evils and dangers of secret combinations, which are built up to get power and gain over the people. It tells of the reality of Satan and gives an indication of some of the methods he uses. It advises us on the proper use of wealth. It tells us of the plain and precious truths of the gospel and the reality and divinity of Jesus Christ and His atoning sacrifice for all mankind. It informs us of the gathering of the house of Israel in the last days. It tells us of the purpose and principles of missionary work. It warns us against pride, indifference, procrastination, the dangers of false traditions, hypocrisy, and unchastity." -L. Tom Perry November 2005

"Truly the people of Mexico and other Latin American countries are among the descendants of prophets. The Book of Mormon is their inheritance. Jesus Christ did minister unto their fathers...Jesus Christ gave us the Book of Mormon as the instrument to gather scattered Israel...The Book of Mormon is its own witness to the people of Latin America and of all nations. Its very coming forth in these latter days bears witness that God has once again begun to gather scattered Israel." -C. Scott Grow (70) Ensign November 2005

"The Book of Mormon stands as an added testament of Jesus Christ. Through its pages march the testimonies of prophets of the New World. Majestic in its sweep of history, its chapters are filled with the tragedy of war, with divine warnings, and with God-given promises. It speaks as a voice from the dust to a world that needs to listen." -Gordon B. Hinckley Ensign January 1989

Saturday, September 20, 2008

new roomies

I guess I never even mentioned my new roommates. That just tells you how much I love them. That's horrible! I don't really click with any of them. Raeah is my actual room roommate. She's just a little bit younger than me. She's engaged, so she's never around. She's getting married on December 20th. Yay for her!

Then there's Tahnee. She's a freshman, and this is her first semester away from home. She's a sweet girl. She's had a hard time being away from home.

And Becca and I were roommates over the break. Erica moved to a different apartment complex because the kitchen here was too small for her. I miss Erica! She's amazing!

I am the oldest out of the four of us, which is weird because I feel like I was just the youngest. But it feels good to be older and not be fresh out of high school, to have experienced a little bit of real life. Haha!

Anyway, things are alright. Life is a balancing act, and I'm trying to master that.

Wednesday, September 17, 2008

tender mercies

I kind of had a rough night on Monday out of the blue, well not completely suddenly. But everything was smooth sailing, and FHE was pretty good. Two little things happened, and they were kind of the last straw, the cherry on top, you get the picture. Anyway, I hit my breaking point I guess you could say.

But I know Heavenly Father loves me. From the moment I started feeling alone, people slowly came to my aid. It wasn't anything big. There wasn't just one person who felt like they needed to come by my house to see me because they just had a feeling I was having a hard time. It was nothing like that. But just little things. Things people said or did without even knowing the situation. Tender mercies of the Lord. A night's rest always makes me feel better, even if it's just a little bit. I woke up pretty upset still, but today I continued to feel Heavenly Father's love for me through others.

It's kind of ironic because on Monday in my dating and courtship class, we were talking about Satan and how he'll stop at nothing to stop your eternal progression. Whether that means tearing your family apart, turning your friends against you, making you feel like you're worth nothing, etc. And I was feeling invincible up until Monday night.

I'm so grateful for such a loving Heavenly Father! I am so grateful that He knows me, and He knows when to step in and help and when to stand back and watch. I'm so grateful for the gospel in my life. It has brought me true happiness that I know I wouldn't be able to feel through any other means. I love the Book of Mormon and the scriptures! They are such a blessing! I know that prayer works and is real. Heavenly Father does answer, even the unoffered prayer. I'm grateful for the tender mercies of the Lord in my life on a daily and even minute by minute basis.

Monday, September 15, 2008

the lives we see around us are not perfect

Sometimes I wish people could just realize one simple thing and then act on it. That would be to realize that just because someone is smiling and seems to have everything going just right, doesn't mean they are. In fact, most of the time something is wrong. But nobody wants to admit something is wrong, and nobody wants anybody to see them in their weakness. So, everyone else just carries on with their busy life and ignores the people around them who might need them most.

Saturday, September 13, 2008

productivity=one happy Christina!

I figured out the key to my success! Actually, it's the key to everyone's success! Ready, drum roll please....









































Productivity! We tend to procrastinate because we'd rather not do what we know we need to, so we waste time on other things that aren't important. Today was wonderful! I went to the library to work on a group project for spanish, and then I went to the testing center and took a quiz for calculus. Then I came home and wrote missionaries and ate. I went to the temple, which Rexburg wasn't taking walk-ins because it was so busy, so I drove to IF and back. That was good! I love the temple! Then I came home, and I had a letter in the mail from a missionary, which made my day. Then I did homework for all five classes! And now I am going to study my lessons for church tomorrow and read my scriptures. I'm so happy, and today was great! I just can't forget this! I have to be productive and not procrastinate!

Thursday, September 11, 2008

just a little worried

Deja vu... that sums up what this is. I seriously have been there, done that, and now I'm doing it again. It's such a weird feeling.

I just need to find a way to make this work because things are great, but I need to figure out how to plan the rest of my day once I'm home from work and school. I seriously wanted to cry today because I felt like I was just repeating the fall of 2006, which wasn't terrible, but I still don't want to go there again.

Anyway, tomorrow's Friday, and I am so thankful for that. It's been kind of a long week, and I've felt like a hermit. But I'll get this under control and learn how to prioritize and use my time wisely. Time management can be a hard thing sometimes. I've yet to master it, but I'm working on it.

Life is wonderful!

Monday, September 8, 2008

I finally love school again!!!!

Today was the first day of school, and it was great! I love school again, and I'm back to the old happy me! I feel great! Life is wonderful! I just love everything and everyone! I'm so blessed!

I would write more, but I have homework and a bed time now, so I gotta run!

Monday, September 1, 2008

it's permanent!

Last night I got a text from my boss asking if I wanted a permanent job at the bookstore. Of course, I said, yes. He said, you've earned it. I'm so excited! I get to stay at the bookstore!

Last week we moved locations all day Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday. It was so tiring, but it was so much fun! I got to decide where things in the tech department go. I worked 46 hours last week! Crazy! I think that is funny because it's only one job, and when I had two jobs back home I wasn't even working full-time. I feel very blessed!

I start school in exactly a week from today, and I can't wait!

An Unrelenting Longing

Earlier this year, I blocked my parents from being able to text or call me and from seeing my social media. I had prided myself for years th...