14 Day Walk with Christ

"The only way that we can really know another person is to walk in their shoes: Think what they think, learn what they know, and what they would say, do what they would do. Christ said "Be ye therefore perfect." We can only accomplish this as we become like Him."

So I have a cute friend named Megan :) She is waiting for a missionary, which is how I've met her! But besides that, I follow her blog as well! I came across a post she made one day.

She talked about getting it from another fellow MG but since I don't know who that is, I'll just give this credit to her! Anyway, she's doing this 14 Day Walk with Christ and as I kept reading it sounded so interesting! She said she's done it a few times, and if you plan on doing it more than once in your life, that you should keep a journal for it! :) I emailed her for the packet and printed it off.

Basically you read the page everyday for 14 days, and do exactly what it says, and you become closer to Christ, and become more like him and each attribute he holds :)

I've been really having a hard time with work and friends lately, and I've been better about reading my scriptures, fasting and paying my tithing. I'm really putting forth the effort in order to receive the blessings by doing so. I know this is something I need. I did a Book of Mormon challenge with a friend back in November, and it was definitely an answer to my prayers!! I'm really hoping this will help me out, and I'm really excited to do this! :) So, thanks again Megan for blogging about it! This could be exactly what I need in order to lift my spirit higher! :)

"Charity is something one becomes."
- Elder Dallin H. Oaks

4th of July :)

So yesterday was a great day!
4th of July! Happy Birthday America! :)
Haha, fabulous! So grateful for those who serve in behalf of this country, so we can continue to live on this beautiful land :)

I decided to visit my Andy's grave yesterday, since it was the 4th of July. I went to the store and bought some fake flowers. Little cheesy, but looking back, I'm very glad I did. I made him a card to go with the roses. I got roses because that was the flower he always drew on everything he owned. Anyway, then I bought soda for an MG party that I went to! :)

It was so good for me to visit my friend's grave site. I cry every time. But I'm not a mess coming home anymore. I cry when I'm there, but when I leave I'm totally fine! It's been an adjustment. I used to come home feeling low, but I don't feel that way anymore. It was a really good thing for me to do yesterday. It was sunny, nice breeze and not having anyone around was nice too! I took some pictures, as I always do. But then I said a prayer as I left. To be honest, I hate leaving the grave site once I'm there. Idk what it is, or why. But I hate like... leaving. It's a little awkward but I like being there. I never say "goodbye" but it's always really hard for me to get back in my car and drive away! :/ Anyway, it just is really good for me to be there :) It's pretty soothing now. I feel comforted, and it's just good to be there since I still miss him, and prolly will for a while. Hahaha, I hope his family doesn't think I'm weird that I visit it so much, but I can't help it. I only knew Andy for so long, and this is all I have left of him. Here are some photographs.

After, I spent quite some time trying to find Taelor's house! Hahaha, it was quite the adventure! She ended up living pretty close to the graveyard so that was nice! But I finally got there and was greeted by her, Alix and the SoCal MG's!!! :) It was so exciting to see them and finally meet them!! They live in Southern California (hence the SoCal!) and they flew out to Utah for a week on vacation and to meet all of us, so I was happy they were able to come to the party!! :) It was such a blast! We ended up having like 15 or more girls show up! It was so nice to be surrounded by girls who also have missionaries. We're all at different stages in the waiting process, but that didn't matter to any of us! We all had so much fun, and bonded!! :) I laughed a lot. Took a lot of pictures. Ate tons of food, and just enjoyed myself! We had a bbq, took pictures, then looked at them, introduced ourselves/missionaries, etc. Then we went to the DATC to watch the fireworks! :) It was a blast and I was really sad to leave because idk what I'll be seeing those girls again! :) But I'm just sure glad I went! Thanks Taelor, for having us all at your house! :)

We all love our missionaries :)

England MG's! :)

Philippine and Colorado girls! :)

Taelor & I :)

All of us on the tramp!

Fail on the pyramid!

The Ashley's!

Watching the fireworks!

The Ashley's! :)

Love you girls :)

Then I came home to even MORE wonderful news :)

If Tomorrow Never Comes - Norma Cornett Marek

If I knew it would be the last time
that I'd see you fall asleep,
I would tuck you in more tightly,
and pray the Lord your soul to keep.

If I knew it would be the last time
that I'd see you walk out the door,
I would give you a hug and kiss,
and call you back for just one more.

If I knew it would be the last time
I'd hear your voice lifted up in praise,
I would tape each word and action,
and play them back throughout my days.

If I knew it would be the last time,
I would spare an extra minute or two,
To stop and say "I love you,"
instead of assuming you know I do.

So just in case tomorrow never comes,
and today is all I get,
I'd like to say how much I love you,
and I hope we never will forget.

Tomorrow is not promised to anyone,
young or old alike,
And today may be the last chance
you get to hold your loved one tight.

So if you're waiting for tomorrow,
why not do it today?
For if tomorrow never comes,
you'll surely regret the day,
That you didn't take that extra time for a smile,
a hug, or a kiss,
And you were too busy to grant sometime,
what turned out to be their one last wish.

So hold your loved ones close today
and whisper in their ear,
That you love them very much,
and you'll always hold them dear.
Take time to say "I'm sorry,"..."Please forgive me,"...
"thank you" or "it's okay".
And if tomorrow never comes,
you'll have no regrets about today.

This poem really hit home for me. The part that I underlined makes me think of my Andy. The last time I saw him in person was when he left my house after we went to a play together. I had no idea that would have been the last time I would have seen him. The last time I would have hugged him. Seen him smile. Hear his voice. Hold his hand. And just be happy that he's in my life. I never knew at that moment, it was my last. I made some choices that I'm working on not regretting anymore, but I still can't help but hit myself in the head and say "I can't believe you."

I know it's almost been two years since he's been gone, but I miss him everyday. It will take a long time for it not to hurt anymore, but there is no way I can forget everything. So, I post this as a hope that all my readers will start to spend their time wisely with the ones they love. Don't hesitate to say I love you, hug them, hold their hand, smile, have a conversation, take pictures or videos, and just be in their life. Because when you lose them, there's no turning back, and you'll want to make sure that you tried your hardest because if you don't... you will regret it.

Lucky Number 7 :)

"Those notes you wrote me; I've kept them all.

I've given a lot of thought of how to write you back this fall.

With every single letter in every single word,

There will be a hidden message about a boy that loves a girl"

Today is a great day kiddos :]

My sweet man has been away from here for 7 months! It has gone by so quickly! Month 6 is the fastest to go by! I cannot believe how close I am to his year mark :) Everything is just going so swell!!

The picture I posted is of us at our favorite place. I wanted to go there so badly tonight, but it's still extremely weird being there without him, because the only person I ever went there with was him ♥ I really appreciate all the support I've received from those who care about him and I, and this process. It's really comforting when people ask me how I'm doing, or they just simply say, "I understand." It makes this journey a lot easier.

I feel great though :) Life is going good, I'm just missing him in my life right now. But it's okay :) I've got a great job! I love my job! :) Happy people, I love serving the members as well! I've joined the YSA Ward in my Stake and it's fabulous, I've actually received a calling. (First time announcing it ANYWHERE online.) And I've been doing my best by putting myself out there and going to the activities and making friends. It's been wonderful! :) I'm really excited for school in the fall, even though it will prolly be hard, I'm ready to make these last two months of summer wonderful, and then put everything I have into schooling.

I worry that I'm wishing these two years away too much.
I do in fact wish it'd go faster, but not all the way. I think the excitement of having Brady home and possibly marrying him with die fast, and it will be just like it was before he left (not that I'm complaining), but I want to make these two years worth the wait. Worth while, and then when he gets home I can get excited and such, I don't want to spend two years keeping my heart on edge. This whole process has been crazy for me. I've written missionaries since I was a Miamaid in Young Women's. I know the drill, I know what it's like not to get letters anymore, I know what helps them, and what doesn't. And all that stuff, but actually having a missionary is a complete 180 degree turn. But I'm extremely grateful for it! :)

Brady recently sent me two letters and they are by far the best (except the Valentine's letter! :) That one will always be my favorite!) and I know they'll keep me going for the next week/1.5 weeks until I receive another one! Also, he said he'd be sending me something around my birthday if he can, and that's in a little over a month!!! AND I get an email he sent me way before he left, on my birthday!!! :) Waaahhhoooooo ♥ I can do this. I can wait for those things. And by the time I'm done with fall semester, Brady will only have 10.5-11 months left :) Hahaha yippeeeeee! I'm a happy camper! :)

Anyways, there is my 7 month post. OH, we've also been together for 13 months, and he has.... 17 months left!!! :O awesome.

I can't even begin to tell you how lucky I am to have such a wonderful, gentle, caring, loving and freaken good looking boy in my life! :) 512 days left ♥

Numbers 23 & 24 ♥

Exciting post today! :) And tomorrow! ;)

I had a long day at work. 9 hours. :/ Yuck. Anyway, it was pretty brutal. Lots of people. Lots of money. Too many things to do. Being too busy. Cranky people. Nice people. And much more could describe my day. I was pretty tired and sick of everything when I got home, just hoping there would be a letter waiting for me.

As soon as I walked in, I went to change out of my work clothes. I entered the kitchen, looked at where I'd be sitting for dinner, and my eyes shot from the table to the counter. And fell upon these beaut's! :)

You betcha that's a blue sticker!
I got a letter from Brady! I just knew today would be the day, and if it wasn't, that I would wait until next week. But I just knew I'd get one today, and I did! He didn't have time last week, so he sent both letters in one envelope. Even though I hate waiting longer, I've learned to love getting the two letters after 1.5 weeks :) It makes up for checking the mailbox everyday! :)

He's just amazing. My hard day at work, turned to a smile from cheek to cheek and reassurance that someone still cares about me :) He's obsessed with these crayons he must have. He writes in clear, and then colors over it with a solid color and whatever he wrote shows through. Hahaha, all he ever does is "Elder Ziegler." Hahaha in blue, pink and now green :) It's cute.

He asked if I knew I was the cutest girl ever. So sorry to all the other girls, apparently I'm the cutest ;) He then asked me how my new job was going, why I quit my last job, and then the two big ones. Do you exercise often? and Have you gone on any dates? - Haaa! :p

Then he says, "Babe, I just want to say that I'm sorry if I haven't always given you the respect that you deserve, okay? You are the most wonderful, beautiful girl in the world!" - Hehe :) So cute! He's wonderful ♥

Then, with the crayons, he placed a penny underneath my letter and colored on the paper so the pattern/texture showed through. And he said, "I need to show you this."  Then he says, "It's a half-penny! Isn't that funny? What if you were trying to buy something, and you found out that you're just half a penny short? Wouldn't you be so mad? ;)" - Hahahaha, he's such a jokester!! I love and miss his jokes so much! Gosh, I'm such a lucky gal :)

I love him and I'm so glad he still loves me after all this time :) This song completely explains exactly what happened with us and our first kiss :) Not even lying. We got together in June as well! :) Ah, I just love him ♥

Remember When...

On June 27, 1844, the Mormon Prophet, Joseph Smith, and his brother, Hyrum, were martyred.  Enemies of the Church rallied together and formed an angry mob that violently broke into Carthage Jail -- where the Prophet and a few of his closest friends were being held, under the presumption of safety.  Mormons honor Joseph Smith for a legacy that goes beyond his willingness to die for the cause, but also for what he accomplished in the building up of the Kingdom of God -- during his relatively short life. 

Today I can't help but ponder the life of this Beloved Prophet and all that he did for me. He made sacrifices beyond repair, and he followed the Lord willingly, even when he wanted to give up most. Last night I decided to watch the Joseph Smith: The Restoration movie, and I'm sure glad I did. I bawled. It's a short 62 minute movie, but it changes my life every time I watch it.

The current Prophet of the Mormon Church, Thomas S. Monson, had this to say about Joseph Smith:

"The Father and the Son, Jesus Christ, had appeared to Joseph Smith. The morning of the dispensation of the fulness of times had come, dispelling the darkness of the long generations of spiritual night.

"Volumes have been written concerning the life and accomplishments of Joseph Smith, but for our purposes here today perhaps a highlight or two will suffice: He was visited by the angel Moroni. He translated, from the precious plates to which he was directed, the Book of Mormon, with its new witness of Christ to all the world. He was the instrument in the hands of the Lord through whom came mighty revelations pertaining to the establishment of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. In the course of his ministry he was visited by John the Baptist, Moses, Elijah, Peter, James, and John, that the Restoration of all things might be accomplished. He endured persecution; he suffered grievously, as did his followers. He trusted in God. He was true to his prophetic calling. He commenced a marvelous missionary effort to the entire world, which today brings light and truth to the souls of mankind. At length, Joseph Smith died the martyr's death." Ensign, April 1997

I truly believe all of that. Joseph Smith did so much for this future generation. I will only let my heart fill up with gratitude from this day forward. That man is amazing. I cannot wait to meet him in Heaven! ♥

Praise to the Man

Praise to the man who communed with Jehovah! Jesus anointed that Prophet and Seer. Blessed to open the last dispensation, Kings shall extol him, and nations revere. 

Hail to the Prophet, ascended to heaven! Traitors and tyrants now fight him in vain. Mingling with Gods, he can plan for his brethren; Death cannot conquer the hero again. (Chorus) 

Praise to his mem'ry, he died as a martyr; Honored and blest be his ever great name! Long shall his blood, which was shed by assassins, Plead unto heav'n while the earth lauds his fame.
(Chorus) 

Great is his glory and endless his priesthood. Ever and ever the keys he will hold. Faithful and true he will enter his kingdom, Crowned in the midst of the prophets of old.
(Chorus) 

Sacrifice brings forth the blessings of heaven; Earth must atone for the blood of that man. Wake up the world for the conflict of justice. Millions shall know "Brother Joseph" again.
(Chorus)

I have a firm testimony of this gospel. I know it to be true with every fiber in me. I know that Jesus is the Christ, and that he atoned for all sins upon the earth. I know that through the Atonement we can be healed. Not only forgiven, but healed. I know my Heavenly Father loves me unconditionally perfect, and I have to consistently remind myself everyday, that no matter what, His love is the only precious thing to me. I know the Book of Mormon brings peace into the lives of those who read it with intent of knowing the truth. I have seen the miracles it's created in others' lives, and in my own. I promise to myself, and my Heavenly Father that I will testify of this book until my life here on earth ends. Then shall I teach those in the spirit world. This gospel truly does bring joy to my life, and living it fully everyday keeps me happy, positive, and content :) I say these things in the sacred name of Jesus Christ, Amen.


(Information Credit: A Well-Behaved Mormon Woman)

Crazy Busy!

I had the best week ever! I was really busy, and it just felt great! :) I started working this week. I had Monday and Wednesday off, but Tuesday, Thursday and Friday I trained, then Saturday I was let loose to fend for myself! It actually went well, and I balanced perfectly :) It was awesome! I love my new job! The people are wonderful, the atmosphere is just happy and uplifting, and I love helping others, and just working longer shifts. I love my new grown up job! :) Hahaha, plus I can have this job forever!! So it's really nice! :)

Well, Tuesday my nephew came over and he's just stinkin' cute! :) Then Wednesday night I met with my Singles Ward Bishop, to talk about my service project! I'm so excited, and to all my readers, I really would appreciate if you could help me out!! I will give you a hint, It's for Primary Children's Medical Center :) I will post more about it, when I have everything final! :) I'm so excited!! Thursday night my family and I went to the pre-release of Kid History 5 :) It was so awesome! I actually got to meet the actors, and take a picture with them! Check it out (it's kind of blurry).

The crew of episode 5.

Anyway, it was just great! :) So fun! Then Friday I went to the He Is We concert!! It was amazing! It was my first concert EVER. I went with Katie, Kenia and Emily! It was so fun! :) We were pretty close to the stage and there weren't a lot of people. By the end of the night there was! Anyway, the had three bands open for them! The first one was The Lovecapades, and then Andrew Allen (He is AMAZING ♥) and then another band that I did NOT like! We were standing for two hours before He Is We finally came out, and it was frustrating but oh well! :) When they came out it was awesome! They sang my favorite song!! It's called All About Us! The second she started describing the songs, I just knew which one it was going to be! :) It was just so fun and I'm so glad I went! :) We ended up meeting more girls that have missionary's out too! It was neat! Here are some photos:

Other MG's!

Guitarist of He Is We

Andrew Allen! :)

Then Saturday, I worked again and then I had a friend over later that night. It was supposed to be a lot of other girls coming, but no one showed... I was kinda sad about it, but quickly got over it! Emerlie is such a sweetheart! It was fun! We dyed shoes. I dyed mine yellow, and she did turquoise! :)
Here are some photos, and I'll be posting the tutorial later this week! :)

Then today was Sunday :) Beautiful day! I went to Kyle's homecoming (Brady's brother) and he did such a great job! :) You could tell he was so nervous the whole time, but he did great! It honestly was so weird to meet him. He doesn't look like Brady very much. He looks more like Austin. Anyway, he stands like Brady, looks EXACTLY like Brady from behind... (bummer! Hahaha) hopefully he won't make me think of Brady too much. Hahaha that's just weird! Anyway, it was nice to finally meet him! :) And it was SO good to see his family again! They're such wonderful people! Especially his extended family! :) I think they like me!! Hahahahaha silly. :] Anyway, I then headed over to a friends farewell, and joined in a musical number, which was fabulous, then headed to my sisters to make a baby shower gift! :) Unfortunately, I missed the shower because of work and late notice, but I'm still giving her a gift :) I've made a car seat cover :) It's awesome! So stinkin' cute and I'm so grateful my sister let me use her machine, and helped me make it! :)

 

The finished product!

Then I came home, and here I am blogging! :)
Also, one last thing...

Today,

This cute boy is 4 months old :)
He's getting SO big! It's exciting!

Anyway, I had a fabulous week! Busiest I've ever experienced!! I also got some Institute time in, which was nice, but anyway, I had a great week! This is a really long post, and hopefully I'll start being busier, posting somewhat less, and being on the computer less. Facebook is a priority to go. Too many factors of why, so just don't ask.. Hahahaha :/ Anyway, I miss Brady! 7 months done on Saturday! :) Whoot whoot!
Have a great week!