- Emma Watson
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Modest is Hottest
- Emma Watson
Monday, July 18, 2011
My 25th Letter ♥
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| Post-It! :) |
If you've seen Grey's Anatomy... you would understand the "post-it!"
A Letter Moment Brought to You By:
Elder Ziegler
Elder Ziegler
"By the way, we're going to travel all over Africa some day. I need to go to Nigeria & Ghana."
Hahaha, okay :)
Hiking the Y!
So I've decided to start crossing things off my list... and the first to go was hiking the Y on the mountain. This is something I've wanted to do for almost a year now. It looks awesome and fun and a lot of people have done it! So I put it on my "To-do" list while Brady is gone. He'd be proud that I chose to hike the Y and not the U. Hahaha
Anyway, I had a sweet friend, Aubrey come with me. She lives like right underneath the Y so she just led the way! Hahaha when we first got there she told me it's really tough at the beginning. So I braced myself as much as I could. I brought two water bottles. One frozen, one just cold. And let me tell you, I went through the cold one REAL fast! It was super tough at the beginning. I did not expect to be that out of shape. It's awful! So I almost died like a trillion times, and I should have taken my inhaler, but I didn't so I have to remember next time!
It took a while, and a few people past us but we finally made it! And boy was it pure joy to see that big, white, Y on the mountain! They have the final post at the "fork" where you can choose to go up hill another trillion miles (or so it feels) and go to the top of the Y or another, flat, more awesome trail that goes to the bottom. And as a first timer I decided the bottom would be rather nice. I needed to sit down anyway. It was really cool. We sat on the Y and just overlooked the city!! Provo is so pretty from up high :) Trees are everywhere and the atmosphere is so nice! :) I've come to love Provo like I've come to love Logan. I had a lot of fun, and the walk back was a piece of cake and it went really fast! I'm so glad my friend came with me :)
Anyway, I had a sweet friend, Aubrey come with me. She lives like right underneath the Y so she just led the way! Hahaha when we first got there she told me it's really tough at the beginning. So I braced myself as much as I could. I brought two water bottles. One frozen, one just cold. And let me tell you, I went through the cold one REAL fast! It was super tough at the beginning. I did not expect to be that out of shape. It's awful! So I almost died like a trillion times, and I should have taken my inhaler, but I didn't so I have to remember next time!
It took a while, and a few people past us but we finally made it! And boy was it pure joy to see that big, white, Y on the mountain! They have the final post at the "fork" where you can choose to go up hill another trillion miles (or so it feels) and go to the top of the Y or another, flat, more awesome trail that goes to the bottom. And as a first timer I decided the bottom would be rather nice. I needed to sit down anyway. It was really cool. We sat on the Y and just overlooked the city!! Provo is so pretty from up high :) Trees are everywhere and the atmosphere is so nice! :) I've come to love Provo like I've come to love Logan. I had a lot of fun, and the walk back was a piece of cake and it went really fast! I'm so glad my friend came with me :)
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| Our victory picture! |
Hiking the Y?
Check :)
Friday, July 15, 2011
The Room
Before I get to explaining the title of this post, I didn't get a chance to blog about something yesterday.
See that cute old man my mom is hugging?? Yeah, that's my dad :)
He had a celebration for his day of birth yesterday :) Hahaha, okay, so he's not an old man, but okay maybe. Hahaha I don't know. Anyway, Happy Birthday daddy! You are the best, strongest, happiest, loving, supportive, providing, hard-working, honorable, fellow Marine of a dad! :) I'm so grateful you're mine and I wouldn't have it any other way!! I love you so much!!!
Also,
it was also (can you use the same word in one sentence?) my sister-in-laws birthday yesterday too! :) She's just so sweet! I'm so happy she's apart of our family! She's really funny, and a lot like my brother so it's really easy to be around her! I love being around her and my brother, and their adorable little boy, whom we all love so much! I love that as the months go by, my sisters and I are all getting close, including Crystal! We love having her around! :) I hope her and my dad both had a spectacular day!
Okay, now to the title of this post.
Today marks day 5 of walking with my Savior, and it's been splendid. I can't wait to do this all over again. Well, today is about knowing Christ, His love for me, and where His power lies. They shared a story called "The Room" which I'm sure many of you have heard it before, but if not, please take the time to read it! I promise it's worth it :)
"In that place between wakefulness and dreams, I found myself in the room. There were no features except for the one wall covered by small index card files. These files stretched from floor to ceiling and went endlessly in both directions. As I drew the new wall of files, the first to catch my attention was one that I read, "Boys I Have Liked" I opened it and began flipping through the cards. I quickly shut it, shocked to realize that I recognized the names on each one. I then realized where I was. This lifeless room with its small files was a crude catalog system of my life. Here were written the actions of my every moment, big and small, in every detail. A sense of wonder and curiosity mixed with horror stirred within me as I began opening files and looking at their contents. Some brought joy and sweet memories, others a sense of shame and regret so intense that I looked over my shoulder to see if anyone was watching.
A file named, "Friends" was next to the one marked, "Friends I Have Betrayed." The titles ranged from the mundane to the weird. "Books I Have Read," "Lies I Have Told," "Comfort I Have Given," "Jokes I Have Laughed At," "People I Have Hurt." Some were almost funny in their exactness. "Things I Have Done In Anger," "Things I Have Muttered Under My Breath at My Parents." Often there were many more cards than I expected. Sometimes, fewer than I had hoped. I was overwhelmed by the volume of the life I had lived. Could it be possible that I had the time in my young life to write each of these thousands or millions of cards? But each card confirmed this truth, each was written in my own handwriting. Each signed with my signature.
When I pulled out the file marked, "Songs I Have Listened To," I realized the files grew to contain the contents. The cards were packed tightly, yet after two or three yards I hadn't found the end of the file. I shut it, shamed, not so much of the quality music, but more by the amount of time I knew it represented. When I came to a file marked, "Lustful Thoughts," I felt a chill run through my body. I pulled the file out inch by inch, not willing to test its size, and drew out a card. I shuddered at the details. I felt sick to think that such a moment had been recorded. A rage broke through me. "No one must see these cards. Not one must ever see this room. I have to destroy them." In a frenzy I yanked the file out. Its size didn't matter now.
I had to empty it and burn the cards. I took it out and pounded it on the floor. Not a single card would come out. I desperately pulled out a card and tried to rip it, but it was as strong as steel. Leaning my forehead against the wall, I let out a sigh, then I saw it. The title, "People I have Shared the Gospel With." The handles were brighter than those around it, newer, almost unused. I pulled on its handle and a small box fell into my hands. I couldn't count the cards it contained on one hand.
And then the tears came. I began to cry. Sobbing so deep it hurt my stomach. I fell on my knees and cried out in shame. The rows of shelves whirled around me. No one must ever know of this room. I must lock it up and hide the key. But as I pushed away the tears, I saw Him. No, please, not here. Oh anyone but Jesus! I watched helplessly as He began to open the files and read the cards. I couldn't bear to watch His response. In the moments that I could bring myself to look at His face, I saw sorrow deeper than my own. He seemed to go to the worst boxes. Why did He have to read everyone? Finally He turned and looked at me with pity in His eyes. But this wasn't a pity that angered me. I dropped my head and began to cry again. But He didn't say a word. He just cried with me. Then He got up and walked back to the wall of files. Starting at one end of the room, He took out a card and one by one He began to sign His name over mine. "NO!" I shouted, rushing at Him. All I could find to say was, "NO, NO," as I pulled the card from Him.
His name shouldn't be on those cards. But there it was, written in red so rich, so dark, so alive. The name JESUS covered mine. It was written with His blood. He gently took the cards back. He smiled a sad smile and began to sign all the cards. I do not think I will ever understand how He did it so quickly. But the next instance it seemed, I heard Him close the last file and walk back to my side. He placed His hand on my shoulder and said, "It is finished." I stood up and He led me out of the room. There was no lock on the door. There are still cards to be written."
I don't know about you, but that story causes me to tear up every time I read it. Without fail. I'm so grateful that my Savior not only Atoned for my sins, and yours, but that He is willing to help us write cards that still need to be written. That He is willing to walk with us, to make things better. To help us turn our lives around, and just have a hug from Him. I've seen this amazing power in my life these last few days, and I'm so grateful for it. I've truly felt His loving arms in my life. I'm so grateful for the Atonement and for my Savior who so kindly offered to do such a thing for everyone. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
He had a celebration for his day of birth yesterday :) Hahaha, okay, so he's not an old man, but okay maybe. Hahaha I don't know. Anyway, Happy Birthday daddy! You are the best, strongest, happiest, loving, supportive, providing, hard-working, honorable, fellow Marine of a dad! :) I'm so grateful you're mine and I wouldn't have it any other way!! I love you so much!!!
Also,
it was also (can you use the same word in one sentence?) my sister-in-laws birthday yesterday too! :) She's just so sweet! I'm so happy she's apart of our family! She's really funny, and a lot like my brother so it's really easy to be around her! I love being around her and my brother, and their adorable little boy, whom we all love so much! I love that as the months go by, my sisters and I are all getting close, including Crystal! We love having her around! :) I hope her and my dad both had a spectacular day!
Okay, now to the title of this post.
Today marks day 5 of walking with my Savior, and it's been splendid. I can't wait to do this all over again. Well, today is about knowing Christ, His love for me, and where His power lies. They shared a story called "The Room" which I'm sure many of you have heard it before, but if not, please take the time to read it! I promise it's worth it :)
"In that place between wakefulness and dreams, I found myself in the room. There were no features except for the one wall covered by small index card files. These files stretched from floor to ceiling and went endlessly in both directions. As I drew the new wall of files, the first to catch my attention was one that I read, "Boys I Have Liked" I opened it and began flipping through the cards. I quickly shut it, shocked to realize that I recognized the names on each one. I then realized where I was. This lifeless room with its small files was a crude catalog system of my life. Here were written the actions of my every moment, big and small, in every detail. A sense of wonder and curiosity mixed with horror stirred within me as I began opening files and looking at their contents. Some brought joy and sweet memories, others a sense of shame and regret so intense that I looked over my shoulder to see if anyone was watching.
A file named, "Friends" was next to the one marked, "Friends I Have Betrayed." The titles ranged from the mundane to the weird. "Books I Have Read," "Lies I Have Told," "Comfort I Have Given," "Jokes I Have Laughed At," "People I Have Hurt." Some were almost funny in their exactness. "Things I Have Done In Anger," "Things I Have Muttered Under My Breath at My Parents." Often there were many more cards than I expected. Sometimes, fewer than I had hoped. I was overwhelmed by the volume of the life I had lived. Could it be possible that I had the time in my young life to write each of these thousands or millions of cards? But each card confirmed this truth, each was written in my own handwriting. Each signed with my signature.
When I pulled out the file marked, "Songs I Have Listened To," I realized the files grew to contain the contents. The cards were packed tightly, yet after two or three yards I hadn't found the end of the file. I shut it, shamed, not so much of the quality music, but more by the amount of time I knew it represented. When I came to a file marked, "Lustful Thoughts," I felt a chill run through my body. I pulled the file out inch by inch, not willing to test its size, and drew out a card. I shuddered at the details. I felt sick to think that such a moment had been recorded. A rage broke through me. "No one must see these cards. Not one must ever see this room. I have to destroy them." In a frenzy I yanked the file out. Its size didn't matter now.
I had to empty it and burn the cards. I took it out and pounded it on the floor. Not a single card would come out. I desperately pulled out a card and tried to rip it, but it was as strong as steel. Leaning my forehead against the wall, I let out a sigh, then I saw it. The title, "People I have Shared the Gospel With." The handles were brighter than those around it, newer, almost unused. I pulled on its handle and a small box fell into my hands. I couldn't count the cards it contained on one hand.
And then the tears came. I began to cry. Sobbing so deep it hurt my stomach. I fell on my knees and cried out in shame. The rows of shelves whirled around me. No one must ever know of this room. I must lock it up and hide the key. But as I pushed away the tears, I saw Him. No, please, not here. Oh anyone but Jesus! I watched helplessly as He began to open the files and read the cards. I couldn't bear to watch His response. In the moments that I could bring myself to look at His face, I saw sorrow deeper than my own. He seemed to go to the worst boxes. Why did He have to read everyone? Finally He turned and looked at me with pity in His eyes. But this wasn't a pity that angered me. I dropped my head and began to cry again. But He didn't say a word. He just cried with me. Then He got up and walked back to the wall of files. Starting at one end of the room, He took out a card and one by one He began to sign His name over mine. "NO!" I shouted, rushing at Him. All I could find to say was, "NO, NO," as I pulled the card from Him.
His name shouldn't be on those cards. But there it was, written in red so rich, so dark, so alive. The name JESUS covered mine. It was written with His blood. He gently took the cards back. He smiled a sad smile and began to sign all the cards. I do not think I will ever understand how He did it so quickly. But the next instance it seemed, I heard Him close the last file and walk back to my side. He placed His hand on my shoulder and said, "It is finished." I stood up and He led me out of the room. There was no lock on the door. There are still cards to be written."
I don't know about you, but that story causes me to tear up every time I read it. Without fail. I'm so grateful that my Savior not only Atoned for my sins, and yours, but that He is willing to help us write cards that still need to be written. That He is willing to walk with us, to make things better. To help us turn our lives around, and just have a hug from Him. I've seen this amazing power in my life these last few days, and I'm so grateful for it. I've truly felt His loving arms in my life. I'm so grateful for the Atonement and for my Savior who so kindly offered to do such a thing for everyone. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
Dear Friend,
So this is my life in a nutshell right now:
Sleep
Sleep
Wake up
Get ready
Eat
Work
Work
Eat
Work
Work
Work (all day)
Come home
Change clothes
Rush to Institute
Come home
Eat
Check email
Check blog/FB/Twitter
Talk with family
Get ready for bed
Study scriptures/pray
Sleep
Sleep
*Repeat*
I'm constantly going.
I am complaining and I'm not. It's a really good thing that I'm so busy, but some days it can be too much. I've never felt so busy in my life, except for school, and that's not for another month and a half (which is crazy in and of itself!!!). I'm grateful though. My job is challenging and it makes me work hard. It makes me create goals, and push myself to become better than who I am right now, and to help better the company and it's members as well.
I've been doing this 14 Day Walk with Christ, and it's been fabulous. Especially today (Day 3). Today is all about turning to Christ leaning on him, learning to rely on him, and how we can do that. The scriptures were perfect, the quote and story were very comforting. So I'm going to share the story with you. It's called, Dear Friend,
"Dear Friend, I just had to send you a note to tell you how much I love you and care about you.
I saw you yesterday as you were walking with your friends. I waited all day hoping you would want to talk with me also. It hurt me, but I still love you because I am your friend.
I saw you fall asleep last night, and I longed to touch your brow. So I spilled moonlight on your pillow and your face. Again I waited, wanting you to kneel down so that we could talk. I have so many gifts for you, but you awakened late the next day and rushed off to school. My tears were in the rain.
Today you look sad, so alone. It makes my heart ache because I understand. My friends let me down and hurt me so many times too. But, I love you. Oh, if you would only listen to me. I really love you. I try to tell you in the blue sky and in the green grass. I whisper in the leaves on the trees, and breathe it in the color of the flowers. I shout it to you in the mountain streams and give the birds love songs to sing, clothe you in warm sunshine and perfume the air with nature scents. My love for you is deeper than the oceans and bigger than the biggest want or need in your heart.
If you only knew how much I want to help you. I want you to meet my Father. He wants to help you too. My Father is that way, you know. Just call me, ask me, talk with me. Please, please don't forget me. I have so much to share with you. But, I won't hassle you any further. You are free to call me. It's up to you. I'll wait because I love you.
Your Brother, Jesus"
Amazing. I was so touched tonight. I had an off day, and that just changed my mood. One question the packet asks is, Am I seeking Christ's help in all that I think or do? Do I pray enough? Those two questions hit me pretty hard, and I plan on falling asleep pondering on them. I also plan on pondering tomorrow. This walk with Him today has been amazing. I'm feeling really loved and humbled by Him. It's definitely what I need in my life right now, and I wanted to share that with all of you. In Jesus' name, Amen. ♥
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
Happy Birthday Linsey! :)
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| These are the new patterns i'll be tackling for my next quilts :) |
Also, yesterday was a pretty eventful day! I went browsing with my mother to some stores before we went to a doctor's appointment. Then after we kind of just kicked it at home. My friend Ashley (I designed their entire blog! Haha) then came over made a bridal shower card for my friend Lexi and we went and got some pizza for my family, and freeeeee slurrpeeess!! Since it WAS 7/11, it was awesome. Watermelon Lime is what we got. Delicious! Then we had a fire, and my other friend Taylor came over! It was hilarious. We got addicted to this twitter account that had stinkin' hilarious tweets. And after that it was time for bed. So all in all, an eventful day! :)
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