A New Project.

  As you know, I am currently taking classes at Brigham Young University.  One of the classes I'm in is on the first half of the Book of Mormon.  As a part of our grade, we were asked to come up with our own self-directed project.  The purpose of this project is to help us "to act rather than just being acted upon." It is to help us to become a better  disciple of Christ by taking what we know and applying it to who we want to become.  So while trying to think of what I would do for my project, I thought of what I wanted to get out of it and how it would be effective.
  The theme of our class is taking the Book of Mormon and making it our story too.  The idea is that the words in this prophetic book are not just HISTORY but OUR story too; I decided to incorporate this message into my project.  Over the next few weeks I will discuss what I'm learning in each of the blocks of reading and how it applies to our lives.  Within each section, I will be discussing specific scripture that is relate-able to us today.  My purpose for this is not only deepen my understanding, but also yours.  I hope to help those of you who are unfamiliar with the Book of Mormon to gain an understanding of it and those who are familiar with it, a different perspective.   I would love some feedback and encourage questions!  I invite you and hope that you will join me on my journey through the Book of Mormon and the lives of the wonderful prophets within!

Nerd Alert

Remember how I hate school and can not wait to graduate?  Well not anymore :)  I have officially finished my first week of classes at Brigham Young and I absolutely love it!  Granted I'm only taking four (maybe soon to be two) classes, but they are so great.  The teachers are nice, the students are friendly and the campus is beautiful.
  I <3 BYU.

(google images)

(google images)

(google images)

Happy Father's Day

"Father’s Day is usually celebrated one day every June, but there can be other father’s days too. Fathers never stop being fathers, even when the holiday is over."

Being that today is Father's Day, I decided to take some time to tell you about the wonderful men who have had such an impact on my life and will forever hold a strong place in my heart.

Heavenly Father
I'm so grateful to my Heavenly Father and His love for me.  He is constantly blessing my life with the companionship of the Holy Ghost.  I know He lives and listens to my prayers, and although the answers may not always be what I want to hear I know He knows what is best for me.

My Father
I've never appreciated my dad enough.  I never gave him enough credit for caring about me.   But as I've gotten older, I have realized how much my dad truly loves me.  He has cared and still cares about me more than I could ever comprehend.  He might not be able to say it all the time, but I know he does.  My dad has sacrificed and continues to sacrifice so much for me.  He has always supported me, and while he is there for me to offer advice when I need it, he always lets me make my own decisions.  I love him so incredibly much and am so proud to call him my father.  He means the world to me, and I know I'm blessed to have him in my life.

James Rose
My "fake dad".  Ever since I can remember, James was there making me laugh whether it was taking me to pre-school and stopping at "Starburst" or on the way to the hospital because my head felt like it was going to explode.  Although things are different now, I will never forget the times we shared.  I am so thankful for all that he did for me and will always love him.

Todd Nelson
While he may not be my father, he is certainly a great father figure in my life.  I'm so grateful to Todd for not only being such an example to me but for always making me feel like a part of his family.  He is always so open to talking to me and helping me make life's big decisions.  I'm so blessed to have not only gained a best friend out of Whitney, but her father's guidance and love as well.

My Grandpa
This is the first father's day without my dear grandpa.  I know while he may not be on this Earth today, he is watching over me.  I hope he can feel my gratitude and love for him.  He was the strongest man I knew.  Like my father, he also had a quiet way of showing his love but I know he loves me and is with me always. I am so thankful for the knowledge I have of Heavenly Father's plan, that I can know my grandpa is not suffering anymore and is in a better place.  I miss him so much everyday and can not wait to be reunited with him again.

Freeeeeeeeee.

"To exercise faith is to trust that the Lord knows what He is doing with you and that He can accomplish it for your eternal good, even though you can't understand how He can possibly do it." 

 Elder Scott

For the first time in a long time, I am free.  I hope it stays this way.

or as my friend Chris put it..."Faith isn't having hope in a plan, it is having hope that Heavenly Father's plan is the plan and knowing that by keeping the commandments you will become happy."
I love this gospel and I love my friends.  I am so blessed.

Don't Get Mad, Get Glad

This Sunday, I was able to see one of my best friends who has left for his mission.  I "accidentally" bumped into Elder Smith at the temple.  I was so happy to see him and meet his companion Elder Muehlmann.  They are going to be great missionaries and will definitely touch many hearts.

Elders Muehlmann and Smith

After the temple, I went up to the Nelson's ranch for dinner.  Sunday dinner with the Nelson's is my favorite because I love them, the yummy food Amy cooks and the fantastic naps I take on the couch afterwards.  Before napping, we decided to watch a short film, which I can not remember the name of, on the atonement of Jesus Christ.  As the movie began to play I remembered watching it once before in institute during the week before Easter.  I was reminded how upset and saddened I was because of it.  Then it hit me: The atonement isn't sad, rather it is a beautiful gift that our Savior has given us so we can return with him and our Heavenly Father.  While the events Christ suffered are heart-breaking, we should be thankful for His sacrifice.  I love little simple reminders like this that this life is worth living and we do have a purpose on this Earth.  Show Christ your gratitude for His actions by understanding what He did and why.  Be an example to others and exemplify your knowledge.

I love my Heavenly Father and my savior, Jesus Christ.  My appreciation for the atonement grows immensely each time I am reminded of its purpose.  I'm thankful for young men and women, like Quinn and so many of my other friends who are out there sharing the light and truth of the gospel.  But most importantly, I'm so grateful for this knowledge and moments like this where I am renewed with a sense of self worth and reason to do and be better.

New Adventure & Lots of Facts

 Greetings From...

The Beehive State

I have officially left the state of Arizona and am now starting a new adventure in the wonderful city of Provo.  For those of you that are unfamiliar with Provo, here are some facts!

• It is the 3rd largest city in Utah
• It lies at an elevation of 4,549 feet
• It's average temperature for the months of June, July and August rests in the low 90's
• As of 2010, they have a population of 112,488
• In 2009, it was listed in the "Where to Retire" Magazine as an "enticing city for new careers"
• It is home to the Missionary Training Center and Brigham Young University

That last fact is the reason I have moved.  I will be attending BYU for the summer to see how I like it.  If I like it, I will most likely stay and graduate from here.  I am so excited to start school and experience this great university!  Here are some things to know about BYU...

• It is a private university operated by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
• It is the 3rd largest private university in the United States with more than 32,000 students
• About 98% of the students are LDS

So as you can see, this is a BIG change from ASU, but I couldn't be happier about it.  ASU is great, but I'm ready for something new and I can't wait to see what BYU has to offer.  Not only that, but being in the midst of so many members will help me learn so much and grow as a saint.  I can't wait to share my experiences with all of you and hope that I become inspired with lots of topics to discuss!

As if attending BYU wasn't good enough, here are some other reasons I'm so happy to be in Provo...

I get to live with my fabulous best friend, Whitney Nelson

We have such a cute little house with the sweetest roommates! I will post more pictures later.

Trips to Salt Lake to see this...

this...

..and this!

Trust Me, Trust Him.

  Last month I was asked to share my conversion story and testimony at the monthly missionaries' fireside.  Afterwards, I was approached by a girl close to my age.  She thanked me for what I shared and told me she was experiencing something similar to what I went through.  She said she wasn't sure if she was interested in the church for herself or if it was just because her friends and boyfriend loved it.  This post isn't about that though.  It isn't about second guessing your decision to get baptized, it is about what happens after your baptism.

  While missionary work is very important and successful, most converts will tell you they were introduced to the church by a friend.  In almost all cases, that friend was someone they were dating.  In a perfect world, you date a member of the church, learn about it, find out the truth for yourself, get baptized, and then get married to that person for time and eternity.  Sadly, it doesn't always work out that way and more than likely those two people find someone else.

  If this has happened to you, I'm sorry.  And if it is happening to you, I'm even more sorry.  But I promise, it is for the best.  At first, it might seem a little confusing.  You might feel lost and start to question your decision to join the church. STOP.  When that thought comes to your mind, just remember why you chose to follow Christ and how you felt when you came out of the waters of baptism.

  Heavenly Father loves you.  Not only that, but He knows you better than you know yourself.  He knows what will make you happy and He knows what will bring you down.  He wants what is best for you, even if you don't know what that is.  Trust Him.  Keep the commandments, read your scriptures, pray for comfort and I promise you will make it through it.  If you need someone to talk to, don't be afraid or embarrassed to speak to your bishop.  He is there to help and that is exactly what he will do.

  Even if it doesn't seem like it right now, there is light at the end of the tunnel.  Not only that but there is someone out there who will make you happier than you could ever imagined... not that I have found that someone yet but I know he's out there ;)  Don't give up on the church, the gospel is still true with or without the person who taught you about it.