Called to Serve . . . in the fall!

This month I have had two of my first cousins leave to serve full-time missions for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and it has made me reflect on my personal testimony. I know that Jesus Christ lives! I know that it is only by him and through him that we can all be saved in the kingdom of heaven. I know that I am a daughter of God and that He loves me . . . and I cannot begin to describe how much I love him too. I am imperfect, but I am humbled that despite my imperfections God will never abandon me.

President Dieter F. Uchtdorf said in the last general conference, "Though we are incomplete, God loves us completely. Though we are imperfect, He loves us perfectly. Though we may feel lost and without compass, God’s love encompasses us completely."

I feel much comfort in these words, and I hope that everyone can feel it also.

I am so grateful for all those who serve full-time missions for the LDS church. I am humbled by their service, and I know that they are doing a great work. Seeing my cousins leave on missions reminds me of the love I have for my own brother, Jonny, who is currently serving a mission in Idaho. I am so proud of him for his decision to serve a mission, and I know that his service has not only blessed him, but has blessed his entire family.

Elder Philip Dangerfield, serving in Panama

Sister Sarah Evans, serving in Fresno, CA

I am now 23!

My birthday started out early . . . I drove up to Logan over the weekend to visit a good friend of mine and her family. It was my first time in Logan and I really enjoyed my stay. I got to sleep in, get a massage, go shopping with my friend, go out to dinner, and watch a couple of really good movies. It was a really short trip, but I loved being able to get away from the "BYU bubble."

This is a view from the balcony of my friend's home in Logan. It was so beautiful that I had to capture it. I love the red leaves of fall . . . especially because I grew up in Mesa, AZ where there really isn't a change of seasons.

This is me and my friend Keesha and her husband. They were so kind to let me stay at their home. They spoiled my by giving me presents and letting me "relax" at their home.

For my actual birthday, which was today, my roommates and I went out to dinner at Red Robin in Provo. It was our first official "roommate dinner" and we had a blast.

My roommate Susan was kind enough to decorate our apartment with streamers and balloons--which I didn't capture well-Anyway, I wanted to take a picture next to my cards and gifts that I received from my friend's and family. I am so loved!

My roommates made me cupcakes. You can't really tell from the picture, but they are Halloween-themed, complete with orange and black sprinkles, and creepy gummy candies in the shape of various body parts (i.e. thumbs, eyeballs, teeth). I love having a birthday in October!
After a wonderful monotone rendition of Happy Birthday (Thank you Bryce) I got to blow out the candles and make a wish. I won't tell you what I wished for.

What I will say is that I am very excited for this year. Although I always say this, I really believe that this will be a good year, mostly because I am choosing to have a positive attitude about it. I really have no idea what will happen, I just want to make the best out of what comes my way. I have a wonderful family and amazing friends who will always be there for me, no matter what. I consider myself extremely blessed, and I thank God every day for all He has blessed me with, and I know that the strength I have to get through each day is given to me by Him and through my Savior, Jesus Christ.

To end this post I will leave you with a portion of a poem my mother wrote,

"The present comes with power gained from counting out the cost

Of taking roads less traveled, or of finding what was lost.

Our daily trek will find us learning things both good and bad

But hope will come in our triumph over all the trials we've had.

The morning dawns, the sun comes out, the new day is ahead.

Let memory our comfort be when it's finally time to go to bed.

Looking back can be looking forward, in a very powerful way.

Remember, count your blessings and let God guide your steps today."

This past year has proven to be one of enormous growth for me, and as I look back upon all that I have endured I am amazed at what I have accomplished. Now I am looking forward to a new year. What will life surprise me with next?

I miss my brother

that's all . . .

Fall is coming!

I haven't written in quite a long time, but I hope to be more consistent with updating my blog. I am now in the throws of fall semester at BYU, and life is starting to get busy. In addition to having class in the mornings and a several evenings I also volunteer twice a week--on Thursdays I play with children at the Center for Women and Children in Crisis, and then on Fridays I volunteer at the Utah State Hospital with the girls youth. Both of these volunteer opportunities are very rewarding for me and I love being able to take a step back from my own "crazy" life and help others by just having fun with them.

Basically, life is great! In the past few weeks I have reflected on how blessed I am and how much I have grown in the past year. I have a wonderful supportive family--which includes my AMAZING Mom and Dad, siblings, and my adorable niece Megan and also nephews (Matthew, Truman, Connor, Charles, Bryce, and Henry). I love all of them with all of my heart.

My parents are hilarious!

My oldest sister Edie . . . small, but mighty!

Me and "the boys" in Arkansas

My brother David and all of his kids (we are at the Mall of America)

Henry--my youngest nephew--this picture always makes me smile

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Summer Term Has Ended!! Hooray!

It is now official (grades were posted on Friday)--I SURVIVED SUMMER TERM!

Summer term turned out to be much more challenging than spring term. I took two psych classes: Psych 303-an advanced writing course, and Psych 304- a class on psychological testing and measurement. Both classes were very demanding, but it was my advanced writing course that gave me the most "grief." In this course I had to write many papers, the biggest of which was a scientific literature review on a very specific topic within psychology. I have never worked so hard on one paper for so long in my entire life! in the end though, after all the research, writing draft after draft, and several very late nights, I was able to finish the paper and the class with a very good grade.

I am proud of myself for all I accomplished. I got through a difficult term and am still standing. In fact, not only am I "still standing," I am happier and healthier than I have been in a long time. I love this feeling. This is not to say that everything has gone perfectly-because it hasn't-I just have been more skillful at navigating the "crazy" times.

One more term down, two more to go until I graduate!

I know I can do this!

"Gravity"

I have listened to this song over and over, and I really want to share it. I believe it has great meaning for me, and the emotion Sara creates with this song is so powerful. This song is beautiful!

The "Coolest" Wedding Entrance

This was too great not to post. Makes me smile every time.

Enjoy