Tender Mercy Tuesday - 61st Edition

So, sometimes I get overwhelmed. (who doesn't, right?) The amount of sticky notes on my desk at work, the pile of laundry in the corner of my bedroom, the knowledge of knowing that I'm moving but I don't know WHERE to yet, and the beginnings of packing up my entire house for said move are just a few of the things that are weighing me down right now.

That's just the tip of the iceberg folks. :P Luckily, I have some amazing people in my life that remind me that those things don't matter in the eternal scheme of things and really, having faith that everything is going to work out is the most important thing of all. I've studied, read, and been in several meetings in the past two weeks where faith has been taught/discussed. I think the Lord has been trying to remind me that I need to continue on. I'm not going to get all the answers right away, but I will get them when the time is right.

I was reminded of this again last night when reading Ether 12 with Soldier Boy. What amazing things faith can help you do...if you but believe. So that's what I'm doing. I'm moving on with worrying about life and I'm just going to trust and believe and have FAITH that everything is going to work out perfectly.

And in the meantime I might eat a lot of brownies. ;) lol. Have a great Tuesday y'all!

Three Things....

Thing #1 -

My trip to California was SO magical. I LOVED Disneyland with all of my little girl heart. It was the best thing I've ever done for myself. It was grand. My friend Josh's fashion show was FANTASTIC. Here is a link to see his collection (set 1 and set 2). It's very high men's fashion...in fact there's a chunk of it I would never even consider putting on Soldier Boy, but that suit. oh man. I LOVE that suit. :o)

Thing #2 -

The Photo-A-Day meme was going so well for me....and then I went to California and didn't do it AT ALL. Seriously. AT ALL. And trying to make up 5, 6? days worth of pictures at this point? so not worth it. In fact, I'm trying to do other things for March right now that I think I'm just going to bag the month of March, call it good and do the month of April. (I am doing this for a Day Zero goal after all) Sound good? good. :o)

Thing #3 -

I have  the best Tender Mercy for you today! So...without further ado, Tender Mercy Tuesday 59th Edition

So last night Soldier Boy and I were reading scriptures together. We were in the Book of Mormon, specifically Mosiah 23 and 24

I was reading when I read verses 15 and 16 in Chapter 24 where it says:

15 And now it came to pass that the burdens which were laid upon Alma and his brethren were made light; yea, the Lord did strengthen them that they could bear up their burdens with ease, and they did submit cheerfully and with patience to all the will of the Lord.

 16 And it came to pass that so great was their faith and their patience that the voice of the Lord came unto them again, saying: Be of good comfort, for on the morrow I will deliver you out of bondage.

 I loved that. First, I loved that the people did submit cheerfully and with patience to all the will of the Lord. How hard must that have been? To be in the middle of so great a trial and yet to be willing to let the Lord be in control and to be HAPPY about it. and THEN verse sixteen then says that so great was their faith and their patience that the voice of the Lord..[said]..on the morrow I will deliver you out of bondage. So the Lord then blesses them for their faith AND patience.

I know the Lord always blesses us and that out of great trials come great blessings, but how often does he tell us WHEN the blessing will come and WHAT that blessing will be  for us? It's not very often. HOWEVER, I was comforted last night to know that it is POSSIBLE to be cheerful and patient in our trials and we will be blessed for it. It is not always the easiest thing to do, by any means, but it was comforting none-the-less. Trials always come. There's no way around them, they are the reason we are here on this earth - to be tried and tested and to come to an understanding before returning to live with our Father in Heaven. However, we're never given anything more than we can handle and we always have the opportunity to have the Holy Ghost, a comforter, to be with us. How grateful I am for these facts. I don't think I'd be able to live through some of my current (or past) trials with out these blessings from my loving Heavenly Father.  He really does loves us and want us to be happy and for that I will eternally be grateful.

Have a great day everyone!

Tender Mercy Tuesday: 57th Edition

Hello dears. I hope you are doing splendidly and are enjoying "Fat Tuesday."

If you're not Catholic (like myself) then this day holds no extreme significance for you. I have, in the past, given up "things" for Lent. However, this year I am focusing not so much on giving things up, but getting things done. Occupying my life. Attempting to be patient until an unknown future date.

Life has been an interesting roller coaster ride as of late. I don't see it as being one of tons of ups and downs, but more of one with lots of twists and turns, new things around every bend. I have understood for a long time that God is omnipotent, but it still never ceases to amaze me how well he knows me and the ability he has to take me on a journey that is the best possible route for me.

Solider Boy told me a personal story last night that directly related to us and our future relationship that just confirmed to me how right this situation is for us right now. I've known it's right, but any outside evidence is always helpful to combating the feelings of doubt and fear that Satan tries to instill into my mind. I'm constantly reciting and remembering Doctrine and Covenants 6:36, "Look unto me in every thought; doubt not, fear not." This scripture is pulling and pushing me through this unknown amount of time. How I love the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Basically, I want you to know that I KNOW that God is looking out for us no matter our situation or religious affiliation. We are all children of Him and He wants us to be a happy and joyful people. What a great thing to have - an omnipotent being rooting for us every step of the way. :o)

God bless.

p.s. If you happen to be LDS and have a favorite General Conference talk, I'd love for you to share it with me. I'm speaking in my congregation in a few weeks and have complete freedom in choosing my topic from a General Conference talk. However, I have no idea where to start - so please share your favorite talk of all time! Thanks!

Tender Mercy Tuesday - 37th Edition

So...I totally got thrown off by the week and really truly thought yesterday was Monday for the longest time. In reality, it was Tuesday and I forgot to post my Tender Mercy. I really want to share this with you so...we're going to keep pretending like it is Tuesday for just a few moments this morning, okay? Okay. ;) (it's my blog, I can do what I want, so there.)

It was my responsibility to teach our Relief Society lesson on Sunday. Since it was the first Sunday of the month, there was no set lesson plan and I was left to my own devices on deciding what it was the sisters needed the most. I came across several ideas in my studying and wondering, but finally settled on a lesson on self-worth. Now, I used several different talks and ideas and pulled many different things for my lesson. Basically, what I learned and taught was this: We are all of infinite worth, we are all special in our individual ways (and no, that's not just a way of saying no one is per Dash from The Incredibles [and yes, I quoted The Incredibles in my lesson.]) In order to build our self-worth we need to build our relationship with our Heavenly Father. We can do that most by utilizing the basics and doing three things: 1. Make goals 2. Have Daily Personal Prayer and 3. Read and study the scriptures.

I challenged my sisters to make three goals, find a way to have that personal conversation daily with their Heavenly Father and finally, to read the Book of Mormon in 100 days (between now and December 31) using this program I found online.

Teaching that lesson was one of the most amazing experiences I have ever had. I know it was the right thing to teach on and that everyone that was there needed to hear what I said. There were several times when I was relating experiences or sharing quotes that I knew that the Lord was using me as a spokesperson. It was honestly a very humbling experience. I was so worried and concerned leading up to giving my lesson, but I stood up and the Lord just took over. Looking out into the eyes of the sisters I saw them soaking up what was being taught like little sponges. I am so grateful for the gift of revelation and being able to teach something that was needed to the sisters.

He IS risen!!

This is simple, beautiful and incredible. On this Easter Sunday this video perfectly expresses my thoughts and feelings. I hope you all have the most wonderful day. Much love!

Tender Mercy Tuesday

I find it hard to believe that it has been a week already since my last post. It is amazing to me how fast time is flying.

I want to share just one (of the many) tender mercy with you today.  I have been studying my scriptures more diligently as of late and while reading in Alma 38 I had several moments where i thought, this scripture is for me! The whole chapter is filled with gems and encouraging thoughts, but verse 5 hit it home for me when it says: 

"And now my son, Shiblon, I would that ye should remember, that as much as ye shall put your trust in God even so much ye shall be delivered out of your trials, and your troubles, and your afflictions, and ye shall be lifted up at the last day."

This scripture just hit me in the right place that night while studying and I strongly felt my  Heavenly Father's love for me. It is amazing to me now that I am being more diligent in my studies of the scriptures and reading more with a purpose I am finding answers to my questions. So wonderful!

Anyways, there's my tender mercy for you today. I'd love to hear your thoughts or your own tender mercy from the past week if you're feeling like sharing!

Tuesday Ten

note from the editor: This was SUPPOSED to post on Tuesday. It really was. I had EVERY intention of it going through. I'm not sure what happened. Sorry y'all. So I guess it can be...Ten on Thursday! :o)

You guys. I fail at trying to sleep. I was in bed just afte 10:30p (with the lights off around 10:45) and then it took me AT LEAST an hour to fall asleep. It was the worst thing ever and I thought I was going to die when the alarm clock went off this morning. Never mind that I had odd dreams about the ballet studio I teach for and what not. Sigh. Today has been semi-long and I am definitely looking forward to the toddler birthday party that is tonight. Little kids are just SO MUCH FUN!

Anyways. It's time for Ten on Tuesday. you know the drill.

1. What is your current favorite television show?
Well. My favorite shows are not on right now because it is summertime. I LOVE the cake shows on TLC and the food network though. They are fun to watch. However, they always make me want cake. Mmm...Cake.

2. Apple juice or orange juice?
OJ. I love a tall glass of OJ in the mornings. Wakes me right up. I won't say no to Apple Juice though. It's yummy too.

3. It’s Shark Week on Discover Channel. Do you watch? Why or why not?
negatory. I do not need to scare myself silly with shark shows.

4. What are the non-blog websites that you visit regularly?
Facebook, Twitter, Woot, and...the comics.

5. What is your favorite way to prepare green beans? Asparagus? Potatoes? Carrots?
I love steamed green beans. Asparagus is amazing grilled. I have a killer mashed potoato recipe that I enjoy but I love potatoes regardless of how you cook them and carrots....carrots are good no matter what you do to them.

6. What is your favorite flower?
I love fresh flowers, but my absolute favorite is a Gerbera Daisy. SO PRETTY!

7. How do you feel about handkerchiefs?
Well. I don't use them. At all. I have one or two? maybe? but I really am "meh" on the whole issue

8. If you could only shop at 3 stores for the rest of your life, what would they be? (You probably should include a grocery store.)
hmmm.This is a toughie. I'm going to go with my favorite local grocery store: Macey's, DownEast for their super cute clothes and Target for everything else I need because they are nicer than Walmart.

9. If you could only use wine for one purpose for the rest of your life, which would you choose? To cook with or to drink?
hmm. I have never had a glass of wine. I guess cooking. I used it once in a recipe and it was good, but i have no other purpose for it in my life. so that's easy.

10. What’s your bedtime?
Well. I TRY to start getting ready for bed around 10p (change into pj's, read scriptures and whatever fiction novel i am reading and brush my teeth, etc.) and lights are out usually by 10:30p. This is pushing my ability to wake up at 6 am for work...but i can do it. Most days. My body has been rebelling as of late though and hates sleeping. Stupid body.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!

I love Thanksgiving. Yummy food, football, family, and friends are a few of the things that make Thanksgiving festive. (that's a lot of alliteration...)

however, this year, due to the recent move of my family to Virginia, i am having Thanksgiving with family friends. My first non-family Thanksgiving! It's going to be an interesting experience...but I plan on enjoying it as much as possible. And now I want to share with all y'all 100 things I am thankful for, and I hope you take time today to ponder on all the things YOU are thankful for! Happy Turkey day!

1. The Gospel
2. The atonement
3. Temples
4. My family
5. My friends
6. My roommates
7. Roommate A
8. the EQP
9. home teachers
10. visiting teachers
11. candles
12. shampoo and conditioner
13. lotion
14. body spray
15. my car
16. flowers
17. self-confidence
18. a new hair cut
19. dreams
20. SwingKid
21. CPM and Papa Funk
22. all of my guy friends that go on dates with me
23. swing dancing
24. ballet
25. being able to walk
26. being able to DANCE!!
27. Being able to teach
28. my secretary job
29. the opportunity to teach at BYU
30. the opportunity to go to BYU
31. the fact that I'm almost done at BYU
32. my professors
33. the dance department secretary
34. my coworkers
35. computers
36. the internet
37. Google Chat
38. cell phones
39. the fact that gas prices have gone down. A lot.
40. my mp3 player
41. music
42. inspiration
43. priesthood blessings
44. super glue
45. glitter
46. rainbows
47. rain
48. sunshine
49. shoes
50. socks
51. gloves
52. scarves
53. facebook (hey...i keep in touch with friends okay?)
54. google.com
55. scissors
56. paper
57. fingers
58. pictures
59. Christmas decorations
60. chips and dip
61. pumpkin pie!
62. ballet students
63. numbers
64. being able to communicate
65. the scriptures
66. the Ensign
67. General Conference
68. ex-boyfriends who have taught me much
69. kisses
70. HUGS!!
71. movies
72. being able to learn
73. being able to teach
74. being able to love
75. knowledge
76. grass
77. trees
78. marriage
79. children
80. light
81. darkness
82. opposition
83. Chocolate!!
84. Ice cream
85. Caramel
86. Jello
87. Cranberry sauce
88. emails
89. people who are grateful
90. missionaries
91. missionary letters
92. BYU football
93. dance concerts
94. my body
95. eyes that work
96. men that dress well
97. bikes
98. flip flops
99. people who know everything and share such knowledge
100. That today, I am ALIVE and WELL!!!
     

Meme of sorts

Both Chilly and Katria did this lovely meme and I fell in love with it. So here is my Wednesday meme. :-)

Ten Things I Wish I Could Say to Ten Different People Right Now:

1. I am going to miss you so much when you leave.
   
2. Pretty much I just want to stay up until the wee hours talking to you, but that's pretty much impossible right now.
   
3. Thank you for everything you do for me, you rock my world.
   
4. I wish we hadn't lost our friendship in 7th grade, we have it back now but it's never been the same.
   
5. Thank you for teaching me everything I needed to know about [subject x], I really enjoyed your class.
   
6. We have so much fun together, why don't we hang out more?
   
7. You are growing up so fast and I have so many things to tell you so you won't make the same mistakes I did, but I'm not sure how to tell you.
   
8. For your future roommates' sake...do your dishes!
   
9. I am glad I met you.
   
10. I love you.
    

Nine Things About Myself:

1. I hate doing dishes but I love a clean kitchen.
   
2. I love cooking for others.
   
3. I have recently enjoyed having painted toes. :)
   
4. I love smell-good sprays and lotions.
   
5. I have a thing about looking good for myself when I know it's going to be a tough day.
   
6. I wish I could sing really well.
   
7. At one point I wanted to go to Julliard and then my dream changed when I was 15, and now I'm living my dream.
   
8. I love Disney music and enjoy singing along on iTunes.
9. I can't wait for the new season of Heroes and The Office to start. :-)

Eight Ways To Win My Heart:

1. Kiss me on my forehead.
   
2. Laugh with me.
3. Call me just to say hi.
   
4. Hold my hand.
   
5. Compliment me, but sincerely.
   
6. Tell me I smell good, I love this, but only do it if you mean it.
   
7. Surprise me with flowers every once in a while. Not often, but once in a blue moon would
8. Talk with me. Ask me questions and really listen to what I have to say. I love a good conversation.
   

Seven Things That Cross My Mind a Lot:

1. Man alive, I'm hungry.
   
2. Wait, what?
   
3. YAY!!!
4. That would make a good blog post...
   
5. I want ice cream.
   
6. I really want to see that.
   
7. That's amazing.
   

Six Things I Do Before I Fall Asleep:

1. Read my scriptures.
   
2. Write in my journal.
   
3. Make sure the door is locked.
   
4. Take out my contacts.
5. Brush my teeth.
6. Say my prayers.
   

Five People Who Mean a Lot:
Only five? Really? It goes without saying that this list is not all-inclusive, right?

1. My Family
   
2. SwingKid
3. Roommate A
   
4. My Hero
5. All of my ballet girls
   

Four Things You’re Wearing Right Now:

1. Khaki capris
   
2. Black DownEast shirt
   
3. CTR ring
   
4. black flip flops
   

Three Songs That You Listen to Often (Currently):

1. "Everything" by Michael Bublé
2. "Pocketful of Sunshine" Natasha Bedingfield
   
3. "Don't Stop the Music" Rihanna
   

Two Things You Want to Do Before You Die:

1. Use my passport.
   
2. Go to a musical on Broadway.
   

One Confession:

1. I really like to eat cake and or ice cream for breakfast. It's a really bad habit of mine, but one that I so enjoy.
   

I love...

• My Mom
• My Dad
• My Family
  
• work (for the most part)
• dancing
• beautiful sunshiny days (especially when I get to run errands!!!)
• chocolate (honestly who doesn't?)
• skirts (I'm wearing my favorite one today!)
• hanging out with old friends
• running into high school friends
• ice cream
• dates
• holding hands
• hugs
• letters
• fun new music
• weekends that have plans
• the Gospel
• reading the scriptures and feeling the spirit
• MY LIFE!!!!!
  

so...I was just feeling really in love with my life right now...so thus the inspiration behind this post. I feel like I've complained a lot lately to a lot of people about boys, my housing situation, what I'm going to do for school, etc... when really I do love my life right now. It's amazing. The Gospel is SO true...and how thankful I am for all my wonderful blessings! :)

Scripture of the Day

so i was reading my scriptures the other day, and happened upon this wonderful set of scriptures found in D&C 61:36-39

36 And now, verily I say unto you, and what I say unto one I say unto all, be of good cheer, little children; for I am in your midst, and I have not forsaken you;

37 And inasmuch as you have humbled yourselves before me, the blessings of the kingdom are yours.

38 Gird up your loins and be watchful and be sober, looking forth for the coming of the Son of Man, for he cometh in an hour you think not.

39 Pray always that you enter not into temptation, that you may abide the day of his coming, whether in life or in death. Even so. Amen.

Good stuff! I love this gospel, the scriptures, and everything else in life. So many good things, just....don't worry!!!

birthdays and tests, the good and the bad.

so this has been interesting this week. so on Sunday night one of my friends (Jacob) brought me cupcakes and sang to me, which was really sweet of him. then on my birthday my family called before I left for school, and actually my dad had the van that day so he came and got me and took me to work so I wouldn't have to walk. it was festive! so then I opened my
presents that morning, and I got a new shirt, some money, some dancing stamps, (for scrap booking), my roommate Monica gave me a gift card to Blockbuster that includes 2 movies, 2 drinks, and a tub of popcorn, and my other roommate made me a cake which we ate at FHE. I also got new scriptures, but they didn't come ON my birthday, but they did come in the mail yesterday. I am very excited. My ballet class sang to me, and then my friend Michael sang to me in History (before class, he brought a hostess cupcake and a candle and lit it and everything, it was cute!) so then at FHE everyone sang to me, and we ate the cake that my roommate made for me which was fun. It was a good day, and lots of ppl. told me happy birthday. I loved it. after FHE though I had to study for a test, which I took Tuesday, and I think I did all right. That night I started studying more for my humanities test, which makes me mad (I took it last night) because I studied SO hard for this test, and got the same score as last time. Kind of makes me mad, I think I might go and talk to the professor and try to figure out how to do better on the final. yuk. so now I hope my weekend is happier then yesterday, I think it will be. at least I hope it will be. last weekend I watched little mermaid with boy. that was fun and enjoyable. I think boy and I are just going to be friends, but I’m okay with that. at least for now I am. Anywho until next time, c-ya.