Go to the Mailbox

A few days ago Candace, Stacy (my roomies) and I were just hanging out in our apartment. Bored. Nothing to do. Wanting to socialize and meet some new friends. But we weren't entirely sure how to go about it. I told them that we needed to go check the mail. In my last apartment, when we wanted to socialize we would sometimes go check the mail. For some reason you can't get from the apartment to the mailbox and back without running into someone to talk to.

So we went to the mailbox. All three of us. At the same time. And we weren't ten yards out the door when we ran into some guys to talk to. They were looking for hotdog buns. We didn't have any, but Stacy had hamburger buns. So we improvised. The guys invited us to eat hotdogs with them. We did. We chatted and laughed and had a good time. Then they invited us to go to a bonfire up in American Fork Canyon. We did. They also told scary stories that made the hair on the back of our necks stand up. But we had a blast! And we made new friends. All from going to check the mail.

When looking for enemies, Go to the Mattresses.
When looking for friends, Go to the Mailbox.

Christmas and Disneyland

It's the most wonderful time of the year!

The happiest place on earth!

I know we're just barely starting summer, but the other day something reminded me of Christmas (and since then I've been going Christmas crazy). I love the Christmas Season. I started thinking about things that bring me that same kind of joy and excitement. Disneyland. There is nothing like Christmas and there is no place like Disneyland. These are probably the two things that make me the happiest.

I started wondering why that was. I'm not greedy or materialistic (at least, I don't think I am). I sat mulling over the kinds of feelings I have when it's Christmas and when I've been to Disneyland, feelings that can't really be duplicated by other things. It was then I realized it wasn't just Christmas or Disneyland alone that make me so happy, but rather the people involved. Christ and my family.

Christ is the center of Christmas, and who can bring more joy than him? It is the Spirit of Christmas, the notion of being Christ-like, that makes the Christmas Season so unique and wonderful. And getting to share that with your family makes it even better.

I have never been to Disneyland without my family. And really, if I didn't have them there to share the experience with me, it would have been completely different. I probably wouldn't have had nearly as much fun. That I am certain of.

It isn't where you go or what you do, but who you are with. The two things that make me the happiest: Christmas and Disneyland - Christ and my family. I'm not greedy or materialistic; I think I've got my priorities right (those two at the top, at least).

I love this gospel and I have been so blessed to have it in my life. I know sometimes I make mistakes and mess up, as do we all. But I also know that the Lord loves us and has given us the opportunity to repent and return unto Him. We can always return. His arms are open, waiting to receive us. He is waiting for His children to come home. I am so thankful to have been raised in a Christ-centered home. I am so thankful to my parents for all they have taught me. I love them so much. I love my family with all my heart, and I am so grateful for the knowledge that I have of the Plan of Salvation, and that I will always be with them. Nothing makes me happier than being with my family.

To my family: Thank you so much for everything you've done for me. I know sometimes I can make things difficult, but you never give up on me. Thank you for all the wonderful memories as I was growing up. I love how close we all are, and I can't imagine my life without even one of you. I love you.

It's the most wonderful time of the year - When the whole world has the Spirit of Christ.
The happiest place on earth - Where you can spend everyday with your family.