Sharing, Comforting, Strengthening

Because of the work I do, I get to read lots of books before they're actually published. One of those was More Than the Tattooed Mormon by Al Carraway, set to be released before the end of the year. (If you don't know who Al Carraway is, you can check out her blog at http://alfoxshead.blogspot.com/.)

 

While I was reading, I had the thought, I want what she has. A large blog following? No. An adorable smile and killer fashion sense? No. What I want that she has is a thirst for the gospel, a desire to be as close to the Lord as I possibly can. You see, I was raised a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I have taken many of the teachings of the gospel for granted. I've strived to be diligent in my daily scripture reading and in my prayers, but they've often been accomplished with a "this is what I've been taught and what I'm supposed to do" mentality. Al reads her scriptures, and anything gospel related, because she wants to learn everything she can. She prays because she has an actual relationship with the Lord, and her prayers are conversations with Him. The last time I remember having that sort of drive and that sort of relationship was when I was in high school. But being blessed with the gospel in my life and knowing of the Savior's love for me, why have I become content in the small trickles I receive each Sunday and the waves that come twice a year at general conference when I have an ocean before of knowledge just waiting for me to dive in? I've realized that there's something new I can learn every day, or at least be reminded of, and I can kept lift others simply by sharing what I've learned. So I'm starting on a new journey. Every day, I'm going to read or listen to the words of the Lord's servants, in addition to normal scripture study, and share with others what stood out to me in each article or talk. And every week, I'm going to post what I've learned.

I decided to start with the most recent general conference, found in the Ensign of May 2015. The short week of starting (Thursday through Sunday) happened to be just right for the women's broadcast of conference. (The quotes were shared on my Facebook page. In the future, I may post them here throughout the week as well.) Sister Esplin's quotes to seemed to be reaffirming the new commitment I made, to seek for truth and to share it. Sharing it doesn't have to be going out and finding someone who isn't a member. Active members, the Lord's disciples can also benefit from shared gospel truths. The other quotes I shared support that, and some of the comments I received are evidence of it. We may never know what comfort, what strength, what answers we may be giving to someone. But the Lord does. He knows who needs comfort, and He knows who can give it. He knows who needs strength and who needs answers, and He knows who can give them. We may never know whose lives we touch. But if we are in tune with the Spirit, listen to His promptings, and allow ourselves to be instruments in His hands, I know that we will be able to help those who need it, even if it is just through our example.

Sometimes we have to wait for the things that we want, even if they're righteous desires. I think I'm getting my PhD in patience. But as Sister Oscarson said, our lives rarely go how we plan them to. We need to realize that the Lord has His own timetable for us and we can't just sit around waiting for Him to get on with it. Easier said than done, I know. But what could be a better plan B than lifting others, giving comfort and strength, and sharing the good news of our Lord and Savior? Sometimes the Lord makes us wait, but we don't need to wait idly.

Thanks, Trent

This Friday started out as a Monday for me; everything that could go wrong went wrong. I was tired and frustrated and I just wanted to go home. Then Trent called me on Skype and we got to chat while I waited for my bus. We talked about school and writing and Blanding accents. We didn't talk long, but it was enough. With my workload in school this semester I won't have a lot of time for updating my blog. But I wanted to give a shout out to my brother overseas and let him know how much he means to me. Thank you, Trent. You really boosted my spirits today.

Game. Set. Match.

Of course. I finally changed my blog to match summer only to realize that it will have to change again soon. But it's done, for now. And that's a small accomplishment in a way, I suppose. 

While I was looking for a new background, I was trying to think of what I would even write about. I'm kind of in a funk right now and I think my brain already went to bed. So, being the procrastinator that I am, I hopped on Facebook to see the kind of funk other people are in. I guess like misery, funk loves company. But instead, I was met by a very profound quote posted by my cousin:

"A person either hates losing enough to change

or he hates changing enough to lose."

-Orrin Woodward

Honestly, I have no idea who Orrin Woodward is. And I'm hoping that doesn't make me look silly. But I really liked this quote. 

I played tennis all through high school and I absolutely loved it. When I was a Junior, I had the chance to go to Region. I lost. And like the emotional teenage girl I was, I threw a fit and got mad at myself, chiding myself for losing and scolding myself because I knew I could do better. I acted like a brat. And about twenty minutes later I was ashamed of myself.  I knew I could have done better. I knew I acted like a child. I knew I couldn't change the past, but I knew I could change myself. So I did.

I became more committed,  practicing on my own and doing my best to not miss any practices. I worked harder, increasing my chances of landing the first serve and controlling my backhands. I focused more, not worrying about who was watching me or what the other players' fans were yelling. And I strived for better self-control, over my physical abilities, my emotions, and my attitude. I changed myself.

The next year I had the chance to go to Region again. Many of the players were incredible opponents. But I made my way up the bracket line and claimed my place to go to State. I was on fire. At State, the games were postponed a few hours because of rain. Eventually we ended up playing on indoor courts. And I lost. But I didn't throw a fit. I didn't chide myself. I was happy. I had never played on an indoor court, but I gave it my best shot. I had made it to State. I had improved my game, my attitude, and myself. I was a better person than who I had been the year before. And that's what really counted. Game. Set. Match.

Such A Slacker

Was my last post really back in November?! Jeesh. What a slacker I've been. We're in the process of moving right now, so most of my attention is focused on packing and trying to finish up sewing and crafting projects. I actually thought to sit down and write up a quick post because Mom  texted me and brought to my attention that I hadn't posted anything new on the ty and i blog. Which I should have been on top of because this last Sunday was our First Anniversary. Yes, I have now been married for one year. And yes, it has been absolutely amazing. So, because of my mother, I have repented of my slothfulness. In addition to writing this short little post I have also written about mine and Tyler's first year together. This post is also kind of short, but it's there. And that's what matters, right? So even though this is short, it has jolted me back into writing (on the blogs). You have my mother to thank. I probably won't post again until after the move (or change the blog background), so have patience and I'll tell you all about it in a few weeks (on a blog without snowflakes). 

Exercise Problems

I love running outside. But there's about 6 inches of snow on the ground and it is freezing! Seriously. Yesterday morning it was only about 12 degrees outside. And let's face it, I don't love running that much. So I decided I would just start working out inside. But this presents a bit of a problem.

I've done P90X in the past and I really like the intensity of it. Mostly because I know that I can slack off a little bit and still not be able to move in the morning. Because of the intensity, it's very important to wear tennis shoes. This is where my problem comes in. Our house (it's really a condo, but I like the sound of house better) is only a couple years old and the carpet is absolutely fantastic! It's so soft, and thick, and comfortable. And new! So I don't want to wear my icky, rough tennis shoes to work out on that carpet. Last week I tried just not wearing tennis shoes, but my feet would hurt when I finished the workout. I'm stubborn, so I still want to work out, but there's no way I'm going to wear those tennis shoes on the carpet.

So now I have questions. Is there something I can wear besides tennis shoes to make my feet not hurt? And if there isn't, what is the best kind of tennis shoe for working out? All my tennis shoes are specifically for running. Tyler suggested I buy a new pair of tennis shoes to just be indoor workout shoes, but I want to make sure I'm getting something good for that. Anyway, there is my exercise problem. A simple problem, but a problem nonetheless. 

Halloween is Coming!

The spooks are coming
The ghouls can be heard
The witches are cackling
But don't say a word!

They'll try to find you
They'll fill you with fright
So dress as one of them
It's Halloween night!


Halloween is one of my favorite holidays. I'm not exactly sure why. Probably because it's one of Mom's favorite holidays and we are just alike. So today, as it is the first day of October, I am pulling out all of my Halloween decorations. All both of them. Yes, that's right. I only have two Halloween decorations. Remember that it wasn't long ago I was still a poor college student. So last year I bought one decoration at Wal-Mart for $1.00 and the other at DI for $0.50. Like I said, I was poor.

But now I'm a housewife! (And I love it!) And the exciting this is that I'm not going to go buy Halloween decorations; I'm going to make them. I learned a long time ago how to make a spider out of a tuna can (I think I have two or three). I'm turning a large old peanut butter jar into a pumpkin to hold the candy. And I'm going to attempt to make a monster wreath out of a hanger and some yarn to hang on the door. And then I'll see what else I can make with what I have. But the decorating and crafting starts today!

Once I'm all finished with everything (and I get my camera charged), I will take pictures to show you how it all turned out. And I'll also use that as my excuse to put pictures of my hogan up on the other blog since I have failed to do so yet. In the meantime, let the decorating and the spooks begin!

Hello, Autumn!

I went to Wal-Mart with Beau yesterday and they had all of their autumn things out. There was a cute stuffed turkey that had written on it's belly, "Gobble 'til you wobble." I got so excited! I don't know why it is, but I absolutely love the changing of the seasons! So today, even if it might be a little bit early, I'm going to get out all of my fall decorations. I don't have a lot (I bought them when I was a poor college student and half my paycheck was going to rent), but I am excited to put them up! I might even get crafty and make a few of my own decorations.

I know this is a short post, but I figured it's better than nothing since I haven't posted for a while. I will strive to be better now that things are finally starting to settle down a little. Who knew married life could be so crazy?