Family

I heard this quote in Family Foundations today. My first thought was how good peanut butter sounded at the time. (I've had this weird craving for it lately. I actually ate a few spoonfuls the other night! Right out of the jar! I've officially lost ALL respect for keeping my body in good shape) But after I came to my senses, I wrote it right down.

When Satan wants to disrupt the work of the Lord, he doesn’t poison the world’s peanut butter supply, thus bringing the Church’s missionary system to its collective knees. He doesn’t send a plague of laryngitis to afflict the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. He doesn’t legislate against green Jell-O or casseroles. When Satan truly wants to disrupt the work of the Lord, he attempts to confuse gender and he attacks God’s plan for His children. He works to drive a wedge of disharmony between a father and a mother. He entices children to be disobedient to their parents. He makes family home evening and family prayer inconvenient. He suggests family scripture study is impractical. That’s all it takes, because Satan knows that the surest and most effective way to disrupt the Lord’s work is to diminish the effectiveness of the family and the sanctity of the home.

(It's from M. Russell Ballard's talk, The Sacred Responsibilities of Parenthood in case you were wondering) 

 That is so true! If you think about it, the family is the nerve center to what makes a person who they are! It is in the home with our families that we are taught how to be with people and interact with them, but also where we develop our morals and personalities. It is where we learn and grow in the principles taught by the Lord's leaders. It is where we learn to be leaders and where we learn how to love. It only makes sense that Satan would have to get to the root of it all so that he could poison all the roots.

I've been really nervous about starting a family (I think anyone who knows me knows this) but taking this class has really helped me to see that I'm not really seeing the big picture. I have so much to learn and my perceptions have already changed so much!...And I like it!

College Problems

People talk about what I am going to do when Alex graduates, or if I'm engaged yet (since they "had 3 kids at my age"), or if I've done my internships and if I have a job waiting for me after I graduate

So. Kindly refrain. Thank you.

Not Actual Work

My job is not actually a real job, because basically I just do tasks and get to hang out with the greatest group of people all day long. So I'm thinking that doesn't really count. After all, isn't work supposed to be boring and exhausting and you just can't wait to go home? Well that wasn't how it was with my job. I loved working at Papa Murphy's. Easiest job ever (making cookie dough, pizzas, salads...I mean, who doesn't love that?!) And I love these guys. And I am going to miss them SO much!!! They all brought me all these little presents and Katie even gave me a card! I seriously worked with the most fun group ever. I was always excited to come into work and see everyone and they made my lonely time in Murrieta for the break SO much easier and SO much more fun. It was so sad to leave them today and I was so touched by how much they were so sweet and everything they were saying. It's so weird I won't be seeing them everyday. Okay. Enough depression. I love you guys!! I cannot wait to see you when I get back!!

An Ad Can Change Everything?

I was watching a youtube video today and this advertisement for Mormon.org came on. Normally, I just skip right over them, but this one caught my attention for obvious reasons.

It was about the atonement and the affect it has had on other people's lives. I can definitely relate.

Anyway, when you click on it, it takes you to a page you can share your testimony through your facebook. I wrote a little something there and I thought I'd share what I wrote here too. Just so we're all on the same page about where I stand.

Life is chock full of fast, unexpected changes. Some are pretty easy, some are really difficult. Things change, and people change. But the one thing that has ALWAYS stayed constant in my life is the love I literally can feel from my Savior, Jesus Christ. It hasn't mattered what painful mistakes I've made or if I've veered off a little or become relaxed in the things I should be doing daily. I have never, ever been let down when I've needed Him. He has ALWAYS reached my reaching and that has made all the difference for me. I can feel that I am indivdual and important person, not just a face in a congregation. When I have felt at my lowest (you know, the days when you can't face any one or anything?) I know that my Savior knows everyone makes mistakes. It's those giant bear hugs from my elder brother that pushes me through it all.

To know that I am so loved and appreciated and that my life is worth something and means more to me than any material object or worldly fad that our tiny, limited minds come up with here in this small moment we call "life."

Even when I don't think I deserve it, the Lord completely changes my way of thinking and shows me that I'm not alone. And that keeps me so happy and okay with any unexpected turns. For me, it's not just a lifestyle, but a way of enjoying the blessed life I get to have, and knowing that there is always a way out and things will turn around. I thank my Heavenly Father for that everyday.

I try to set an example, but I don't have all the right answers and I'm not perfect. I'm not. My religion and beliefs and my church are. So if you have ANY questions, you really should check out the website. Come and see for yourself.

Easter Toes

This is why I love hanging out with my big sister. She is just too much fun and I never get sick of it. :) Oh yeah, and please ignore my Barney Rubble feet and focus on the cute glitter nails we did together. Thank you.

Color Pychology

So I found this today and I just have to say....COOL. I wonder if this is really true, but I could very well see the answer being yes. And if so...this is pretty much what my future house is going to look like. Haha And I think I'm also going to apply it to my wardrobe. Look out world. I've got you right where I want you.

Courtesy of NowSourcing, Inc

If you can't see it very well, just click here. You're welcome.

The Best Broadcast You'll See All Year

How amazing was General Conference?! There is no greater feeling than knowing I am getting to listen to men who are so in tune with what Heavenly Father wants not just everyone to know, but especially me. And I am so excited whenever I get to see that cute little President Monson up there on the podium. I just love this cute little guy.

I was so proud of the church and all the effort there was to get the word out, including this video.

I had to work on Saturday so I didn't get to see those sessions (so of course I had to watch my dear Elder Holland's talk online - right here if you want to see it!) and actually...most of the other ones. Haha But still, the Sunday sessions were just amazing. I always walk away (or turn off the tv) just feeling inspired and motivated to just do and try my absolute best. I feel so blessed to have the gospel. It's true that everything else just melts away in my life. I've actually seen the difference it has made and I can't help but feel a little selfish that I haven't done more to bring that same thing to other people. I'm hoping I can be better at that from now on.

I've also really been working on my relationship with Heavenly Father lately and doing something completely scary...leaving every single thing in His hands. I mean, obviously I make decisions, but I make sure everything I do is a-okay with my Father first. So it was so great to get reassurance that that's okay. And the communication has become so much more clear and more meaningful to me. I know I can always rely on Him no matter what scary, big decisions I am trying to make. Or even the little ones! I mean, hello people! Do you hear what I'm saying!? How awesome is that?!

Anyway, I saw this picture today and it made me laugh. Someday I will get to go there again and then I'm going to take a fun picture like this. I love conference. Love it way too much.