Missing Someone?

Then don't listen to this song. It will only bring tears... but it's ohhh sooo goood!

Bieber Fever

I just need somebody like JB! He's got the three C's: a career, charm, and he's Canadian eh? Plus, I'm known to be somewhat of a cougar;);) Geez louise! Justin Bieber might be cute and cuddly, but Usher will always hold the key to my heart (sigh).

Whirlwind of a Week

Sunday: Father's Day

Not only was it Father's Day, but I also got to speak in sacrament... for the very first time in my entire life! My singles ward is teensy-weensy, but I still felt the pressure. My topic was Fathers of course:) I did really well, at least that's what I've been told. I controlled my emotions, so no one got to see my ugly crying face. After church, we had a family party. I love our family parties. They consist of re-living the "old days" and catching up on the new, Chris Farley quotes, singing and crazy dancing, playing games and food! This time we played croquet. I found out that I stink at that game. Once again Garrett showed off his freaky, double jointed thumb... Anyways, I'm grateful for all the fathers in my family. They're amazing men and I look for the qualities that they possess in my (distant, very distant) future eternal companion. I love my dad most of all!

Tuesday: Play date

Erica, Gage, Kennadee and I (oh and Tex) walked to Hooper park. More importantly we stopped off and got snowies on the way there. Delish! Gage wanted to sit in the stroller, but he made it clear that he was still a big boy despite the fact. The most hilarious thing ever was to watch Tex pull him down the street and eventually crash him into the curb. Kennadee surprised me and was totally independent on the playground. She was even sneaking chips out of an abandoned bag of BBQ Lays. We all had a blast playin with the other kids.

Wednesday: BSB Concert

Thirteen years ago, my mom, sister and I all went to the Backstreet Boys concert in Salt Lake. So when they came around again it was only obvious that we HAD to go again. Our entire family is die hard BSB fans. We all love them and know all their songs by heart. My mom and I met up with my aunt Kelly, cousin Brandon and his friend Reed, and my other cousin Jakelle and had dinner at JB's (on accident). There was so much laughing. I loved it. Then came the concert. Holy smokes! I have never screamed louder in my entire life. We missed Kevin, because he was our favorite, but the show was still amazing! Best one to date by far, and I got a t-shirt:)

Thursday-Saturday: Thousand Peaks Ranch

I'm gonna be honest. At first, I was a little nervous to agree to visit Erica's cabin with her. My main fear: SPIDERS! I'm not much of the outdoors type, but man oh man that has changed (maybe just a little bit). The beauty up there is unmatched to any place I've ever seen. I felt at peace with myself and the world. Being secluded and free from any outside communication was liberating. I didn't even bring my cell phone! The first night and halfway into the second day we didn't have water. Thanks Jake;) Don't worry. We managed to survive. Erica and I spent our time writing songs and strummin' on the ole geet, doing our Mor-Er photo shoot, star gazing, bird/dinosaur calling, hiking, hiking, and more hiking. On the last day, Jenkin, Erica, Jake and I hiked Blue Bell Falls. After about an hour and a half, strenuous hike, we finally reached the top. This was a major breakthrough for me. Along with spiders, I'm deathly afraid of heights. I was so scared to even walk by the edge seeing as it was a straight drop off of what seemed like a thousand feet (total exaggeration). With the encouragement of Erica, I was able to sit at the very edge of the falls. I didn't die! Even if it seemed like a cake walk to the others, I was so proud of myself. I accomplished something I thought was impossible. I'm so blessed with a best friend who was kind enough to share her little slice of heaven with me. Thanks Er Head! "That's why I come up here. NATURE!"

Seek the Higher Ground

"Those who journey to higher ground love the Lord with all their hearts. We see in their lives manifestations of that love. They seek their God in prayer and plead for His Holy Spirit. They humble themselves and open their hearts to the teachings of the prophets. They magnify their callings and seek to serve rather than be served. They stand as witnesses of God. They obey His commandments and grow strong in their testimony of the truth.

They also love Heavenly Father’s children, and their lives manifest that love. They care for their brothers and sisters. They nurture, serve, and sustain their spouses and children. In the spirit of love and kindness, they build up those around them. They give freely of their substance to others. They mourn with those that mourn and comfort those that stand in need of comfort.

This journey to higher ground is the pathway of discipleship to the Lord Jesus Christ. It is a journey that will ultimately lead us to exaltation with our families in the presence of the Father and the Son. Consequently, our journey to higher ground must include the house of the Lord. As we come unto Christ and journey to higher ground, we will desire to spend more time in His temples, because the temples represent higher ground, sacred ground.

In every age we are faced with a choice. We can trust in our own strength, or we can journey to higher ground and come unto Christ.

Each choice has a consequence.

Each consequence, a destination".-- Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin

To seek spiritual high ground is to rise above the world and its temptation and to follow our Savior. As converted followers of the Savior, we are commissioned to strengthen those around us. We get on high ground not just to save ourselves from the adversary but also so that we can lift others to safety. An important lesson I have learned is that one must be on higher ground to be able to lift someone up. There is no use in trying to help another person if we ourselves are not on a stable foundation from above. As we seek the higher ground, we are blessed with strength beyond our own to carry us through the times we are "tried, and persecuted unjustly, and mocked unfairly, and face temporal and spiritual storms of a magnitude that will seem unbearable to us, and experience bitter cups that we pray would pass from us". Live a better life and spiritually avoid the low pathway where the things of this world dominate.

"Hiking" the Y

After driving around for the better part of the day, my sister and I spontaneously decided to attempt to hike the Y. We had no idea how to get to the start of the trail, but we eventually found it after weaving in and out of an extremely uphill neighborhood. I didn't think my car was gonna make it! We realized we were not prepared with the necessary shoes or clothes for an adventure like this, but chose to press on anyways (we'd later regret it). After the first few steps, we found out that this seemingly easy trail wasn't so easy after all. WE WERE DYING! I'm embarrassed to admit it. The trail is designed in the form of a zig zag with eleven or so turns. We took "picture breaks" at every turning point. We saw little kids and a few hefty couples marching down the mountain past us. We kept telling ourselves, "If they can make it to the top, we can do it, too!" Obviously not. We only made it half way, or less. I blame our failure on our lack of preparedness, though I'm sure there were a few other factors;) Regardless of where we were located on the trail, the views were amazzzing. We vowed to get to the top by the end of the summer even if we have to make it an all day event!

Lessons of Love

Each person who enters our life has a unique lesson to teach us. And it is only through these lessons that we learn about life, people, relationships and God.

When someone lies to you, it teaches you that things are not always as they seem. The truth is often far beneath the surface. Look beyond the masks people wear if you want to know their heart. And remove your own masks to let people know yours.

When someone steals from you, it teaches you that nothing is forever. Always appreciate what you have, for you never know when you might lose it. Never ever take your friends and family for granted, because they are the only people who have your best interest at heart. You can trust them most of all.

When someone inflicts an injury upon you, it teaches you that the human state is a fragile one. Protect and take care of your body as best you can; it's the only thing you are sure to have forever.

When someone mocks you, it teaches you that no two people are alike. When you encounter people who are different from you, don't judge them by how they look or act; instead base your opinion on the contents of their heart.

When someone breaks your heart, it teaches you that loving someone does not always mean that person will love you back. But don't turn your back on love because when you find the right person, the joy that one person brings will make up for all the past hurts put together -- times ten!!! Spend life with who makes you happy not who you have to impress.

When someone holds a grudge against you, it teaches you that everyone makes mistakes. When you are wronged, the most virtuous thing you can do is forgive the offender without pretense. Forgiving those who have hurt us is the most difficult and courageous thing anyone can do.

When a loved one is unfaithful to you, it teaches you that resisting temptation is man's greatest challenge. Be vigilant in your resistance against all temptation. By doing so, you will be rewarded with an enduring sense of satisfaction far greater than the temporary pleasure by which you were tempted.

When someone cheats on you, it teaches you that greed is the root of all evil. Aspire to make your dreams come true, no matter how lofty they may be. Do not feel guilty about your success, but never let an obsession with achieving your goals lead you to engage in malevolent activities.

When someone ridicules you, it teaches you that nobody is perfect. "If evil be said of thee, and if it be true, correct thyself; if it be a lie, laugh at it". Accept people for their merits and be tolerant of their flaws. Do not ever reject someone for imperfections over which they have no control.

When someone hurts you over and over, think of them as sandpaper. They scratch and hurt you. But later, you will be shiny and polished while they end up useless.

What about lessons to be learned from Man's good deeds?

When someone loves us, it teaches us that love, kindness, charity, honesty, humility, forgiveness and acceptance can counteract all the evil in the world. For every good deed, there is one less evil deed. Man alone has the power to control the balance between good and evil, but because the lessons of love are not taught often enough, the power is too often abused.

When you enter someone's life, whether by plan, chance or coincidence, consider what your lesson will be. Will you teach love or a harsh lesson of reality? When you die, will your life have resulted in more loving or hurting? More comfort or pain? More joy or sadness?

Each one of us has power over the balance of love in the world. Use it wisely. Don't miss an opportunity to nudge the world's scale in the right direction.

"To fall in love is easy, even to remain it is not difficult; our human loneliness is cause enough. But it is a hard quest worth making to find a comrade through whose steady presence one becomes the person one desires to be"- Anna Louise Strong.

Earth Day

What a gorgeous day to celebrate Mother Earth! I got a taste of the sunshine, the cool breeze, the rain, and the snow all in one day.The mix of weather left our mountains glistening, the blue sky scattered with white and grey fluffy clouds, and the grass and trees fresh green. Take time to appreciate the planet we live on and all of its simple beauties. If you've never been thrilled to the very edges of your soul by a flower in spring bloom, maybe your soul has never been in bloom. Nature is the art of God. It's His way of expressing His love toward his children. Acknowledge His presence in the world around you. I love astronomy, and this is one of my favorite videos to watch right before I go to sleep at night. I lay in my bed, turn off all the lights, and switch the settings to full screen. Cheesy? Maybe, but it leaves the impression of peace and gratitude in my mind before I drift off. Enjoy:)

Recipe: A Blissful Reminder

Sometimes we become so consumed by our busy lives that we forget how to appreciate and be grateful for everything we do have. Sometimes we need to remind ourselves why we are so lucky and that life is not that bad after all.

• Retreat to your journal or diary
• Think of happiness and what it means to you
• Think of everything you've ever wanted
• Find the good in everything you had or have had happen to you
• Now write out a list of everything you have in your life to be grateful for: Memories, people, experiences, opportunities, objects, even life itself
• Refer back to this list after an exceptionally awful day

And there you have your blissful reminder.