Reflection on 2012

Well, the end of 2012 has come. It was a wonderful year as I reflect on the friends I made and the memories created. Yes, it was a hard year but, every one is at some point. I am so grateful for everything that has happened that has helped me grow into the person I am today. It's so hard to believe a year has flown by when it seems just yesterday I was awaiting this year to begin. Life truly does move so fast. Especially when you are having fun. Thanks to all who made this year one to not be soon forgotten. Happy 2013!

Christmas Time

Well, an uncle commented that I don't post a lot on my blog soooo I'm posting today about Christmas.

Before going in the oven: Tea Ring

Being home has been really nice and I've enjoyed the time spent with family. Christmas Eve was filled with getting ready for our annual party but, my little sister had a huge headache and a brother didn't feel so great either. This made for a slower getting ready but, it gave us a chance to serve one another. I used to get really bad migraines that would make me basically knock me out until I took some medication. Because of this, I could relate to my little sister and my heart went out to her in her time of need. It was a wonderful reminder of the true meaning of Christmas as we served each other. I also tried to make my first ever Swedish Tea Ring for my grandparents. It definitely did not turn out perfectly but, it was a great first try.

As the party began, it was fun to chat with people I hardly knew and become better acquainted with people I was not close with growing up. It is so nice to spend Christmas with others and reflect on the true meaning of it. It is great to see the spirit of Christmas reflect on each person's eyes. Of course, not every, moment was filled with giving. One person I was chatting with asked me to go get them some cheesecake. I decided it would be better for them to get their own and to be a stinker. Yes, not quite nice behavior but, it made for several laughs and jokes as the night progressed.

After most everyone had left, my siblings and I grabbed the trash can and cleaned up. Then, we changed into our Christmas p.j.s and gathered in my brother, Sean's room to sleep. Sadly, sleep did not come for awhile and, even then, not for long. This led to more opportunities for service as we tried to help one another fall asleep. That night also let me see the more spiritual side of my siblings. As we were talking about our struggles, someone suggested we say a prayer. It was a wonderful experience to kneel in a circle with my siblings and pray to our Lord and Savior on that holy night.

On Christmas day, many of us felt quite under the weather but, it was a relaxing day. It was a very different days due to the fact that we had the sister missionaries that are serving in our ward for church over to Skype/call home for Christmas. The three of them were each on a different device in a different room for four to five hours. This created quite the adjustment for us but, it was neat to see how happy the sisters were after calling home and talking with their families. Me, and a few of my siblings, spent the day sleeping/relaxing on the couch until extended family arrived and we chatted with them. At this point was when one of my uncles commented on how I do not post on my blog very much. It was a nice evening spent with family.

Today, I survived getting a TB test for my mission papers and received two letters from friends serving missions. It was really nice to hear from them since I was not expecting it. It's hard to believe most of "my boys" have been serving for almost six months already. And soon, I'll be able to join them in the mission field! For those who have not heard already I have decided to serve a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints after this next semester. In order to prepare for this, I have been filling out all the paper work and having a physical to make sure my health is good enough for it. I am almost done and will be meeting with my bishop and stake president (religious leaders) upon returning to Utah and then, I will submit my paper work and receive my call about two weeks later. I am super excited for the lessons I will learn and the people I will be able to help find their Savior, Jesus Christ.

"God Bless us, Everyone"

Today, while out shopping with two of my siblings, we saw a lady with a sign asking for money to be able to pay rent so her children had a place to stay. My heart reached out for this woman and made me think how she, and her children, are children of God. It is so sad to see people struggling and know there are others that are struggling more. Yes, some people are faking it or might just use the money for drugs but, some are not. It takes a lot of humility, in my opinion, to walk a corner, showing your face and asking for help. Even if they are not actually who they are saying, the Lord asked us to care for our neighbors, our brothers and sisters. In this time of giving and the spirit of Christmas, I pray for those who are struggling to even have enough food for the season.

My dad took me to see A Christmas Carol downtown Thursday night and, after seeing this woman, I cannot help but think of the Cratchit family that wanted a Christmas tree and a large turkey but, had to settle for a little duck and a tiny little tree. It really is the simple things that make the season bright. I hope all can be a little kinder to one another and maybe a little more in tune to the needs of others through this Christmas, and other Holidays, season. Another thing that reminds me of A Christmas Carol is that the woman had, at the bottom of her sign, "God Bless." This is similar to the familiar phrase, "God bless us, everyone," said by Tiny Tim. To restate this, God bless everyone this Christmas season, and especially those in need.

Home for the Holidays and Thinking about Happiness

Well, it has been quite awhile since I have posted anything. Guess the last weeks of the semester made me a little lazy in this department. haha At this point, I am back home and, for the most part, I am loving it. Why not completely? I still have to do dishes.... Can't get out of them.... Bleh. haha Anyway, one of my missionary friends sent me a letter two days after I got back (I had told  him I would be home so he had the right address) and in it, he was discussing memories and how they can affect us. This made me think about how all semester long, I have had a lot of "dwelling in the past" moments. It has been hard to let last year go and try to move on. Yes, it has taught me a lot and it has kept me from dating RM's [Return Missionaries] but, it has also let to a lot of "pity/crying" parties. So, as I was reading this  letter and writing a response, I thought about happiness. All semester long I was thinking, "When I get away from BYU..." for this cry-sessions to end. But, that is not right.

                                                            ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~       

                                                       Happiness is a Choice

                                                      ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

You cannot expect someone else to make you feel happy about how your life is. You need to decide what you want to feel and then, seek it. Like when we had a lot of snow back in Utah, I could have been depressed but, instead, I decided to make it a game or feel like I was tap-dancing. I need to take that thought to the next level and apply it to my whole life, not just to a few days. It is still important to remember the past and laugh or cry but, I'm choosing to be happy and not do it as much. Through this holiday season, it is easy to get caught up in the presents and decorations and all the stressers but, it is more important to remember the reason for the season. No matter if you are Jewish or Christian or another religion or do not celebrate anything. For me, it is Christ's birth that I need to remember. And with that, His death and Resurrection and the Atonement. Because of Christmas, I have a Savior and a way to return to Heaven if I do my part and live worthy of the blessings it entails. Even if you are not Christian, Merry Christmas! [several days early :) ].

I am Grateful

Well, tomorrow is Thanksgiving and, in honor of it, I was thinking of things I am grateful for. Yes, I know I cannot write them all down or even think of them all but, I wish to try to get as many down as I can:

My family: a mom & dad who love each other and care about each of their children so much. siblings who support and love me and do a great job at making my day. For extended family that helps me and makes me feel loved when I am far from home and does little things to support me.

My religion: giving me a sense of direction  in my life. giving me strength when I have none. Giving me a reason to get up each day.

My Savior: Giving me strength when I feel alone in the world. A best friend that understands everything when others do not. Giving me a chance to return to live with Him and my Heavenly Father again through the Atonement. A perfect example for me to follow.

Temples: I can live with my family forever. I can feel peace in the middle of this crazy world. I can serve others who I have never met.

My education: Lets me continue to learn and grow and shape myself into the person I want to be. I am able to meet new people and grow and learn from them.

Friends: A support system when I feel alone. Help me become a better person.

Technology: Let's me keep in touch with friends and family from far away. It lets me increase my knowledge and share my thoughts with the world.

Missionary Work: Grants blessings to others and teaches me to be a leader and a better teacher.

Food: Makes me happy and feel good.

Medication: lets me continue to function when I am ill and makes me feel better.
Hygiene: Let's me feel clean.

AC/Heating: Always able to feel "just right" temperature-wise.

Nature: Beauty that can only be found when you're looking for it. It creates beautiful pictures and peace to my soul.

Music: Gives me peace and comfort. It is a way to express myself.

Senses: I am able to hear beautiful music, see all of God's creations, smell flowers and fresh bread, feel a soft breeze, & taste delicious food.

Sleep: Letting me rejuvenate and feel refreshed after a long day.

I know there are more but, the last one has made me really excited to retire to bed so, I will end my list here.  There are so many more wonderful blessings I have been given but, it is time for rest. Good night & Happy Thanksgiving!

Resorting to Creeping to the Max

This is actually a funny story and I hope no one gets extremely creeped out by this. As a disclaimer: I did not think this would actually work and that I would find the person I was looking for. I promise.

So, as has been said multiple times on my blog, I have many guy friends, "my boys," that are serving two year missions across the globe for our church [the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints AKA Mormons]. And, due to how slow and not super reliable the mailing systems are, there are many who I have not heard from in quite awhile. One of these I have not heard from in months had become a very close friend right before he left and I really wanted to know how he was doing and if he was even alive. So, I just decided, for the fun of it, to type his mission and his name on google. REMINDER: I DID NOT THINK THIS WOULD ACTUALLY WORK!!! Well, after looking through many blogs from people that were serving in that area with no results I clicked on a random blog from a guy who had been in the same MTC as my friend. Well, I hit ctrl+F and put this Elder's name in the search bar and I found two results. I was in shock. It was my friend! And then, as I kept scrolling to see if there was anything else, I found two pictures of him and his companions/district. I was in shock and was honestly about to cry. I could not believe it. It was quite a miracle and an answer to prayer to know he was alive and well. Now, I'm just hoping I'll finally hear from him but, until then, if that point comes, it is nice to know he is doing well. It was also an interesting thing to see how crazy technology has become. A few years ago, this would not have been possible. What a world we live in today.