Eh...meh.

I feel like I should do a post...but I have no clue what to write. There's either lots of stuff going through my mind or nothing at all. Right now, it's the nothing at all. And if I wait until there's lots, then it will just be difficult to get it out of my head and into actual words. So...this might be random. And just a hodge-podge of stuff.

I got my AP scores! And I got a 5 on my psych test. Which is really the only one that I truly, truly cared about. No psych 101 for me! And it's a slight jump start on my major. And it makes me happy. I also managed to get a 5 on my government test. Which either means I'm super awesome at bs-ing or other people are really bad at bs-ing. I got a 4 on my English test...which IS good. But I was hoping for 5s across the board. Especially how much I worked my butt of in that class and stressed over everything. BUT, since I managed to get a high enough score on my ACT test, I'm in English 205, just like I would be if I got a 5 on the AP test. Tender mercies of the Lord, eh? Interesting to notice how the Lord knows what goes/will go on, and helps things to happen.

I've been reading this book that Sis. Rainwater, a previous young women president gave me for a graduation present. I've been reading it on and off, and today, I finished it. It's incredible, let me tell you. It's called The Promise of Enough -Seven Principles of True Abundance. Every time I started to read it again, it would tell me something I needed to hear - or even, a few times, when I liked something so much and would share it with someone, it was what they needed to hear. It's a book that anyone can benefit in reading. Really, the only difference between who has abundance and who doesn't...is the person. It has nothing to do what the Lord is giving us. Because it's our attitude, our actions, our gratitude, or whatever, that determines how much we actually see that the Lord does for us - when we reach contentment, then we see all that the Lord really has given us. And contentment is pretty much a choice, a state of mind.

Another little book that has been on my mind, is One Bright Shining Hope. I gave it to a friend at the end of school...it has helped me so much. It's a compilation of quotes by Gordon B Hinckley, specifically for women.  It has given me a boost to my confidence when I was feeling low, it gave me hope when I needed light. It has helped give me a conviction of my place in this world, as a woman. And...that's part of the reason why I gave it away. It's like that one Muppet's Christmas movie, when they find the Fraggles, and then they give the rock away and sing that song. "If you like it, duh-duh duh, pass it on!" I wanted to share that with someone. Sometimes I find myself missing that little book...but I wouldn't even consider changing the fact that I gave it away. The very fact that I miss it means that I have learned and grown from it. Maybe sometime in the future, I'll buy myself another copy. But for now, I'll be content with what I have learned from it.

The Lamb of God. A production by Rob Gardner. I've been listening to it today. It's been a little while since I've listened to it. I love it SO much. The past few weeks up here in Flagstaff, I've had a reminder of the power of music, and how important it is - and should be- in my life. I don't get to play the piano that often up here. It really affected me at first. And I remember the first time I played while I was up here. Goosebumps like crazy. It. Felt. So. Good. Indescribable. And then I've been playing the guitar a little bit more often than usual (except for this week...) and every time I do it, it puts a smile on my face. And then, listening to this Lamb of God music, I feel the Spirit so strong. I'm reminded of things of Christ. Of how I should be. Music plays an important role in my life. It reaches me in a way that mere words seldom can. I express myself in a way that often times I could never do. If you haven't listened to this music, change that! Please!

One last random thing. I was with a group of people - play Apples to Apples. It was asked who the youngest was, to see who would start. I said it probably was me...I got some funny looks. They asked me my birthday, and then how old I was. I said I was 18. Shocked looks. And then I was told that I looked like I was 21. I don't think I look like I'm my sister's age...maybe we're secretly twins? Everyone swears we look exactly alike...which we don't.

Mesa time!

So. I had a grand old time the past few days. My sister and brother in law took a trip down to Mesa for the weekend, and I went with them. I don't know the next time I'll get the chance to go down there, so I made sure that I saw lots of people. Not everyone...because that would be impossible. It is summer after all, and 4th of July, so people are bound to be out of town. Or busy. But, I saw many friends. And I was/is happy.

So, I get to my house Friday night. One of the first things I do? Check the pantry. for what? Goldfish. And what do I see? Goldfish. My parents love me!

Saturday, Marina Mason and Danielle Driggs come over.We have pizza and play games. 'Twas a blast. Good memories of junior staff. Then that night, Tiffany Hakes invites me to go play volleyball with her sisters/friends. I'm not much of a volleyball player...but I was super excited. So I went and saw people that I wasn't even planning on seeing...and even kinda expected to never see again in my life. Just because that's how life goes.

Sunday was devoted to family. At church I was able to talk to some old leaders. They always put a smile on my face. And then that night there was a BBQ. My brother did it as a Father's Day gift. I was included merely  for the reason that I was staying there and needed food.

Monday, I had a little get-together with just a few choir friends. We played some games. (Curses is the most epic game you will ever play. Especially if you play with the right people.) Then there was another family BBQ.  Which Kylie Walker went to. (I had jokingly invited her when trying to make plans, and she really wanted to come. I don't understand why...because my family is nuts. I'm afraid she will never look at me the same way again.)

And today. Tuesday. My sister and brother in law kept pushing the time back for when we were leaving. Which I was ok with. I went to an early-ish lunch with Holly, Kristina, and Kylie and then ended up going to Namebrand Exchange afterwards. Then, I went over to McKenna's house. I went over there for the purpose of having an...intervention. Because I'm pathetic. (don't ask questions. because it's silliness really.) But then I ended up staying there for...like over three hours, just talking. I'm not gonna lie, but that might have been the highlight of my stay. My visit was impromptu and we just...talked. That doesn't happen very often with me. I generally need to have things planned in advanced. And I'm a really bad conversationalist/can't get the thoughts in my head out of my mouth the way I want. So I rarely just sit and talk. But I loved it.

Yes. I had such an amazing time.But it was definitely time for me to come back to Flagstaff. I even started missing it a bit. Especially it's weather. Mesa is SO hot! And humid. And...blech. But Flagstaff's weather is wondrous right now. As are the people. Just as amazing as the people back in Mesa.

Happiness. :)

I am happy. Why? Well...many reasons. More than I could list. But I shall try. Flagstaff is great. I've made awesome friends that I love to hang out with. I'm going down to Mesa tomorrow night until Tuesday afternoon. And I've already got three different tentative plans to hang out with my peeps. (I really don't know why I like saying/typing peeps so much. I just randomly started doing it one day. Randomness. I'm tired. My brain is being silly. And I'm rambling randomness.) Plus, there's gonna be a family BBQ. I'm just super excited to be seeing people. One friend told me he'd write to me. I finally got Bradley's address, and I sent him a letter today. And then he went on Facebook (that kid is NEVER on) and we had a nice conversation. About growing up. And Johnathan Speakman got his missions call. I screamed from excitement. Pretty sure I scared/confused the people in my apartment. (because I never scream. I'm mellow. And don't scream.) I have a job. for at least the first semester of school (for a test-run.) One of my new friends up here in Flag bought me a Frosty. (bliss.) For the first time, being a wee bit slap happy up here. And having to bite back a sarcastic comment. Signs that I am truly becoming comfortable up here and that I love the people I am around. (sarcasm equals love. I promise.) I am simply a happy soul. I love life at the moment. things seems to be going so well. I am so lucky - no, blessed! Yes. Just fabulousness. Love life with me, please!

Inspirational things...inspire me!

1. I love the Brave Girls Club. They send emails to me just about every weekday. And they usually make me feel warm and fuzzy inside.
2. This particular one struck me in a different way than usual. Usually, the ones that strike me are ones that seem to be just for me. Because they are about exactly what I'm going through at the moment. (usually change/stress/feeling overwhelmed) But this one was about...i dunno. Everyone. I mean, they always are, but I just saw this one as something every person needs to read. If that makes sense. anyways. Here it is:

Dear Lovely Girl,

You might think you are lost among the number of people in the world -- six billion people to be exact. You might sometimes feel like you are not unique or important or even SEEN. You might feel forgotten and lost in the shuffle, like what you do or how you live and what you think and who you are could really possible matter.

Who matters to you? How big of a difference do they make in YOUR life, and how different would your world be without them?

Who folded the shirt you were wearing and put it on the shelf at the store in such a way that it caught your eye? Who planted the flowers along the walkway, the happy little house you drive by every day? Who came up with the recipe for your favorite cookies?

Think about all of the small things in your life that bring you joy, the things that REALLY make your life the way it is. It's the little things that matter, isn't it?

NOW, there are a WHOLE lot of people who think of YOU this way, all of the little things that you do that make their life better. All of the 'you-ness' that you add to everything you do that makes the world prettier and funnier and happier and smarter and funkier and more unique. Not only would THEIR world not be same without you, but THE WORLD would not be the same without you.

So don't get caught in the trap of thinking that you have to do BIG THINGS to make a difference. JUST BE YOU. Please don't stop being YOU. Don't give up. Don't get discouraged.

You are not just one in a million. You are one in SIX BILLION. Now that's pretty darn special, isn't it?


Pretty amazing, aye? Often times, I get stuck in the whole not-believe-compliments-people-give-me rut. But then, when I tell people that they do all these little things for me that brighten my day...it's truth. How come people aren't allowed to be as sincere as me? Maybe they really mean what they say. So, next time someone compliments you, tells you how amazing you are, says you are an example to them...believe it. Because somewhere at sometime, you did the same thing for someone else, and they didn't want to believe you. But you meant it.

Trust me. You're amazing. How do I know? Because you're you and there's no one quite like you.

Knowing good friends = knowing God

Ya'll know how much I love my friends. Today in Sunday School, I had sorta a mini-epiphany. And I felt like sharing it, because it really is the reason why I love my friends so much...

In Sunday School we were asked how we can know Christ and God - not just know of them, but actually know them. Some people said love and service, which were the two that popped into my head. I started thinking about that, and then I started thinking about all the love and service that happens within friendships. And that sparked my mini-epiphany.

We are all children of God, and within the scriptures we have been told that we have Godlike attributes - or, the ability to have Godlike attributes. (fyi everytime I type Godlike, I end up typing goldlike. God = gold? yes?) And I started thinking about my friends.  I have often said that I can see the light of Christ shining through the faces of them. They all have several attributes that I admire and their Christlike light has often led me through dark times. It is when I am closest to these friends that I become closer to my Savior - they are wonderful examples and gently encourage me to do what's right.

So...my thought process this afternoon. We are told to have good friends - for many reasons. I think this one reason is the main reason, because all of the others are kind of...reactions to it. The main reason: good friends can allow for us to know Christ and Heavenly Father, because they are like them. The closer we become to these friends, the closer we draw to Christ and our Father. This is also why it is so important for us to strive to become like the Savior and follow His example, because this can help others to draw near to Him.

Look at your friends. Do you see this man in them? If you can...these are the friends you should cling to. The friends who will be the greatest strength to you. Strive to become like those friends.

I want to be a window to His love
So when you look at me you will see Him
I want to be so pure and clear
That you won’t even know I’m here
‘Cause His love will shine brightly through me

I want to be a doorway to the truth
So when you walk beyond you will find Him
I want to stand so straight and tall
That you won’t notice me at all
But through my open door He will be seen

A window to His love
A doorway to the truth
A bearer of the message
He’d have me bring to you
And with each passing day
I want to fade away
‘Til only He can be seen
And I become a window to His love

I want to be a window to His love
So you can look through me and you’ll see Him
And someday shining through my face
You’ll see His loving countenance
‘Cause I will have become like He is

A window to His love.
A doorway to the truth.
A bearer of the message He'd have me bring to you
And with each passing day
I want to fade away.
'Till only He can be seen And I become...

A window to His love
A doorway to the truth.
A bearer of the message He'd have me bring to you.
And with each passing year
I want to disappear
'Till He's become everything
and I've become a window to His love.

I've been on a poetry kick

So, a while back, I was going through some stuff of mine, and  I found this poem. And, I think it's nice. Plus, it's about friendship, and ya'll know how much I lurve mis amigos.

 

A smile, a laugh,

A knowing look exchanged:

The things friends do,

But not what makes them friends

Singing together,

Random conversations:

The things friends do,

But not what makes them friends.

Secrets shared,

Many hugs given:

The things friends do,

But not what makes them friends.

What makes that bond,

The strongest of all,

Called friendship?

Laughter may bring them together,

But tears are what

Make it last.

They may share similar loves,

But love for each other

Keeps it strong.

There’s compassion for pains,

Trust in hard times,

Understanding in frustrations,

Sometimes a blunt word,

But spoken in love.

They call each other sisters,

But the bond is really stronger.

Good friends love,

Care, listen, and uplift.

They better the life

Of one another,

Never bringing the

Other down.

Miles may separate,

And years may long pass,

But the friendship

Never will die.

With their friendship and love

They change the world

Simply by changing

One another.

 

And with their friendship and love

They’ve taught others to love

And have drawn others to them;

For who can refuse

The presence of Christ

That shines in their eyes?

His Light shines in those

Who love like those friends.

And with His help,

And with their love,

They make a legacy

That never can die.

It is a wee bit long. I guess I only like long poems or something. haha but yes. I love my friends. And poetry. The end.

Yes, I did just do a blogpost like 30 seconds ago...

This information is just so special, that a whole new post is needed for it:


I have the best friends ever!!!

If I could name them all, I would. But, that would take awhile. And I probably wouldn't have enough time/room to name them all, which means someone would feel left out, which would make me feel bad. But. There are a few that have made a HUGE difference this past week. Katie Alston: rescued me from complete and utter overwhelmingness my first day in Flag. Kristina Wilson: told me exactly what I needed to hear, even though I was being a butt and didn't want to admit they were perfect words. Holly Dixon: let me bother/text her every night, making me smile by sharing her cheery spirit,
 gave me the best belated birthday present ever (and goldfish). Amy and Stephen Hale: basically the only people I know well in Flag, making me laugh lots, showing me the ropes, and letting me crash at their place/eat pizza at an indecent hour because I was too tired/lazy to go back to my apartment. Sarah Merkley: rescued me in my confusion and helped me feel...ok. Also spoke the most perfect words. And fed me sherbet. Katie Wilson and Amy Crandell: best roommates EVER! (I have met Whitney, but I met her Friday night, and then I left Saturday morning. But I'm sure she's awesome too.) Basically they've just been super supportive of me as I've tried to adjust to this...differentness. And, as far as I know, they don't think I'm super annoying/a cranky-whiny-lazy butt. At least, not yet. Which I was worried about. Because it all can be kinda true.

So...I know awesome people. As I was quoted in this last year book..."I have the best friends. You all should be jealous." And it's the truth. :)