Tuesday
Truth confirmed: Fresh cantalope punch is delicious and refreshing. But seriously, today, I realized the power of following even the simplest of promptings, even just to text a friend. I also realized the strength that comes when we even read a few verses from the scriptures in the morning to jumpstart our reliance on the Lord and to found our day on a spiritual perspective so that we can tackle the challenges of the day with heart, soul, strength, and optimism. It turns out that the verses i read this morning were not just for me, but for that dear friend i texted. When we do the little things, He can use us to accomplish great things.
New friend: Dan, Megan's boyfriend. He is very nice and joined us for taco tuesday at El Azteca.
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Monday
Truth confirmed: I may not actually be homeless, but after playing a homeless person in a musical (called "SHELTER" - come see it in murray theatre this next week :), I have the seeds of empathy for them...I felt what it must feel like when someone out of the kindness of their heart doesn't ask questions and hands you a $20 bill. I felt the frustration of sleeping on a bench. I felt the joy in the simplicity of a tennis racket...and the comfort of carrying it with me...the security of familiar objects...I felt hope to hear someone near me pray...in gratitude..."what am i grateful for? i guess God must exist...." I love theatre. This is why I do what I do. Well, a huge part of it. The Lord can teaches us through the things we are passionate about. This is why He taught in parables. He is a brilliant teacher. He will also teach us through those around us. Why is all of this possible? Because, the Spirit is the teacher, and no matter where we are, or what we are doing, if we invite the Spirit, He can teach us. Wow. I've never made that connection this clearly before. Heavenly Father teaches me so much just when I take the time to write in this blog. If you, as my reader, get 1/2 of what I get from writing this blog, we will all be more enlightened people with desires to change the world, and be changed. Because we are learning to understand this world, our place in it, and its relationship to the life after this.
New friend: Dee. She is thinking of going on a mission. Jess and I had the opportunity to share how our missions changed us....it is so amazing how the Lord teaches us the same things, but in different ways.
Sunday
Truth confirmed: Heavenly Father asks us to teach others what we need the most to learn ourselves. Thursday was my last day at the mtc, and sunday I was asked to teach relief society: lesson 33: missionary work. Coincidence? I think not. I know Heavenly Father gave me the opportunity to learn how to transition from that blessed employment, into member missionary work...to listen to the Spirit...to trust Him....and to do it quickly because the sisters needed this lesson. Thank you, Heavenly Father.
New friend: Kellen, at Sarah's dessert night. Very friendly, and his house has a spiral staircase. I will have one of those in my house one day.
Truth confirmed: I may not actually be homeless, but after playing a homeless person in a musical (called "SHELTER" - come see it in murray theatre this next week :), I have the seeds of empathy for them...I felt what it must feel like when someone out of the kindness of their heart doesn't ask questions and hands you a $20 bill. I felt the frustration of sleeping on a bench. I felt the joy in the simplicity of a tennis racket...and the comfort of carrying it with me...the security of familiar objects...I felt hope to hear someone near me pray...in gratitude..."what am i grateful for? i guess God must exist...." I love theatre. This is why I do what I do. Well, a huge part of it. The Lord can teaches us through the things we are passionate about. This is why He taught in parables. He is a brilliant teacher. He will also teach us through those around us. Why is all of this possible? Because, the Spirit is the teacher, and no matter where we are, or what we are doing, if we invite the Spirit, He can teach us. Wow. I've never made that connection this clearly before. Heavenly Father teaches me so much just when I take the time to write in this blog. If you, as my reader, get 1/2 of what I get from writing this blog, we will all be more enlightened people with desires to change the world, and be changed. Because we are learning to understand this world, our place in it, and its relationship to the life after this.
New friend: Dee. She is thinking of going on a mission. Jess and I had the opportunity to share how our missions changed us....it is so amazing how the Lord teaches us the same things, but in different ways.
Sunday
Truth confirmed: Heavenly Father asks us to teach others what we need the most to learn ourselves. Thursday was my last day at the mtc, and sunday I was asked to teach relief society: lesson 33: missionary work. Coincidence? I think not. I know Heavenly Father gave me the opportunity to learn how to transition from that blessed employment, into member missionary work...to listen to the Spirit...to trust Him....and to do it quickly because the sisters needed this lesson. Thank you, Heavenly Father.
New friend: Kellen, at Sarah's dessert night. Very friendly, and his house has a spiral staircase. I will have one of those in my house one day.
Sunday, May 15, 2011
Truth confirmed: Mothers are heaven sent. My mom drove down from draper to provo (at least 30 minutes) just to bring me cough drops, special cough medicine, ibprofen, gingerale, tropical sherbet, tangelos, emergen-c, and a jug of orange juice. Could I have gone to the store myself and bought this? Yes. Was I grateful to be taken care of in my weak state by my mama? Yes. Also, ask and ye shall receive. I prayed for a missionary opportunity tonight. Did I specifically ask for someone who doesn't know the truth that I know? No....so this opportunity came in the form of a sweet "sister" of mine in Noteworthy. As we were preparing for our show tonight, I had the scriptures open, and she asked me to share a scripture with her. So I did. She asked what it meant. "What do you think?" I responded. She ended up teaching herself, and we both had truth confirmed to us. Power of the spirit and of scriptures. Thank you Heavenly Father.
New friend: Reese. He is my dear friend, Garret's cousin from BYU-I. He is coming to see the Nauvoo pageant this summer. See you soon! :)
New friend: Reese. He is my dear friend, Garret's cousin from BYU-I. He is coming to see the Nauvoo pageant this summer. See you soon! :)
Friday, May 13, 2011
Friday
Truth confirmed: the power of the priesthood, prayer, and faith is very real. Noteworthy (girls a cappella group at BYU that I am in) performed tonight in the top 25 of the Stadium of fire competition. 4 songs before we were up, my cough had reached its' horrific climax...I was coughing more than I was breathing. This is no bueno for normal life, much less to SING and perform. I asked our director's husband for a blessing. He gave me a simple blessing that my cough could at least subside for the one song we had to do. The prayers and faith that supported that blessing were answered. Guzzling hot chamomile and lemon tea, inbetween cough drops and water, I was still coughing up my lungs up until we ran onto the stage. I sang my heart out (a nice break from my lungs :) without even an urge to cough...until I ran off stage and coughed like there was no tomorrow. Thank you Heavenly Father for this miracle. I'll need it again tomorrow. Let me do my part, and go to sleep. :)
New friend: Bowen. 12 years old. played the ukelele and sang...Jack Johnson and Jason Mraz don't have much on this kid. Be still my heart. I "remet" John Allred and Sammy (yes, the owner of Sammy's. :)
Thursday
Truth confirmed: Today was my last day at the MTC. Officially. I clocked out for the last time. I had my exit interview, sealed with tears of sorrow and gratitude. I was blessed with peace to know that life will be ok. :) I will be given other opportunities to serve and build His kingdom. Now, someone else needs the opportunity that I was blessed with for 2 years: to work at the MTC as a teacher of missionaries. I am forever grateful for this life-changing career. case in point: right after i left the mtc, i went to the boys and girls' club to volunteer and lead improv games with these kids. Armeda greeted me with a hug that I thought would never end...thank you Heavenly Father for giving me these sweet kids who need me more than I need to focus on my sadness...(plus I have the Nauvoo pageant to look forward to, and i am teaching the relief society lesson on sunday on MISSIONARY WORK! coincidence? i think not.)
New friend: saw matt again...not new...but new enough....:)
Truth confirmed: the power of the priesthood, prayer, and faith is very real. Noteworthy (girls a cappella group at BYU that I am in) performed tonight in the top 25 of the Stadium of fire competition. 4 songs before we were up, my cough had reached its' horrific climax...I was coughing more than I was breathing. This is no bueno for normal life, much less to SING and perform. I asked our director's husband for a blessing. He gave me a simple blessing that my cough could at least subside for the one song we had to do. The prayers and faith that supported that blessing were answered. Guzzling hot chamomile and lemon tea, inbetween cough drops and water, I was still coughing up my lungs up until we ran onto the stage. I sang my heart out (a nice break from my lungs :) without even an urge to cough...until I ran off stage and coughed like there was no tomorrow. Thank you Heavenly Father for this miracle. I'll need it again tomorrow. Let me do my part, and go to sleep. :)
New friend: Bowen. 12 years old. played the ukelele and sang...Jack Johnson and Jason Mraz don't have much on this kid. Be still my heart. I "remet" John Allred and Sammy (yes, the owner of Sammy's. :)
Thursday
Truth confirmed: Today was my last day at the MTC. Officially. I clocked out for the last time. I had my exit interview, sealed with tears of sorrow and gratitude. I was blessed with peace to know that life will be ok. :) I will be given other opportunities to serve and build His kingdom. Now, someone else needs the opportunity that I was blessed with for 2 years: to work at the MTC as a teacher of missionaries. I am forever grateful for this life-changing career. case in point: right after i left the mtc, i went to the boys and girls' club to volunteer and lead improv games with these kids. Armeda greeted me with a hug that I thought would never end...thank you Heavenly Father for giving me these sweet kids who need me more than I need to focus on my sadness...(plus I have the Nauvoo pageant to look forward to, and i am teaching the relief society lesson on sunday on MISSIONARY WORK! coincidence? i think not.)
New friend: saw matt again...not new...but new enough....:)
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
Truth confirmed: persevere. keep playing. you will come off conqueror. Even if for just one play...one hit...one serve...just one good volley could change your perspective. One good save...one good backhand. You will find the balance, between smashing it down or lobbing it far into the air. Oh the things I learned from tennis today. I am loving this new sport. (I should apply these things outside the court..)
New friend: a man at costco whose last name was metz. we are almost related. he was very friendly.
New friend: a man at costco whose last name was metz. we are almost related. he was very friendly.
I believe in love. Even when i cannot feel it the way i yearn to....when i cannot see it on the horizon...and yet, somehow, i know it is there....i want love like carl and ellie....like queen victoria and albert....so love like theirs, I will have...only it will be better, because it will be me and ..... . our love will be unprecedented...and unmatched....unwavering and delighted by all that life offers us, because we will be...us.
truth confirmed: service feels good. joy. so, i suppose i can say i was serving God today. yes, i put away his Christmas decorations that were still out. :) ok, that was just my earthly dad's merry deliquency. being with friends and family is good. if i am surrounded by short men, i should stop labeling them as short. focus on their strengths and how tall they are in stature. spiritual stature...humorous stature...insightful stature...etc. hmmmm...it's a good thing i have recomitted to writing, because i am learning as i write. thank you.
new friend: ben. at taco tuesday. this is our 3rd taco tuesday in a row at el azteca. joy. 1 fish taco. 1 cilantro lime shrimp taco. 1 rice pudding. bites of a chocolate quesadilla. wonderful companionship.
truth confirmed: service feels good. joy. so, i suppose i can say i was serving God today. yes, i put away his Christmas decorations that were still out. :) ok, that was just my earthly dad's merry deliquency. being with friends and family is good. if i am surrounded by short men, i should stop labeling them as short. focus on their strengths and how tall they are in stature. spiritual stature...humorous stature...insightful stature...etc. hmmmm...it's a good thing i have recomitted to writing, because i am learning as i write. thank you.
new friend: ben. at taco tuesday. this is our 3rd taco tuesday in a row at el azteca. joy. 1 fish taco. 1 cilantro lime shrimp taco. 1 rice pudding. bites of a chocolate quesadilla. wonderful companionship.
Monday, May 9, 2011
Ok, I have fallen off of the deep end. There is no way to catch up...I can only move forward. This is actually one of the truths that was confirmed for me today. I live in the past more than I should...and in the future...I must live in the present. Learn from the past, plan for the future, end enjoy NOW! hmmm....thank you Jess for this reminder.
So, update:
I graduated from BYU.
Being "retired" (as my dad says) is overrated.
However, today, I wore my pajamas until 330 pm, and was shockingly productive.
*I played mom: got my brother up, fed, and to seminary by 715 am.
*applied for jobs online to keep me busy until i leave for nauvoo june 10
(potential jobs: hawaiian shaved ice stand, video spokesperson for an educational company, handbag model shoot, internet article writer, and wedding dj. yes. you're welcome. i am rooting for the wedding dj...)
*I sauteed shrimp and made cocktail sauce, while listening to conference talks online.
*I emailed about an audition for a voiceover. they asked for a demo. i don't have one. they sent me 2 paragraphs asking for me to record them and send them as mp3s. uh......ok. google, here i come...teach me....and boy did i learn. I learned that my 2004 mac ibook grandpa computer has an internal microphone that ROCKS! i learned how to record my voice, how to export it to itunes, and then convert it to an mp3. WOW. oh the possibilities this opens up. i am ready to play...
*I played mom again and made alec an afterschool snack/lunch.
*Then i got dressed.
*I went to visit my friend jess. after soup, we made chocolate chip cookies-turned snickerdoodle. mmm. then she invited me to join her at her rehearsal for the new musical: SHELTER. I am now in it. go figure. it opens next friday. WHOOHOOOO. I am excited to be part of it.
I loved today!
Truth confirmed: (another one): Seek and ye shall find. Heavenly Father wants this transition into the "real world" to not be traumatic, so he is sending me opportunities and helping me learn new things (i recently picked up tennis!) so that I can keep giving and growing and building the kingdom. Thank you. I am blessed.
New friend: Matt. He is the one token male in this new musical about women in a homeless shelter. He has a beautiful singing voice. We laughed and spoke in a spanish accent. magic in the making.
I am back. For good this time.
So, update:
I graduated from BYU.
Being "retired" (as my dad says) is overrated.
However, today, I wore my pajamas until 330 pm, and was shockingly productive.
*I played mom: got my brother up, fed, and to seminary by 715 am.
*applied for jobs online to keep me busy until i leave for nauvoo june 10
(potential jobs: hawaiian shaved ice stand, video spokesperson for an educational company, handbag model shoot, internet article writer, and wedding dj. yes. you're welcome. i am rooting for the wedding dj...)
*I sauteed shrimp and made cocktail sauce, while listening to conference talks online.
*I emailed about an audition for a voiceover. they asked for a demo. i don't have one. they sent me 2 paragraphs asking for me to record them and send them as mp3s. uh......ok. google, here i come...teach me....and boy did i learn. I learned that my 2004 mac ibook grandpa computer has an internal microphone that ROCKS! i learned how to record my voice, how to export it to itunes, and then convert it to an mp3. WOW. oh the possibilities this opens up. i am ready to play...
*I played mom again and made alec an afterschool snack/lunch.
*Then i got dressed.
*I went to visit my friend jess. after soup, we made chocolate chip cookies-turned snickerdoodle. mmm. then she invited me to join her at her rehearsal for the new musical: SHELTER. I am now in it. go figure. it opens next friday. WHOOHOOOO. I am excited to be part of it.
I loved today!
Truth confirmed: (another one): Seek and ye shall find. Heavenly Father wants this transition into the "real world" to not be traumatic, so he is sending me opportunities and helping me learn new things (i recently picked up tennis!) so that I can keep giving and growing and building the kingdom. Thank you. I am blessed.
New friend: Matt. He is the one token male in this new musical about women in a homeless shelter. He has a beautiful singing voice. We laughed and spoke in a spanish accent. magic in the making.
I am back. For good this time.
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