This week I attended the YSA Summit in West Jordan. One of the keynote speakers was Bishop John Bytheway. He quoted a talk by Elder Carlos E. Asay of the presidency of the Seventy. This statement hit me hard and pinpointed something I've been struggling with for a long time. He said:
There is a lie—a vicious lie—circulating among the Latter-day Saints and taking its toll among the young.
And it is that a “balanced man” is one who deliberately
guards against becoming too righteous.
This lie wouldhave you believe that it is possible to live successfully and happily as a “double-minded man” with one foot in Babylon and one foot in Zion. (SeeJames 1:8.)
I don't know why I never thought about it this way before. Of course we should get our foot out of Babylon. Yet so often I find myself doing this very thing, trying to "fit in" with the world while still setting myself apart. If you'd like to read the whole talk, click here.
I am determined to break away from this cycle. I must come to accept that the ways of the world are distancing themselves farther and father from God. In order to stay on the Lord's side, I must plant both feet firmly in zion and hold fast to the iron rod. I must diligently study the scriptures, keep the commandments, and pray. That is the only way to safeguard from the fiery darts of Satan. I will not stand down.
Tuesday, June 26, 2012
Monday, June 25, 2012
He is aware of our needs.
This morning I was looking over my bank account when I noticed an extra chunk of money in my checking account. It said it was a tuition reimbursement from the University of Utah. I was puzzled and slightly concerned, as I shouldn't be getting anything back.
So I logged on to the UofU website to investigate. Somehow, by some miracle, FAFSA decided to award me a pell grant for summer semester. It brought tears to my eyes. I've been trying so hard to be careful with my money, scrimping and saving to pay my tuition. This is a huge burden lifted off my back. I am so thankful for the blessings the Lord pours out so freely in my life.
So I logged on to the UofU website to investigate. Somehow, by some miracle, FAFSA decided to award me a pell grant for summer semester. It brought tears to my eyes. I've been trying so hard to be careful with my money, scrimping and saving to pay my tuition. This is a huge burden lifted off my back. I am so thankful for the blessings the Lord pours out so freely in my life.
Thursday, June 21, 2012
A Tribute to Josh
I've spoken of my baby brother before, but with his upcoming nuptials next month, I wanted to express a little more.
Since Josh has returned from his mission he has been especially good to me. I think something changed him in Scotland. Something for the better. He is patient and sweet and kind and supportive. He is so quick to make sure I am happy. He works hard to be the best person he can be.
On July 14th he will marry a lovely girl. She is wonderful and a good match for him. I believe she is part of the reason he has become so good.
Its hard to see my little Joshua grow to be a man and get married. However, I know this is the way things should be. I know that he is being obedient.
Josh and I have been best buddies from day one. We had our quarrels to be sure, but we survived it. I'm so thankful Heavenly Father saw fit to send me Josh. He knew I needed him.
Wednesday, June 13, 2012
Flashback to the B.C.
Sunday I decided to take a walk. I live mere blocks from the center of Salt Lake City. There are lots of things to see. On this particular day I decided to walk to my old stomping grounds, LDS Business College, or "the B.C." as many students call it. The present campus is located in the triad center, however, that is not MY campus. My campus is nestled among mature trees and historic houses on South Temple and 400 East. I was the last graduating class from that campus. The building now sits vacant with telephone books piling up just inside the breezeway. The grounds are still beautiful and the mansion breathtaking.
One of the reasons I decided to go to that school was that I loved the campus. I wandered around back to the carriage house where most of my classes took place. There was a light breeze and the sun shown down warmly. I found a bench and settled in. I began to reflect on all that has happened in my life in the six years since I last left that campus. I've been on a mission, started attending school at a university, switched my major around a little, seen several nieces and nephews born, got a full-time grown up job and other various things like heartbreak, but lets be positive.
I don't know that I expected to be in a certain spot by now, other than married with lots of babies. At that time I had very little idea of what my future held. When I graduated, I had my mission call and that was all that laid ahead at the time.
Planning your life can be a good thing, but I've chosen to let the Lord direct my life as he sees it should go. I'm not done with my degree, but I'm working hard at it. I have a family that loves me and dozens of friends that I could call on for support on a moment's notice. I am greatly blessed.
All that said, I must confess that I am a good deal happier now than I was then. Though I loved learning about interior design, my life at the time was void. All I did was go to school during the day, work at night and cram in homework on weekends. I averaged 4-5 hours of sleep per night and had zero social life. One of the reasons I couldn't wait to go on a mission was that I knew I'd be getting 8 hours of sleep per night. What a glorious thought.
I am grateful for the blessings and trials I've received in my life up to this point. I look forward to the future and what the Lord has in store for me.
One of the reasons I decided to go to that school was that I loved the campus. I wandered around back to the carriage house where most of my classes took place. There was a light breeze and the sun shown down warmly. I found a bench and settled in. I began to reflect on all that has happened in my life in the six years since I last left that campus. I've been on a mission, started attending school at a university, switched my major around a little, seen several nieces and nephews born, got a full-time grown up job and other various things like heartbreak, but lets be positive.
I don't know that I expected to be in a certain spot by now, other than married with lots of babies. At that time I had very little idea of what my future held. When I graduated, I had my mission call and that was all that laid ahead at the time.
Planning your life can be a good thing, but I've chosen to let the Lord direct my life as he sees it should go. I'm not done with my degree, but I'm working hard at it. I have a family that loves me and dozens of friends that I could call on for support on a moment's notice. I am greatly blessed.
All that said, I must confess that I am a good deal happier now than I was then. Though I loved learning about interior design, my life at the time was void. All I did was go to school during the day, work at night and cram in homework on weekends. I averaged 4-5 hours of sleep per night and had zero social life. One of the reasons I couldn't wait to go on a mission was that I knew I'd be getting 8 hours of sleep per night. What a glorious thought.
I am grateful for the blessings and trials I've received in my life up to this point. I look forward to the future and what the Lord has in store for me.
Saturday, June 2, 2012
Crack of Dawn 8K
Running. You either love it or hate it. For me, I think its a love/hate thing. What possesses me to spend my hard earned money on an event that only causes pain and sweat? I do it for the other thing it causes, pure exhilaration at completion. There are few things in this world that make me feel as good as running. Its tough to beat the feeling of accomplishment you get when you cross that finish line. Talk about a self esteem boost! I claim full bragging rights to my races. I may not be fast, but I ALWAYS finish. And that my friends is priceless.
So this morning I rolled out of bed around 4:17am. I'd laid out my clothes the night before. I pulled on my sassy spandex shorts, my Ragnar 2011 shirt, my reflective vest, socks, shoes, iPod, ear buds and most importantly, my purple bandanna. (The secret is out, I sweat). My good friend Shaleena, who initially informed me of this event, graciously drove me to the starting line. We arrived at the packet pickup around 5am. I got my timing chip and number bib. We then headed up Millcreek Canyon.
The sunrise this morning was breathtaking. We arrived a little early, so Shaleena and I chatted for a while then we said our goodbyes. She went down to wait at the finish line while I started to warm up. I made a friend at the starting line. I forget her name, but she had really cool reflective green NIKE shoes. It was our conversation starter. We had a delightful little chat before the race.
A few minutes before we began, the race sponsor had us do some stretches together. That was a first. I kind of liked it. Group stretches are always fun.
And then we were off. I wasn't quite ready with my iPod playlist, but I managed to get it going a few seconds after starting. This race was a bit different because it was all downhill...well mostly. I fell into a good pace and made my way carefully and steadily down the canyon.
As usual we all started in a clump and gradually spread out. For most of the race I was behind two people, a guy and a lady. I passed both of them but then the lady passed me, which I was okay with because I like to cheer people on. As for me, I just keep my steady pace.
The whole time I had it in my mind that 8 Kilometers equated to about 4 miles. Nope. Its 4.97 miles. I didn't find that out until I chatted with said lady who passed me. It was alright though, once you reach a certain point in running, you can pretty well keep on going for a while.
I said earlier that the race was mostly downhill. The only time it wasn't downhill was at the finish line. Once we got down the canyon, we turned onto Wasatch Boulevard and then turned again into the shopping complex which is a steep uphill climb. That. is. just. mean. Normally I like to sprint to the finish line. That was not going to happen today. It was all I could do to just keep putting one foot in front of the other and keep running.
So now here I sit writing this post after having a hot shower and carefully putting on my cushy slippers so my blisters can get some relief. It was a good race. I just may do it again next year.
PS - My official time was 57:44...that equates to an 11.6 min mile!! I am thrilled with that result.
So this morning I rolled out of bed around 4:17am. I'd laid out my clothes the night before. I pulled on my sassy spandex shorts, my Ragnar 2011 shirt, my reflective vest, socks, shoes, iPod, ear buds and most importantly, my purple bandanna. (The secret is out, I sweat). My good friend Shaleena, who initially informed me of this event, graciously drove me to the starting line. We arrived at the packet pickup around 5am. I got my timing chip and number bib. We then headed up Millcreek Canyon.
The sunrise this morning was breathtaking. We arrived a little early, so Shaleena and I chatted for a while then we said our goodbyes. She went down to wait at the finish line while I started to warm up. I made a friend at the starting line. I forget her name, but she had really cool reflective green NIKE shoes. It was our conversation starter. We had a delightful little chat before the race.
A few minutes before we began, the race sponsor had us do some stretches together. That was a first. I kind of liked it. Group stretches are always fun.
And then we were off. I wasn't quite ready with my iPod playlist, but I managed to get it going a few seconds after starting. This race was a bit different because it was all downhill...well mostly. I fell into a good pace and made my way carefully and steadily down the canyon.
As usual we all started in a clump and gradually spread out. For most of the race I was behind two people, a guy and a lady. I passed both of them but then the lady passed me, which I was okay with because I like to cheer people on. As for me, I just keep my steady pace.
The whole time I had it in my mind that 8 Kilometers equated to about 4 miles. Nope. Its 4.97 miles. I didn't find that out until I chatted with said lady who passed me. It was alright though, once you reach a certain point in running, you can pretty well keep on going for a while.
I said earlier that the race was mostly downhill. The only time it wasn't downhill was at the finish line. Once we got down the canyon, we turned onto Wasatch Boulevard and then turned again into the shopping complex which is a steep uphill climb. That. is. just. mean. Normally I like to sprint to the finish line. That was not going to happen today. It was all I could do to just keep putting one foot in front of the other and keep running.
(Check out those calf muscles! Oh yeah!)
And at last I did cross the finish line. I think one of the hardest parts at the end is standing still enough for them to clip the timing chip off my shoe. My legs are so shaky at that point. I found water, got my T-shirt (to add to my collection) and cue completion high!
So now here I sit writing this post after having a hot shower and carefully putting on my cushy slippers so my blisters can get some relief. It was a good race. I just may do it again next year.
PS - My official time was 57:44...that equates to an 11.6 min mile!! I am thrilled with that result.
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