Weekend In Review

I apologize for not sharing a Thursday Thought this week. With all of the craziness that happened this past week, my mind and thoughts have just kind of been a blur. I have felt so incredibly drained. I didn't matter how much I slept, I was still tried and exhausted. I am keeping my finger crossed that this next week will be a bit better.

Saturday

Earlier in the week we had talked about making a trip up to Portland to go to the temple, but I wasn't sure I would have the strength and energy to do so. Friday night we shut our phones off and slept for as long as we could, knowing my body desperately needed sleep. Sleeping in was really nice. We decided that it would be best not to make the trip north, but to just take it easy this weekend.

We made some breakfast and then went grocery shopping (Is it bad that I don't know what we ate this past week? Wait...I think our meals consisted of a lot of cereal). For whatever reason, I felt totally calm and relaxed grocery shopping even though the store was unusually crowded. When we got home and put the food away I couldn't help but laugh at all the fruit on the counter-- We eat a ton of fruit around this house! This should last us about 3 weeks.

Fruit!

We ate some lunch, did a few chores, and did a short workout at the gym. It felt so good to workout. Exercising is probably my favorite way to de-stress and relax.

Then we went thrift shopping. Thrift shopping is a blast! I scored on a cute pair of Nordstrom shoes an a pair of my favorite shorts. I have scoured the stores and the internet and have not been able to find this particular pair of Adidas shorts and I happened to find a pair my size. Yay!

The rest of the night was spent watching a show and folding clothes. Anyone want to help finish folding my laundry?

Sunday

Today has been a really wonderful day! I don't know what could have made it any better. I failed to mention early that the tragedy that happened took place at my work. There was a serious accident and someone died. I was there during those last few moments of this persons life-- thankfully I didn't actually see the accident happen. But some of the people I work with did see the accident happen and it has been incredibly hard on them to see their friend killed. I care deeply for those I work with. It just breaks my heart to see all of the guys so down and devastated.

A positive though has come out of everything, I had had numerous missionary experiences. I have been able to testify of the power of prayer and have invited others to pray as well. I have shared my testimony of a loving Savior. I have been able to talk about the positive aspect of trials. I even invited a few co-workers to come to church and lunch afterwards.

When I first walked into church today didn't see any of the guys and my heart sank a little bit. I sat on the pew silently praying that these two young men would show up. A few moments later one of them walked in the door. Words can't express how happy I was to see this young man walk into church. The talks, testimonies, and lessons were simply wonderful. The spirit was so incredibly strong. My co-worker said he is going to bring his fiance and daughter to church with him next week too. *Happy dance*

My co-worker, some mutual friends and their kids, and the missionaries came over to lunch after church. I was praying we would have enough food for everyone-- my prayer was answered. It was a good time for all.

Prayer is real. It works. There is a loving Heavenly Father, just waiting to hear from you. Tell Him about your joys and your sorrows. He is there. He hears you. He will help lift you up. I know because he has helped me so much this past week.

Make this next week great!

Life Is Fragile

I witnessed a tragedy yesterday, I won't go into details but know that a life was lost. As I reflect back on the things that happened, I have been reminded of how fragile life really is. Each moment is a gift. Each moment is a blessing. You never know when your time will be up. Live each day as if it were your last. Express your love often to those you love, you never know if those words may be your last. If there are some things in your life that haven't been resolved, take care of them before it is too late.

I am so grateful for the gospel of Jesus Christ. I feel blessed to know that families can be together forever. It is my hope and my prayer that everyone involved can feel the love of the Savior and find peace and comfort in their lives.

Weekend In Review

It feels like this weekend has gone by way too fast! Here is a quick recap.

Friday

We had the missionaries over for dinner. We got a new set of elders this past week, it was fun to get to know them. They both happen to be from towns I have lived in, it's crazy how small the world is. They asked our about the missionary work that we have been doing and the missionary work that is being done in the ward. Andy and I kind of looked at each other unsure of what to say. We started sharing missionary experiences we had and gave them some names of people we thought it would be good to visit with. Later they told us they were really impressed by everything we have been doing and that most members aren't that way. I was really surprised by this. For me, when I find something wonderful and amazing, I want to share it with the world. This is also true for me when it comes to sharing the gospel. I can't imagine not sharing the gospel with someone.

After the elders left, we hit up the gym for a Friday night workout. Yeah, we are those people who spend their weekends at the gym. It felt so good though to workout. 

Saturday

I went to a Stake Relief Society Activity in the morning. I enjoyed the messages that were shared and visiting with sisters in my ward.

Once the activity was over, I ran to pickup a few of my Young Women. I told my girls if they read the Book of Mormon (this is for their Virtue Project) that I would take them out to eat. Two of my girls took my up on the challenge and we enjoyed our afternoon out at Red Robin.

Unbeknownst to me, Andy was hard at work while I was gone. He cleaned up around the house, planted some raspberry starts, cleaned out the garden (we didn't get this done a few months ago because the weather changed so quickly), he fertilized the grass, and he washed and vacuumed the car. I am so grateful for the hard work he put in.

There was an Elder's Quorum Activity that night and wives were invited, since he is now in the presidency we felt like we should be there. Everyone played volleyball and I watched- volleyball has never been my thing. Everyone seemed to have a great time. Andy has previously talked about how much he dislikes volleyball, but he said he actually had a good time.

Sunday

Today has been a really good day. It was Ward Conference today at church. The messages and lessons that were shared were really wonderful. There was a lot of time for analysis of self and challenges to do better. The youth were super involved today too and that is always a good thing. Can I just say our stake is super tech savvy-- I was really impressed by some of the things they had setup.

The rest of the day has been spent visiting with family, resting, and preparing for the upcoming week.

Our First Ducks Game

One of my co-worker's has season tickets to the Ducks basketball games. He had a trip planned that happened to be the same night as the USU and Oregon game and he asked if I wanted his tickets. It's hard to turn down free tickets, so Andy and I found ourselves at the game.

I love the silhouette of trees on floor!

The game we so loud! We were both super glad that we brought ear plugs.

Andy & I.

The game was neck and neck the entire time, but Oregon managed to win the game 89 to 81.

The band.

Neither one of us have ever been big basketball fans, but we had a good time. Our favorite  part was the band. Every time USC went to make a free throw, the band would hold up large cut outs of celebrities faces and shake them around- it was pretty great!

Thursday Thought

Prayer is something that is really important to me. I know I have said it before, but I pray all the time, like all the time. Sometimes, I can't help but wonder if Heavenly Father ever gets tired of hearing from me.

Things have been a little crazy lately and I feel like I have been asking a lot in my prayers. I recently started to evaluate my prayers and I came to realize that maybe I haven't expressed as much gratitude in my prayers as I should be. I have been very blessed.

It's all too easy to focus on what you want, what you don't have and what's wrong in life. It's too easy to complain to Heavenly Father about how hard our lives are. It would be too easy if we asked Him to take our challenges away and He actually did it.

It's so much better to focus on the good, the positive and to be grateful for the opportunities and adventures that life has afforded us. It is through the ups and downs of life that we learn and grow and become the sons and daughters of God that He knows we can become.

"Never let the things you want make you forget the things you have." -Anonymous

Wedding Bells

I can't believe I am saying this, my baby sister is married!

The newlyweds.

Megan & Daniel.

Brother Britt and Megan. Love them both!

Aren't they beautiful?

Mrs. Julia is sure talented when it comes to flowers.

We were able to sneak away from work for a couple days so we could be there for her big day. Everything looked so good, everyone seemed happy, and the food was delicious! I wouldn't have changed a thing. We are so happy for Megan and Daniel! Welcome to the family Mr. D!

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The rest of the weekend was spent thrift shopping, eating Cafe Rio (they finally put one in where I grew up), walking on the Orting Trail, playing board games, watching movies, and we slept a lot because we all got sick.

The Orting Trail.

Thursday Thought

This week's thought comes in the form of a picture. A friend shared the following image online, I'm not sure where it originated from, but it is too awesome not to share.

Love this!

Christ is there. He is real. He loves you and He wants you to succeed. Ask Him for the help you need in your life. It's never too late to change the course of your life for the better.

Thursday Thought

I have been thinking a lot lately about the importance of setting goals and the things I want to work towards this year. It is so important to always have something to be working towards, it helps us to keep moving ahead and progressing in life. You can learn more about how to set goals here and here.

While I was sitting in church on Sunday a missionary got up to bear his testimony. As he was bearing his testimony he said, "The Lord will make you, whatever you let Him. It's not where you start. It's where you finish." I love this!

We are all on this journey called life and we are all at different stages and learning and doing different things. Ultimately though, we are here to become more like our Savior Jesus Christ. If we put our trust in the Lord, He will help us achieve our ultimate goal. He is there for you! He loves you! And He is rooting for your success! I don't just believe this, I know this.

What are your goals for the new year?

What are your spiritual goals?

How can you become more like the Savior?

More Than The Tattooed Mormon

Have you ever found yourself reading a blog post, looking at a photo, or just plain people watching and thought to yourself, "I want to be like that person" or "I wish I knew this person in real life, they would be an awesome friend"? On occasion I have thoughts like this.

I recent months, I started following Al Carraway's blog. This girl in amazing! I have been so touched by the things she shares on her blog, she is truly inspirational. When I heard she was writing a book at that it would be release just before Christmas, I was ecstatic! I put her book down on my Christmas wish list and Santa was kind enough to bring it to me this year.

Al's book More Than The Tattooed Mormon did not disappoint. I had a hard time putting the book down. The book is sooo worth the read! I feel like Al has become my BFF and cheerleader despite the fact that she has never met me and has no clue who I am. Yeah, her book really is that good! And her conversion story is pretty awesome too! *Hint Hint* Get yourself a copy and read it.

New Years Eve

New Year's Eve was nothing too spectacular this year. We wanted to take a trip to visit Nana, she hasn't been feeling well and wasn't up for visitors. So instead we found ourselves at the gym. Lame I know. I joked with Andy that it was our last workout for the year.

On our way home we grabbed some pizza from Papa Murphy's (it's the only good pizza we have found in Eugene) and cuddled up on the couch to watch a movie.

A New Year

While I'm sad that time is passing by so quickly, there is something magical about welcoming a new year. To me, a new year symbolizes a new beginning, a fresh start, a clean slate. It's like waking up to a fresh blanket of snow on the ground. Or watching seedlings start to pop out of dark, rich soil. It's refreshing and rejuvenating. I am excited for the adventures that await to be had in 2016!