& The Lovely Life.

repeat repeat repeat

2012-01-24T22:56:00.000-08:00

Blessed is he that endureth to the end.

Christmas Happenings

2011-12-29T13:40:00.000-08:00

via pinterest

I have never had a Christmas I enjoyed more. I also have never had more humble Christmas. Funny how that works. I really think I am getting to the age where I really just want to spend time with my family, less time with the presents and hype of Christmas. It was marvelous.

Christmas Highlights:

-My Grampa and me having some quality time while he showed me via google maps where he grew up in Michigan and the childhood shananigans that came with it.

-Looking through my grandmas family history book with her. New years resolution to do more work.

-Playing with my cousins, and enjoying it..

-Spending time with my dad, him showing us pictures from Iraq, seeing movies together, spending Christmas eve with him.

-Long talks with my mom on the drive home. She is my therapist and the best listener.

-Visiting and bringing treat to the elderly in the retirement home on Christmas Eve. & we visited my elderly friend J. He is 91, and still quick as a whip, it had been too long.

This week I am semi ashamed to say that I cried. At least 3 times. It's funny though, all 3 times were not from a place of sadness, weren't out of fear or unknowing, they were from an overflowing amount of gratitude and joy.

Specifically one night while getting into bed I reflected on the days events and was amazed at how much the lord's love has impacted my life, and how grateful I was to be in the place that I was able to handle the events of that day. 2 or 3 months or even weeks ago I would have laughed at the fact of those events happening. I am truly grateful that we are both better for it, and happy. It was not me, I am not that person who could have sat there and been truly happy for someone and not heartachy for myself, or so I thought. But it happily surprised me how easy it was to be happy for someone doing well. It reaffirmed to me that through the lord, I can be made bigger then who I am, that is honestly the only explanation of where I am now.

Blessed. I am blessed. Here's to pressing onward, and seeing what new adventures it leads me to. Hope everyone had a marvelous Christmas!

Now I'm off to a wedding reception. Congrats to my beautiful friends Amanda (please) & Alfie! Hopefully I can snap some pics to show off their amazing style here later.

I feel slightly unpleasant.

2011-12-21T19:20:00.000-08:00

I am starting to accept that some things in life just aren't meant to be.

All I know is I wish I had the master copy of my life plan so I didn't have to spend so much time planning and then have things not work out the way I was planning!

So folks, looks like Switzerland it is..
cue big heavy sigh..
Wow, how ungrateful does that sound...

tomorrow I'll make sure this is what is right, I'll keep you posted.

Whine whine whine boo hoo hoo. bahh jokes. It's fine, just a little bummed is all.

Bah. Trust Chelsea, trust.

fine fine, the bishop gets his way. But there is one thing I will not do, and that is date losers.
SORRY
I just wont do it and you can't make me
dangit!

hmph.

that's all. Now to go make gingerbread houses to get in the Christmas spirit.

Merry Christmas friendships!

My future is blowing up!

2011-12-19T23:34:00.000-08:00

Deciding between two amazing opportunities is hard, especially when you give yourself two choices, and both of them are dreams come true.

I might have just done a terrible thing to my brain for the next month while deciding between them.

But I trust the Lord to tell me what's best for my life. Hopefully I'm strong enough to choose whichever answer he gives me.

But.. can I just say, I'm friggen stoked for what's next, either way this summer is going to rock my socks off!

Literally, I will have no socks on my feet after.

The News:

I'm officially accepted to study abroad in Switzerland this June! Never thought it would happen, but it is an amazing opportunity that I feel so grateful for!

yikes! life, slow down so I can make the right choices. Thanks!

Mostly, I love time.

2011-12-14T12:07:00.000-08:00

I have so much time I do not even know what to do with it, it is a beautiful thing! Today I got to wake up naturally and read my scripts without a time limit!!! It was incredibly wonderful! It reminded me of the summer when I had time to do this and loved every minute. That was one of my favorite things about having no school.

Welp it's back! Last night I got to catch up with my brothers who I NEVER SEE. You know the people you can completely be yourself around and you laugh the whole night? Yep that was last night, way overdue. The heaviness from everything and finals dissipated pretty much instantly so it was really nice. What am I gong to do with them next semester?

Today is dedicated to running errands that I normally never have time to do, so exciting! Is it bad that I actually am really excited? Christmas shopping is also making it's way into this day hopefully which makes me happy as well.

Peace and blessings I wish to you and yours this day.

<p>&amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://heyitschristmas.bandcamp.com/album/hey-its-christmas-vol-2"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;Hey, It's Christmas! - Vol. 2 by Various Artists&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;gt;</p>

If you are in need of :

1. cookies to get through finals
2. prayers to survive this week
3. or are done and want some snowy friendship time
let me know and i will try my best to comply.

Either way have an awesome christmasy snowy peaceful lovely week & remember

If you put your trust in the Lord, he will always come through for you. Come what may and love it.

hibernation

2011-12-12T12:01:00.000-08:00

Note to self, don't blog when your tired slash stressed.

I am done with my semester! it was a little anti climatic actually, maybe cuz I'm so tired baha

I am a blessed girl. And now I can RELAX!

See you when I'm done hibernating the finals hangover off.

Good Luck all!

Shh.. Top Secret!!

2011-12-06T21:36:00.001-08:00

I maybe just applied to study abroad this summer.. To go to the place that makes holey cheese.

But.. it is not for sure. There is another choice in the makings also but I must give it time to see how I feel about it.

Either way life is about to make a huge turn into greatness.

Wish me luck that I make the best choice.

Goo that sentence haunts me.

Life is so scary when it's in your hands.

Ps. got asked out by another semi creepster today from my ward. These questions came to my head

How did you get my number? Ward Directory? Someone who is playing a not even funny practical joke? I will hunt them down.

Will Heavenly Father forgive me for telling a fib to spare some young man his money, time, and feelings? (if anyone asks I am currently seeing another man.. ahh I'm a terrible human liar she devil)

Also, put into place my newly abolished law of "give everyone at least one date." Just in the nick of time too!

Universe, I plead with thee what have I done to offend you and how can I ever make amends so you send me a normal,respectful, gentleman, tall dark and handsome, man to date?

if anyone has any tips on how to attract regular nice men I think it would be beneficial to me and my future children.

That's all.

Today.

2011-12-05T11:15:00.001-08:00

Today I finished reading this book. Cover to cover. BOM, D&C, Pearl of Great Price and all. Today I hit the Index page and felt an overwhelmed and surprised that I finally did it. Started in about April I think, but really got going in May.
Since this is my personal blog I will tell you that this is the first occurance of this happening in my life.

I might not be the bishop's daughter.
I might not be the relief society president.
I might not have served a mission when I was 21.
I might not be married at 18 right out of high school and be popping out children and doing crafts on pinterest. (but I do enjoy pinterest, let's be honest)
I might not be this or that stereotype that we are told is supposed to be a certain type of lds woman.

But I did finish it today. And I am a daughter of my heavenly father, who is imperfect, but demanding improvement of herself daily, hourly, and will NEVER GIVE UP. And to me I know that that is good enough for Him that sent me here.

This book gave me comfort when I was inconsolable.
It gave me peace at a time when nothing made sense.
It gave me a testimony of the love of my Father when I had no one else.
It gave me happiness when there was no further emotion that was from me.
It rescued me and gives me strength everyday to keep pushing forward.
I'm so grateful for this book, and even though I may seem a bit behind, I know for me it came at the best possible time in my life.
& I know without a doubt it can bring this kind of happiness to anyone who seeks it out to read it.

I'm excited for further study.
Here's to first nephi tomorrow.

And Preach My Gospel in between.
and The Miracle of Forgiveness.

Masako

2011-12-02T15:10:00.001-08:00

This is the new love of our lives Masako. She is the softest kitten I have ever held. She also is evil most of the time and scratches and bites us and climbs up our legs. But I have to remember she is a kitten and super playful. Right now she is sitting on my back eating my hair as I type this. Yep. Her hobbies are attacking my hand whenever I am reading a book and turn the page, meowing at me 4 inches from my face at 7 am to be fed and played with and sitting on the back of the couch by our heads and attacking our faces at random times. She also likes to play this game called whenever I am running late to school, (which is everyday, let's be honest) she likes to hide under my bed and make me crawl all the way under to grab her out all the while biting my hand so I can close my door so she doesnt run rampant all day in it. The squirt bottle is her arch nemesis and my newly acquired most beloved household item. Today we took a nap together and she was really warm so it pretty much made up for any inconveniences she may have. She is my roommates kitten technically too so I really don't have to take any responsibility for it when I don't want to. Does that make me a terrible person? hmm.. I hope not.

Purrrrrfect!

Ps. This is a scarf she likes to wear that our good friend Noelle knitted for her. Noelle is becoming one of my favorite humans and just got her mission call to the DR!! woop! Congrats girl!

tips from last weekend.

2011-12-01T18:01:00.001-08:00

Boys if you like a girl DO NOT do any of the below mentioned things on date 1 if you want her to stick around:

1. Do not ever, I repeat EVER get the door only once the whole night for her and then psych her out and walk through it first. THIS IS A DEAL BREAKER. You are selfish and inconsiderate and if you want to make a good impression on a first date this is the last thing to do.

2. Do NOT give her the option or suggest she drives once arriving to pick her up or anything of the sort. If you don't have heat in your car bring a friggen blanket. You're gross and it's only minute 7 of the date and you are acutely unattractive from the passenger seat.

3. Never under any circumstance take her to a restaurant and then when being seated decide it is too expensive and make her get up and leave to go to chili's. YOU ARE TACKY.

4. Whilst at Chili's DO NOT tell/suggest to her to get 1 of 6 choices of dinners just so you can get the 2 for 20 deal. Thanks for asking me on a date and deciding what I can and can't order, you're a gentlemen and a scholar.*

*I am as knowlegdable as the next college student as to how poor we all are. I am not suggesting you take me to hamiltons here. but being tacky and cheap as to tell me what to order is just bossy and gross. I'm not materialistic or shallow I just don't want to be made to feel like a burden on a date you asked me to go on.

5. After dinner do not set a time limit for my digestion of dinner. Also you probably shouldnt get openly annoyed when I don't want to stand up and scream for 2 hours with you with a belly chuck full of chicken. & I quote
Him: "if you sit down it makes me look like a DBag, you should stand up."
Me: "I'm really sorry, I'm jsut really not feeling that well, just give me a couple minutes to digest.. if that is okay?"
Him: "Well, you've had like 15 minutes to digest already. You're making me look like you don't want to be here with me and I look like a tool."
Me: in my brain "Um..is this guy serisous? really? How about you take me home, would that be more appeasing to your ego? how much longer is a socially acceptable date length again?" check watch for the third time.

6. If you are 20 and a preemie and I am 22, I don't want to date you. No explanation necessary. It's just how it is. Sorry.

7. DO NOT explain on the first date how much you haven't dated recently and how you are so incredibly picky but for some reason I happened to catch your eye because you "like my style." Do you not realize my roommate told me you asked her on a date last month? I'm not flattered.

Note to self:

stop doing everything I have been doing. starting now. done.

8. Do not continue to text me after you have left a voicemail and I never returned your call. Get the hint, I'm not interested. It is as embarassing for me as it is for you, trust me.

9. It is really evident to me that your goal in life is to be known as a legitimate hipster. Your slouchy beanie and deep v already give me this evidence. You do not have to ask me if I know this or that band every other sentence during our time together. Music is beautful to me and a great joy, but your music snobbery is a rather feeble attempt at your desperate plea for my respect and to prove your "legitness". On that note also, I'm an art major. The fact that you dabble with watercolor is not that impressive to me, sorry now I'm the one being a snob, but if you hadn't bragged about this fact at least 6 different times on the date it wouldn't even be an issue now would it?

even just for friendship:

10. Never come to her house uninvited, eat her food, ask for favors, complain about your unrequited love, ask for rides to school, and then leave without so much as a thank you or what can I do for you. Using girls for their kind motherly love and service is disrespectful no matter how you sugar coat it. It's gross and unacceptable.

11. You should give as much as you get and then some. This may seem archaic or old school but even just friends should treat you to the worth that you have. I'm not saying I need to be worshiped, treated like a dainty princess or that I'm fragile and need someone to take care of me, but we are all holy children of our heavenly father and should be treated as such. Not what can I get from someone but what can I give. Most guys don't get that and it is gross that amount they ask for from their "friends."

needless to say my "give everyone at least one date rule" is abolished. The happiness I felt when I finally made it home from this torturous night made me realize some people just should be exempt from this rule.

Crazy awesome dating experience I know.
And my Bishop asks me why I'm not dating anyone. I want to blank stare him until he understands how pathetically unimpressed I am with the male gender these days.

These passed couple weeks I learned a valuable lesson. Some people just don't belong in your life. They arent bad people but you don't have to keep them around especially when they are not uplifting.

I never thought being so blunt would be a good thing, but when it's your only choice left there's no getting around it. It's just so foreign to me to.. have to stand up so hard for myself. I've never really had to experience something like this but I'm grateful for the lord teaching me a valuable lesson on standards for myself and others if they want to have a place in my life.

Sometimes you have to be self reliant and do what is best for your progression and life, no matter who may not like it.

It's weird. well, here's to lessons learned and progression made.

That's my rant. I'm done now.

Life in quotes, as of late.

2011-11-25T14:24:00.001-08:00

I refuse to give up.

I refuse to settle.

I refuse to be comfortable.

I refuse to digress.

I will never give up because you will never give up on me.

Here's to the battle, going at it everyday, doing your very best and realizing the Lord is with you even before you asked him to be.

Hope everyone had a wonderful SpanksGiving. Let's get on with it.

Fleet Foxes - Helplessness Blues by subpop

making decisions is hard.

2011-11-17T15:15:00.001-08:00

I'm running out of reasons. Seriously every day something happens to push me in that direction.

and then the next day something else happens to sway me in the other.

When I run out of reasons, does that mean it's time to make a decision ?

It's my decision. That's all I get. Just tell me what to do and i'll do it. that's what I want. haha

I know I still have my agency, but at this rate it seems like just a matter of time for that too. :)

Here I go. Just deciding my entire life path.

coin flip anyone?!

- small confession -
The future is my greatest fear.

Cheers to those of you who have it figured out.

how did you do it?

Faith is the absence of fear.

repeat.

repeat.

repeat.

repeat.

I realized today that I'm somewhat of a creep

2011-11-15T22:13:00.001-08:00

Awkward trying to be a better woman of Zon episodes:

Examples -

-Yelling to strangers if they want a ride up to campus/to church on my way. ( Just trying to look out for my peeps, if I was walking in the cold I would want to make a new friend and get a ride..)

- saying hello slash smiling or complimenting passer bys (I'm not trying to get you to tell me your social security number, I just want you to have a good day, sheesh.)

- Listening to church music not on Sunday ( at sushi night - "you must be having a hard time, I see you listening to mormon music all the time on spotify." me- "well I actually just kinda like it.. anytime.. it's really nice..")I listen to other things too, jsut sometimes nothing else seems good to me okay, lay off!

- when the teacher asks you to read a page from the book you are reading & all the sudden it talks about repentance and Heavenly Father.. the whole class goes silent.. & then the whole My names Chelsea, & im a mormon in a liberal's class creepy feeling happens, any further discussion has been killed, not what the teacher wanted, everyone feels awkward, next topic.

- asking that boy about the brother of jared doctrinal questions & all the sudden he gets that "oh, your that kind of girl" look on his face and promptly moves on to the girl sitting next to me for the rest of the night.. i guess doctrine isnt the best pick up line, but I just have questions..

- The conversation dies and becomes dry because calling her gross, slutty, and trashy isn't really my thing ( no matter how much those things are true haha let's be honest ) sorry to hault our stimulating conversation or potential bonding time.. but that's just not something I want to encourage. (maybe she got attacked by a dog who ate her outfit?? )

Maybe I should just turn into a sister missionary and be done with it.. I feel like if I had a name tag to justify/explain the things that I do then I would be more accepted.. haha but really.

But..and the end of the day I guess I like being peculiar. Even though some things may not be socially acceptable now.. hopefully they help someone feel loved at least after the creepiness subsides.

from now on you may address me as creep status chels. cool, thanks. ps. let me know if I can give you a ride to class after. :)

Rapture Poster 2D Design

2011-11-10T20:06:00.001-08:00

Step 1 : Gouache Paint

Step 2: Dry, then cover with calligraphy ink

ask me how hard it is to do this after painting everything just right.. ahh

Step 3: Dry, wash off with warm water & Vwa La!

I've really been trying to take my art more seriously this year, and not just finishing my projects the day of or just throwing it together. I realized I was robbing myself and discrediting my abilities, and this year has been far more enjoyable and rewarding.

Also, my blog has been lacking a small amount lately, I apologize. But my journal entries are much longer, and more personal, I feel better writing in it because well, personal things sometimes need to just stay off the interweb. Also, life is a lot less eventful on account of school again and working, free time is scarce but it is something I enjoy so I will continue but less frequently probs. Hope you enjoy these photos and this jam below.

M83 - Wait by Reike

Ps. In my scripts last night I left off at this chapter >> D&C 122. The pages I noticed were wrinkled from tears & it brought back many memories. I cannot express my love for these verses. In my study last night I was reminded of how much Joseph Smith really did for us and how much the Lord deeply loves his children, and me. I love how tender the "my son" is to me in vs. 7.

6 If thou art ^aaccused with all manner of false accusations; if thine enemies fall upon thee; if they tear thee from the society of thy father and mother and brethren and sisters; and if with a drawn sword thine enemies tear thee from the bosom of thy wife, and of thine offspring, and thine elder son, although but six years of age, shall cling to thy garments, and shall say, My father, my father, why can’t you stay with us? O, my father, what are the men going to do with you? and if then he shall be thrust from thee by the sword, and thou be dragged to ^bprison, and thine enemies prowl around thee like ^cwolves for the blood of the lamb;

7 And if thou shouldst be cast into the ^apit, or into the hands of murderers, and the sentence of death passed upon thee; if thou be cast into the ^bdeep; if the billowing surge conspire against thee; if fierce winds become thine enemy; if the heavens gather blackness, and all the elements combine to ^chedge up the way; and above all, if the very jaws of ^dhell shall gape open the mouth wide after thee, know thou, my son, that all these things shall give thee^eexperience, and shall be for thy good.

9 Therefore, ^ahold on thy way, and the priesthood shall ^bremainwith thee; for their ^cbounds are set, they cannot pass. Thy ^ddaysare known, and thy years shall not be numbered less; therefore,^efear not what man can do, for God shall be with you forever and ever.

Hard things become easy.

2011-11-08T21:23:00.000-08:00

Every new experience brings new knowledge.

This experience has taught me a lot about what you must have gone through.

And it is hard kindof.

It is hard when you know what is right and maybe they don't or can't see it.

It's hard when they don't understand that you cannot deny what the lord has told you and what you always felt, and what you know to be the right thing for you.

It's hard to have to be the one to stand firm when you know it is causing someone else pain.

And it is hard to learn more of what you must have felt but not nearly as intense.

I'm sorry I made it so hard, because it really is hard enough.

I'm sorry I didn't understand, but now I do, and I know you did the right thing, for you at that time.

It sucks, but I'm grateful you listened to the lord because I know it made me better, maybe even you too.

But, now it is my turn to be firm in my knowledge of what the lord would have me do, and it is uncomfortable, but since I know it's what He wants for me it makes things a lot easier.

till this day, your still continuing to be one of the greatest examples to me.

So thanks. For doing hard things, and following the lord. Because that is the only way we can get to our ultimate destination of where the lord wants us to arrive.

Yay for his guidance & the knowledge that he's always there. Even when all is said and done.

Here's to being able to make hard things easy when you know it's His will. Ask him & he will tell you what it is that he would have you do, then go forward with faith, he will never lead you for anything but the best possible outcome.

Peace & Blessings.

The changing leaves of life.

2011-10-23T19:28:00.000-07:00

Sometimes I do this thing called looking back to this day the previous year & what I was doing. When I think of this time of year last year I feel like a 5 year old who insists of staying up past their bedtime because they don't want to go to bed.

I hope one year when I look back to the person I used to be I wont be embarrassed by how little I knew about things. But I'm sure next year at this time I will feel just as sheepish but for different reasons. I guess that feeling is evidence of a good thing though, it means I'm growing & learning which are always good things.

Today I was making pumpkin chocolate chip cookies and thought the last time I made them & owl cupcakes and our roommate Halloween party.

Sometimes memories come back to me, & I would give anything to be who I am now back then, but then I think, I couldn't be. I'm happy with who I have become and I know there was no way around the things that brought me here to be here now. So I guess I shouldn't wonder or want to go back and be different, because the fact is to be here now I had to go through it.

So, here I am, making more fall cookies, having more Halloween parties and looking forward to the new things that are to come, focusing on what is next and not what might have been if I was who I am now, back then.

At least I can finally say it really is all behind me now, and I am free to progress without anything pulling me back to those days when I was a 5 year old begging to stay up and eat treats and play with scissors or something..

Things that bring me joy now:

-starting a new job that is semi scary but allows Sundays to be sacred
-having great new roommates who I love dearly
-fall colors
-being closer to the human the lord wants me to be & closer to him as well & continually progressing.

I'm thankful to meet this fall better then I was last year. funny how it usually works out this way.

You are not invisible.

2011-10-22T00:02:00.000-07:00

Sometimes, all I need is Elder Uchtdorf. I posted this talk before, but today this bit really hit me. It is by far my favorite talk I think, please read this little exert and let it touch your heart too. Also, have a wonderful day.

Third, no matter where you live, no matter how humble your circumstances, how meager your employment, how limited your abilities, how ordinary your appearance, or how little your calling in the Church may appear to you, you are not invisible to your Heavenly Father. He loves you. He knows your humble heart and your acts of love and kindness. Together, they form a lasting testimony of your fidelity and faith.

Fourth and finally, please understand that what you see and experience now is not what forever will be. You will not feel loneliness, sorrow, pain, or discouragement forever. We have the faithful promise of God that He will neither forget nor forsake those who incline their hearts to Him.²¹Have hope and faith in that promise. Learn to love your Heavenly Father and become His disciple in word and in deed.

Be assured that if you but hold on, believe in Him, and remain faithful in keeping the commandments, one day you will experience for yourselves the promises revealed to the Apostle Paul: “Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.”²²

Brothers and sisters, the most powerful Being in the universe is the Father of your spirit. He knows you. He loves you with a perfect love.

God sees you not only as a mortal being on a small planet who lives for a brief season—He sees you as His child. He sees you as the being you are capable and designed to become. He wants you to know that you matter to Him.

May we ever believe, trust, and align our lives so that we will understand our true eternal worth and potential. May we be worthy of the precious blessings our Heavenly Father has in store for us is my prayer in the name of His Son, even Jesus Christ, amen.

Words Ringing True Tonight.

2011-10-18T23:11:00.000-07:00

Instantly there flashed through my mind the thought, “Monson, you are not a Catholic; you are not a Jew; you are not a Protestant. You are a Mormon, so you just stand here!” I can assure you that I felt completely alone. Courageous and determined, yes—but alone.

(cont'd)

Dare To Stand Alone.

YOU Matter to Him.

2011-10-12T16:00:00.000-07:00

Please bless yourself by reading this. slash watching it again Today, it changed my life, I heard it at conference (like you probably) but it's different when you really study it again. without being in conference mode like an overflowing sponge. Might be my favorite talk, close to elder cooks. Enjoy!

You Matter to Him

DIETER F. UCHTDORF
Second Counselor in the First Presidency

The Lord uses a scale very different from the world’s to weigh the worth of a soul.

Moses, one of the greatest prophets the world has ever known, was raised by Pharaoh’s daughter and spent the first 40 years of his life in the royal halls of Egypt. He knew firsthand the glory and grandeur of that ancient kingdom.

Years later, on the top of a distant mountain, far removed from the splendor and magnificence of mighty Egypt, Moses stood in the presence of God and spoke to Him face to face as a man speaks with his friend.¹During the course of that visitation, God showed Moses the workmanship of His hands, granting him a glimpse of His work and glory. When the vision ended, Moses fell to the earth for the space of many hours. When his strength finally returned, he realized something that, in all his years in Pharaoh’s court, had never occurred to him before.

“I know,” he said, “that man is nothing.”²

We Are Less Than We Suppose

The more we learn about the universe, the more we understand—at least in a small part—what Moses knew. The universe is so large, mysterious, and glorious that it is incomprehensible to the human mind. “Worlds without number have I created,” God said to Moses.³ The wonders of the night sky are a beautiful testimony of that truth.

There are few things that have filled me with such breathless awe as flying in the black of night across oceans and continents and looking out my cockpit window upon the infinite glory of millions of stars.

Astronomers have attempted to count the number of stars in the universe. One group of scientists estimates that the number of stars within range of our telescopes is 10 times greater than all the grains of sand on the world’s beaches and deserts.⁴

This conclusion has a striking similarity to the declaration of the ancient prophet Enoch: “Were it possible that man could number the particles of the earth, yea, millions of earths like this, it would not be a beginning to the number of thy creations.”⁵

Given the vastness of God’s creations, it’s no wonder the great King Benjamin counseled his people to “always retain in remembrance, the greatness of God, and your own nothingness.”⁶

We Are Greater Than We Suppose

But even though man is nothing, it fills me with wonder and awe to think that “the worth of souls is great in the sight of God.”⁷

And while we may look at the vast expanse of the universe and say, “What is man in comparison to the glory of creation?” God Himself said we are the reason He created the universe! His work and glory—the purpose for this magnificent universe—is to save and exalt mankind.⁸ In other words, the vast expanse of eternity, the glories and mysteries of infinite space and time are all built for the benefit of ordinary mortals like you and me. Our Heavenly Father created the universe that we might reach our potential as His sons and daughters.

This is a paradox of man: compared to God, man is nothing; yet we are everything to God. While against the backdrop of infinite creation we may appear to be nothing, we have a spark of eternal fire burning within our breast. We have the incomprehensible promise of exaltation—worlds without end—within our grasp. And it is God’s great desire to help us reach it.

The Folly of Pride

The great deceiver knows that one of his most effective tools in leading the children of God astray is to appeal to the extremes of the paradox of man. To some, he appeals to their prideful tendencies, puffing them up and encouraging them to believe in the fantasy of their own self-importance and invincibility. He tells them they have transcended the ordinary and that because of ability, birthright, or social status, they are set apart from the common measure of all that surrounds them. He leads them to conclude that they are therefore not subject to anyone else’s rules and not to be bothered by anyone else’s problems.

Abraham Lincoln is said to have loved a poem that reads:

Oh why should the spirit of mortal be proud?
Like a swift-flitting meteor, a fast-flying cloud,
A flash of the lightning, a break of the wave,
Man passeth from life to his rest in the grave.9

Disciples of Jesus Christ understand that compared to eternity, our existence in this mortal sphere is only “a small moment” in space and time.¹⁰They know that a person’s true value has little to do with what the world holds in high esteem. They know you could pile up the accumulated currency of the entire world and it could not buy a loaf of bread in the economy of heaven.

Those who will “inherit the kingdom of God”¹¹ are those who become “as a child, submissive, meek, humble, patient, full of love.”¹² “For every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.”¹³ Such disciples understand also “that when ye are in the service of your fellow beings ye are only in the service of your God.”¹⁴

We Are Not Forgotten

Another way Satan deceives is through discouragement. He attempts to focus our sight on our own insignificance until we begin to doubt that we have much worth. He tells us that we are too small for anyone to take notice, that we are forgotten—especially by God.

Let me share with you a personal experience that may be of some help to those who feel insignificant, forgotten, or alone.

Many years ago I attended pilot training in the United States Air Force. I was far away from my home, a young West German soldier, born in Czechoslovakia, who had grown up in East Germany and spoke English only with great difficulty. I clearly remember my journey to our training base in Texas. I was on a plane, sitting next to a passenger who spoke with a heavy Southern accent. I could scarcely understand a word he said. I actually wondered if I had been taught the wrong language all along. I was terrified by the thought that I had to compete for the coveted top spots in pilot training against students who were native English speakers.

When I arrived on the air base in the small town of Big Spring, Texas, I looked for and found the Latter-day Saint branch, which consisted of a handful of wonderful members who were meeting in rented rooms on the air base itself. The members were in the process of building a small meetinghouse that would serve as a permanent place for the Church. Back in those days members provided much of the labor on new buildings.

Day after day I attended my pilot training and studied as hard as I could and then spent most of my spare time working on the new meetinghouse. There I learned that a two-by-four is not a dance step but a piece of wood. I also learned the important survival skill of missing my thumb when pounding a nail.

I spent so much time working on the meetinghouse that the branch president—who also happened to be one of our flight instructors—expressed concern that I perhaps should spend more time studying.

My friends and fellow student pilots engaged themselves in free-time activities as well, although I think it’s safe to say that some of those activities would not have been in alignment with today’s For the Strength of Youth pamphlet. For my part, I enjoyed being an active part of this tiny west Texas branch, practicing my newly acquired carpentry skills, and improving my English as I fulfilled my callings to teach in the elders quorum and in Sunday School.

At the time, Big Spring, despite its name, was a small, insignificant, and unknown place. And I often felt exactly the same way about myself—insignificant, unknown, and quite alone. Even so, I never once wondered if the Lord had forgotten me or if He would ever be able to find me there. I knew that it didn’t matter to Heavenly Father where I was, where I ranked with others in my pilot training class, or what my calling in the Church was. What mattered to Him was that I was doing the best I could, that my heart was inclined toward Him, and that I was willing to help those around me. I knew if I did the best I could, all would be well.

And all was well.¹⁵

The Last Shall Be First

The Lord doesn’t care at all if we spend our days working in marble halls or stable stalls. He knows where we are, no matter how humble our circumstances. He will use—in His own way and for His holy purposes—those who incline their hearts to Him.

God knows that some of the greatest souls who have ever lived are those who will never appear in the chronicles of history. They are the blessed, humble souls who emulate the Savior’s example and spend the days of their lives doing good.¹⁶

One such couple, parents of a friend of mine, exemplify this principle for me. The husband worked at a steel mill in Utah. At lunch he would pull out his scriptures or a Church magazine and read. When the other workers saw this, they ridiculed him and challenged his beliefs. Whenever they did, he spoke to them with kindness and confidence. He did not allow their disrespect to make him angry or upset.

Years later one of the more vocal mockers became very ill. Before he died, he requested that this humble man speak at his funeral—which he did.

This faithful member of the Church never had much in the way of social status or wealth, but his influence extended deeply to all who knew him. He died in an industrial accident while stopping to help another worker who was stranded in the snow.

Within a year his widow had to undergo brain surgery, which has left her unable to walk. But people love coming to spend time with her because she listens. She remembers. She cares. Unable to write, she memorizes her children’s and grandchildren’s telephone numbers. She lovingly remembers birthdays and anniversaries.

Those who visit her come away feeling better about life and about themselves. They feel her love. They know she cares. She never complains but spends her days blessing the lives of others. One of her friends said this woman was one of the few people she had ever known who truly exemplifies the love and life of Jesus Christ.

This couple would have been the first to say they were not of much importance in this world. But the Lord uses a scale very different from the world’s to weigh the worth of a soul. He knows this faithful couple; He loves them. Their actions are a living witness of their strong faith in Him.

You Matter to Him

My dear brothers and sisters, it may be true that man is nothing in comparison to the greatness of the universe. At times we may even feel insignificant, invisible, alone, or forgotten. But always remember—you matter to Him! If you ever doubt that, consider these four divine principles:

First, God loves the humble and meek, for they are “greatest in the kingdom of heaven.”¹⁷

Second, the Lord entrusts “the fulness of [His] gospel [to] be proclaimed by the weak and the simple unto the ends of the world.”¹⁸ He has chosen “the weak things of the world [to] come forth and break down the mighty and strong ones”¹⁹ and to put to shame “the things which are mighty.”²⁰

Third, no matter where you live, no matter how humble your circumstances, how meager your employment, how limited your abilities, how ordinary your appearance, or how little your calling in the Church may appear to you, you are not invisible to your Heavenly Father. He loves you. He knows your humble heart and your acts of love and kindness. Together, they form a lasting testimony of your fidelity and faith.

Fourth and finally, please understand that what you see and experience now is not what forever will be. You will not feel loneliness, sorrow, pain, or discouragement forever. We have the faithful promise of God that He will neither forget nor forsake those who incline their hearts to Him.²¹Have hope and faith in that promise. Learn to love your Heavenly Father and become His disciple in word and in deed.

Brothers and sisters, the most powerful Being in the universe is the Father of your spirit. He knows you. He loves you with a perfect love.

God sees you not only as a mortal being on a small planet who lives for a brief season—He sees you as His child. He sees you as the being you are capable and designed to become. He wants you to know that you matter to Him.

Told you, Elder Uchtdorf is amazing. Can I get an amen? Here's to eternal progression. Woop.

2 Days of Fall, 700 days of Winter.

2011-10-06T22:14:00.000-07:00

Its freezing, and I'm not happy about it.

This is me digging out my winter beanies today when last week I was wearing shorts.

barf

Tonight I saw my breath, two days ago it was like summer. That's not okay!!!!

After I pay some bills, this Patagonia Down Sweater will be mine. It's pretty much all I can think of since its so cold now.

And this winter will so warm & cozy. hmm yes please!

800 fill down, come to me!!

that's all. for now me & the roomies are trying to get our heat to turn on but can't figure it out so we are all pretty much popsicles until we do, wish us luck.

Autumn

2011-10-03T15:35:00.000-07:00

Bucket List Check!

Conference was amazing. I feel like super mario when he receives a big green mushroom and grows bigger and more powerful now.

Anyways, Check it here if you missed it.

Faves - elder carl b cook is my idol, he is always happy & smiling & so wise. He came to USU last semester and I remember thinking how lucky his wife was to find such a great man, and how they just don't come around that often. Nevertheless, he raised my standards for dating just by being himself, and how I want to be a great woman & be equals to share me life with someone like that. (irish accent, not typo)

Other faves include Pres. Eyring, Jose L Alonso & Uchtdorf talks, but really all were so great. I'm downloading them as we speak to my ipod & can't wait for the Ensign to come out for further studying. That's my favorite part of conference I think, the study that comes after, to really drink in all the wisdom & take the time to ponder certain topics without being so overwhelmed the two days of awesome revelation that come!

Hope all enjoyed this weekend & continue to progress in the knowledge of the gospel!

Happy October! Bring on the fall!!!

Some shots I took a couple years ago. Definitely excited to get more this autumn!

We're really doing it folks.

2011-09-27T22:33:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was a good day.

Today was a good day.

I am blessed by the knowledge of my heavenly father's love.

Sometimes I feel discontent, but after last night I feel at peace. My blessing is coming true, I am learning more about the Atonement and how it can heal people of any tribulation, even just plain sorrow.

and I know he loves me dearly. but I knew that a while ago :)

I must push forward,
I must keep progressing,
I must keep trusting him
I must continue to have faith.
I must focus on serving his children
I must have the courage to do what he asks of me no matter how difficult.
I must not speak unkind words of any kind
I must manage my time wiser
I must keep an open mind
I must love my brethren
I must help them

I must go grocery shopping.
I have zero food.
urgh.

Yesterday was a good day. Today is a good day. Tomorrow will be a good day as well. I am happy. & My module for 3d design is pretty bomb if I do say so myself. Pics to come.

Friendship.

Angus and Julia Stone - And The Boys by theinsound

Highlight of my day.

2011-09-21T16:29:00.000-07:00

Coming home to the front entrance where the mailbox is and not seeing my backpack delivered...

Then pulling in the drive way and seeing a gray package on the other door step!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I almost danced up to it. oh wait.um I might have danced up to it.. hmm yep pretty sure I did. It feels so joyous now not to worry every second of when my backpack is going to come undone next and spill everything while on a bike. Ask me if I am taking it to the library tonight? .. yep!

Three cheers for new beautiful oxfords, and a backpack all in one week!

Hip Hip! Horray! (cubed)

Also, secretly I am submitting my foam core module into an open call submission for an art book. cross your fingers for me. I will let you know if it makes it in, if not I will not let you know for obvious reasons & for my own pride. cool.

~~Secretly I'm hopeful but don't tell anyone.~~

Well, I am off to get a greasy cheeseburger and milkshake and hit up the Library for a night of Art History homework, if you could call it homework.

Gotta love college eating habits, mine are getting worse and worse.

Seriously, does school get any better? I feel so lucky to be taught by so many talented awesome humans who make their lives filled with creating and art and love every second of it.

I AM A LITTLE BLESSED.. JOKES, A LOT BLESSED.

Word to the Unwise Part II

2011-09-19T22:24:00.000-07:00

Never, under any circumstance, ever, leave a recipe for jalapeno jelly in place of a monetary tip to a server who makes a minimum wage of $2.25/hr.

Seriously, this REALLY happened to me tonight and I was too baffled to be pissed about it.

It was a good laugh.

A great one I daresay, the whole restaurant got a kick out of it.

Heavens...

Also, got my oxfords from urban today!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Except they shipped my backpack separately which I am in desperate need of and was the reason I ordered my shoes to begin with.. hmm

But I'm stoked anyways cuz they are cuter in real life then online and now I will have brown shoes to wear that arent flip flops!

Yay, for new fall shoes!

k that's all. I hope you enjoyed my tip as much as I did. BAHA. idiots.. people..

Rainy days make the best days.

2011-09-17T14:44:00.000-07:00

On this day of rainy-ness, I went to the temple, came home & took a way too long shower that was totally overdue and enjoyed every single drop of delicious hot water, snuggled up in my giant cardigan, ate a delish tomato sandwich -from my garden, ithankyou- and fully intend to draw and relax until I have to go to work tonight.

Sometimes rainy days are exactly what you need. Jumbling wire projects, monogram designs, time periods Hatshepsut reigned, and then remembering to ask if the man who ordered a 20 ounce steak would like it with sauteed onions and mushrooms, sometimes makes a girl a little.. flat by the end of the day.

So yes, today I am relaxing and doing things I love. Like catching up on blogs and music and getting excited for fall & fall clothes. Yay for pulling out my slouchy beanies and tights from the cold weather clothes storage bin!

Small sidenote: ordered my first pair of oxfords 2 days ago from urban and I am stoked to wear them this fall errrday. - dont look at me like that, I was 1 dollar away from getting free shipping from ordering my backpack (necessity!) and it just so happened that nothing else really caught my eye.. 19 dollars later I am excited to get them in the mail. judge not and ye shall not be judged.

madewell fall

j crew fall

I have a deep love for lines that incorporate bright color no matter what the season, especially J Crew.

Also, I realized today that I think I worry too much. Shocker. After about 3 days of having a semi crisis as to the direction of my life & what is next, I sat down to read my scripts yesterday morn and came upon this:

Section 31

11 Go your way whithersoever I will, and it shall be given you by the ^aComforter what you shall do and whither you shall go.

Seriously? Do you ever feel like the scriptures are straight up direction manuals for your life that follow along with events and correspond directly to what would be best to help you at that specific time?

me neither.

JOKES!

It's so tender to me that the Lord knows and lifts even our silly littlest of worries and burdens. I have had so many experiences with this and it causes me to feel so grateful for the knowledge of the Gospel and have a great desire to share it cuz I don't know how I would get along without it.

Happy Lazy Rainy Saturday to all.

"Cruel" by St. Vincent by Kisses & Noise

Remembering

2011-09-15T19:57:00.000-07:00

This picture made me tear up, (how emburrasing I'm admitting that right?) & then made me remember, which made me feel so incredibly grateful & hopeful. I'm truly humbled for revelation and the lord's tender mercies to his broken heart & contrite spirited children.

I can't wait to have my fam.

& yes I am single, and talking about this,

hate me for it.

Until then this is me working hard to be in the best place possible within myself.

Toodles.

I forgot that life changes sometimes.

2011-09-14T18:30:00.000-07:00

Sometimes I think that life is life and it will stay the same forever..

and then when it changes I say

"wait, hold on this isn't how its supposed to be! stop this instant. "

this is dawning on me today because many many of my dear friends are graduating this year and peacing out & logan will just not be the same. What am I going to do without my brothers? they are all graduating. and moving, out of logan, no longer down the street to visit whenever I get bored or stop by and bring treats to or get advice or run amuck.. yikes. It's a scary thought to be left behind. Maybe this is actually a tender mercy for me to be able to leave soon too. All I know is that when people move after college, it's kinda like, "welp have a nice life see you..never again.maybe." and I can't believe that is happening now, I didn't think it'd be this way forever but I never thought it would end.

I guess I shouldn't think about it and enjoy the time I have left with my Logan family. I need to stop being anti social and spend the time with people I love while I still have it, I decided today.

That's all for now.

My Favorite Saint.

2011-09-13T15:13:00.000-07:00

First off: some words to the unwise.

When you notice someone previously wearing a ring, and now she isnt:

DO. NOT. ASK. WHERE HER RING IS.

(duh?????!!!!!!!!!!)

I don't know why this is in question slash occurs almost daily and is not completely obvi.

PROBABLY DON'T EVEN ASK ONE THING ABOUT IT. DO YOU THINK SHE WANTS TO REHASH IT TO YOU?

SHE DOESN'T.

SO ASK IF YOU MUST PRIVATELY, OR ASK SOMEONE ELSE AROUND YOU THAT ISN'T A COMPLETE DUNCE, & NEVER, I REPEAT, DO NOT UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCE, YELL ACROSS A CROWD OF PEOPLE, FRIENDS OR STRANGERS, "OMG, WHERE IS YOUR RING GIRLFRIEND?!"

That's all.

& people ask where I have been these past couple of weeks.

I will never tell.

I never thought I would say this but, I kinda miss the seclusion of the summer.

ANYWAYS, Also this.

St Vincent's new album is here!! Read the Album Review. Listen to & buy it cuz she is so incredibly talented. This is one of my faves.

"Cruel" by St. Vincent by Kisses & Noise

also, I am going to Conference!! Bucket list check. Lame I know, who hasnt gone to conference? but I have always wanted to go and I am now so excited! Wahoo October 2nd!

Also might be going to St Vincent Oct 10th. Also stoked but not as equivalent to hearing Elder Uchtdorf, Eyring & the prophet speak.

It's weird to be so independent this semester and feel completely fulfilled. Yay for surrounding yourself with the spirit & people who you know are your friends, and not just being with people to not feel alone.

Happy Tuesday to you my friend.

Wilhelm Staehle

2011-09-09T11:42:00.000-07:00

Once upon a time I got absorbed in the orb of nothingness called Pinterest

you know when you take a break from doing what you need to be doing and then forget the things you should be doing altogether until ten minutes later you snap back into reality and say WHAT THE FLIP! I HAVE SO MUCH TO DO AND I AM SITTING HERE LOOKING UP INTERIOR DECORATING IDEAS FOR A LIVING ROOM & A HOUSE I DON'T EVEN HAVE! yep, that's how it went down.

Anyways, as earlier stated I was on pinterest and I came across these wonderful prints below. They are from a collection called Silhouette Masterpiece Theatre & are so witty and hilarious I just had to share. You have to understand something though to know my love for these. When I was a little girl some of my fondest memories was watching Masterpeice Theatre with my moms till late sunday nights. This was one of the only times she would let me stay up past bedtime. I loved the way all the ladies wore pretty dresses and how all the gentlemen talked to the ladies, even though I never really understood what they said cuz to me they spoke a different language and more than twice in a minute I would turn & ask my mom what they were saying and what was happening, which I'm sure was a really fun time for her.

Anyways, please do enjoy them for a minute. They made me happier than a little girl staying up passed her bedtime.

to view more & purchase go here.

& the happiest of weekends to you indeed my friends!

Junk of the Heart (Happy) -THE KOOKS by masshimaro

It's definitely a sign.

2011-09-05T20:49:00.000-07:00

all photos from my new favorite website - http://weburbanist.com

There are so many great things to see here, I spent a good part of the night looking at all the urban art.

please investigate & love your life.

Happy Labor day.

This is Why I Don't Leave My House.

2011-09-04T23:34:00.000-07:00

Today was the Sabbath, so it should have been an instant good day right?

Not when you have to work.. barf. I hate working Sundays.

Also it REALLY sucks when this happens to you ----

When you meet a semi interesting human, one that you haven't met before, & that caught your attention which hasn't happened in a long time for you, and doesn't really happen ever.. especially when you live in a small town and sometimes you feel like you have met everyone in some way.

Why does that suck you ask? Well, let me explain my good friend.

Well the part of this that really is unpleasant is when they are kinda cute you notice, which is huge for you at the time to think this way, and they ask you out even! And your kinda liek hmm, Im not instatntly turned off which is about 99% of the time, And then they text their sister about you cuz you work with her, and make the connection that you know her.

& then he asks this bomber quesetion,

"Hey, are you dating someone?"

"um, No." - act casual, act casual, act casual!

"Oh....

well, ..were you dating someone?'

............

............................................

.........................

"Oh, um nope.. ...pause...

I mean I've dated people before obviously.

but not really..

..............................................

um... why do you ask?"

"..oh, no reason, I was going to go somewhere with that, but I decided not to.."

"oh.. okay ha ha" nervous awkward laugh..

awesome.

really awesome.

really extremely awesome.

end of discussion.

cut to the rest of the night not saying one other word to me besides "k c ya later".

And me thinking this conversation in my brain to myself,

"Oh wait yeah, you know, now that I think about it, I actually was dating someone before.. kindof.. I mean me & your sister in law that you just texted about me there, well funny story, we actually planned our temple sealing times an hour apart from each other so we could get ready in the bridal room together, is that what your asking? Oh Yeah! Crazy right how I'm sitting in this room unmarried and stuff now? weird.. Oh Ps. did you want to get my number?"

Yeah you know when that happens to you? It really sucks, huh? Man, I hate those days. Especially when it's liek almost everyday, & the boy that broke your heart can feel free to move on & never deal with it again and never have it follow his every step n stuff, but somehow you cant seem to escape it like ever? It's funny how that's how it always seems to work out right?!

Needless to say, I love the sabbath, but tonight is the reason I don't leave the house anymore except for class & work. I forgot that, but DON'T YOU WORRY, I remember now. Cue this next week being conveniently really busy.

That's all my bitter rantings for now. Tomorrow I will find service opportunities and laugh at this situation. Until then, good freaking night.

Revelation Riding Home.

2011-08-30T14:21:00.000-07:00

The sun was being merciful on me & my post sickly self today
cool wind caressing every hair on my bare arms & legs
& blowing through my wake up, take out of a bun, bobby pin & go hair
No sunglasses necessary sky
as me & lykke li flew down old main hill, under the tunnel, and down the parkway towards the temple
looking down over the valley I sing along to one of my favorite songs that made this particular ride home the stuff that makes life memorable
I looked forward down the long green foilage lined path and bathed in the joy of the moment
As light sprinkles of rain kissed my face I let go and coasted with arms outstretched
It was then I realized
I am truly happy. Not for the moment, not for a time, but for everything.
I could not have a better house or better roommates. They are more than words, and it's only day 4.
I could not choose a better major and life path to be pursuing then the one thing I truly love and accept now. even if I have more years here because of it, I know this will be the best outcome for me and I will enjoy every minute of my that time and my life from hence forward.
I could not imagine myself any different than I am right now, in any other situation, in any other time because without a doubt I know I am in the exact spot in my life that is right for me right now.
I am thankful for everything that has brought me to this point with no end and no amount or number calculated could describe how happy I am to be exactly where the Lord has brought me to right at this exact point in my life.

I have a long ways to go before I am satisfied however, there is always something more to learn and develop and grow to be better from, but I know I am on the right path to that end.

It's amazing what happens when you submit to the lord to guide your life. He has greater things in store for you than you could ever imagine.

D&C 11:
8 Verily, verily, I say unto you, even as you desire of me so it shall be done unto you; and, if you desire, you shall be the means of doing much good in this generation.

For the 12,333,543,232,343,545,454 time.

THANK YOU.

sneakiness never was happiness.

2011-08-28T22:42:00.000-07:00

SO, I think throwing out my secret be healthy vibes may have backfired.

I woke up today with a 99.5 fever (which most recent temp is 100.1), hurty all over body aches, and sickly weakness throughout every muscle. Then I cut myself shaving in the shower and realized my sore muscles from running the road to hana friday (I love technology) are more commonly known as shin splints.

This is NOT the way I wanted to start out the first day of school.. TOMORROW.

I might have sent my health away with the secret good health vibes that I sneakily threw out.

So because of this sicness, in between getting a sweet blessing from my awesome neighbor friends, catching up with some old ones and lets be honest sleeping pretty much the whole last day of summer away, (barf) I realized that I need a new school bag & have been on the prowl! My amazing DI find turned out to not be so sturdy after one year of use..who would've thought..

Upon this search I discovered an online store which is pretty hip.

Goes by the name of

here are some treasures I would like to share with you that i discovered and adore. Please enjoy.

So sick! but don't worry these are only 295$. nbd. I think I'll stick with Urban 10$ shades.

I feel as though this would make a winter day pretty bearable. (54$)

love the green & only 161$!! Definitely more reasonable than the top ones.

.... hmm maybe later.

love this for some reason.

Anyways they have some really unique/crazy jewls as well, so if you like what you see check out more here.

As for tomorrow, hopefully I kick this fever and it's just a 24 hour thing so that I can begin to learn French at 730am tomorrow.
Your prayers are welcomed as are any baked "get well soon" goods.
Just some ideas.
But be cautious not to give away your health when you pray for someone else to get well, it happens.

The Ting Tings - Great DJ by carmenalvarezaparicio

Praying.. from a distance.

2011-08-26T23:53:00.000-07:00

I know you don't need me & the last thing I want to do is be around you,

trust me.

But secretly I wish I could help or do something, I hate to think of you like this.

Sometimes I wish I could drink polyjuice potion and bring you rice krispies and chicken noodle soup and make sure you're okay & well.

This summer I have brought people cookies, letters, talks and served them for much much less. Ignoring the pull to help or do something after months of training is weird & unnatural!

But, I know my place, and as much as I hate to stand by and watch, it is not for me to be there anymore, if needed or not.

I thought this was funny, and since I can't/wont send it to you & I know there is no way in heck you read this blog anymore, I am putting it on here to secretly send out happy vibes.

So.. I only pray & hope from a distance for a speedy recovery and trust others are doing all they can around you.

which, I know they are.

So.. here's to being strangers..

& keeping it that way.

Cheers.

...but secretly your healthy recovery is in my prayers, suck it!

Unpack Break.

2011-08-25T21:56:00.000-07:00

Been packing & unpacking since before a time I can remember anymore and I need to take a break so... here I am!

My new room is coming along nice with the art work I made and bought in New York if I do say so myself..

Moving was scary but I already like my new house so much.. Everything is beginning to feel right and I knew it would. Silly Chelsea.

I'm excited for school to start and to be busy. Here's the updated line up:

French Year I

Art History I

JCOM ..maybe..

3D Design

Photography I

Scripture Study

Joseph Smith History & Martyrdom

I would like one or two more classes, wait list numbers to go down down down.

Is it bad that I fully intend on/desire being completely anti social?

yes please.

Also this, I don't know if Ariella is going to church anymore since she went back to the DR. I asked the Lord for missionary opportunities & experiences and I've gotten them, and this one.. I'm glad I can relate.. but I wish I wouldn't have to feel the ache of loving someone and being so excited for them to come to the gospel & then for it to just fizzle out.. even though I know it happens a lot. It's almost heartbreaking, but I can only hope that when she is ready there will be something planted in her heart from the time she was here.

TOnight's dinner - walmart warm french bread. I'm such a sucker for warm bread.

Anyways back to organizing. Also today I read D&C ch. 7, it was exquisite. Look it up for a good time.

Hope all had a beautiful TR & a happy F. Commence last weekend of freedom.

Where is home now?

2011-08-22T23:59:00.000-07:00

Welcome to my new humble abode

Living room

kitch

living room (in love with this color)

Moving is bittersweet.

I love my summer room/house. ~~spiders and dead rat smell~~ & all. If these walls could talk it they would tell you that I am leaving a different person then I came.

It's crazy, my new room felt so weird and foreign today as I piled in my stuff. It's super great, but I hate to leave my life here & garden too. My life is here!! I have made my room my home, my security, my peaceful nook to hide away in, do you ever feel like that? & now I'm leaving my home! eeeek

On this floor I began my scripture study habits

This carpet has been worn by my knees & tears while saying the most sincere prayers of my life

I cut through this green shady yard to bring my neighbors cookies when they got dear jane'd and developed a deep love for service

and pushed open the little gate to go to institute on tues/thurs mornings where I learned and heard all the things I needed to at the time

My garden in this backyard saved me from thinking way too much

The front stoop is where I listened to my grandma tell me stories of her grand parents and gain a love for genealogy

This room is where me and my sister got to share again for the first time in like ten years and really talked like we used to

This basement is where I had late night talks with my favorite roommates and gained a deep love for them

This kitchen is where me and Ariella talked about the gospel over McDonalds at midnight and she told me she wanted to get baptized

This driveway is where I always bottom out.. k I wont miss that, I hate those stupid pot holes

This street is the street I would drive, ride bikes, walk, to the temple every week from.

My new house is closer, plus.

This is the giant tree in the backyard that bloomed little yummy smelling pretty white flowers that I would pick and put in the vase in the kitchen

This is the house that became my sanctuary, and where I grew most in

I know I want to move on, but it's scary to have to start over with new (wonderful) girls in a new place, in a new ward, in a new environment.. I know I'm being silly, it's like 3 minutes away, I just have really grown to love my life here and the spirit that it has with it, but I know moving on is what is needed & deep down wanted.

But half of me worries, what if I am moving into the wrong house?! In the wrong place at the wrong time and it wont be the same and I will hate it and most importantly it's not where I am supposed to be!?

What do you do when you don't know what the right place is for you?

Welp, I've got no where else to go.

So, hopefully the Lord has led me to the right house, in the right time and the right people to share it with. Wish me luck, tomorrow I'm a gonner!

The Secret Life of Daydreams by leticiaK

Donezo.

2011-08-21T23:52:00.000-07:00

Once upon a time I finished reading this book 3 days ago.

The words in here lifted me above hopelessness

Guarded & guided me through depression

Filtered emotion from truth

Turned anger into charity

Gave me understanding out of grief

Always, without fail said the right things when in need of advice

Gave me direction throughout incredibly difficult changes

Transformed bad habits into righteous actions

Was my mother, father, best friend, and teacher

Made my sadness dissipate until I forgot the originator

Made my life meaningful and whole at times of seemingly incomplete failure

Brought me through pitch black darkness to an indescribable never ending light

Made me forget myself
Brought me a greater knowledge & closer to my best friend

Gave me the best light to directly follow

Gave me hope

Gave me love
Gave me.. a reason to keep pushing through

Gave me complete & udder peace

in a time where these were the last things I should have been feeling.

& the best part is
it does this for everyone
in their own individual way
in the best way for them
understanding you like no one else can and giving you exactly what you need to hear for every different situation in your life.
specifically testifying to everyone that there is always hope
if they are open to reading it for real and letting it into your heart.

So here's to D&C.

I'm already on chp 3.

My soul feeds on these scriptures.

Just one more of the 121,343,534 blessings I have gained.

oh & ps.

Thanks
for the 200th time.

I fought you the whole way, only to come out better than I could have ever imagined I could be.

I'm glad someone who is all knowing is looking over my life.

Happy Monday all.

TGIS

2011-08-20T23:09:00.000-07:00

Some days I wish there were trains in Logan

So I could hop them and never look back

Everyday I go to battle

Today I feel as though I got ambushed in the night.

Everyday is a battle, really I am getting so tired

tomorrow is a new day, and a whole new battle.

TGIS (Thank Gosh It's Sunday)

Let's count our blessings and ask the heavens to open & teach us what we need to learn this day.

That's all. Love to you.

& can I get an amen for making good tips tonight? yeah girl!

Great Morning.

2011-08-17T15:07:00.000-07:00

small sidenote - Taking my sweet time finishing Moroni. Chapter 7 is pure art. I'll keep you updated.

Also, ran around central park today 5.08 kilometers as the machine said.. (Yes I am an American so I had to use Google to figure it out)

aka 3.15 miles! Yah go me! I love technology.

This morning my prayers changed my life.

I realized today that I DO have faith and I haven't just been hoping I do.

Trusting the Lord makes everything so much easier.

who knew? - jokes.

I really do trust him with my life, which is funny that it took me this long to fully realize it.

Even the hardest, worst, more terrible things seem to lose their value when I remember that the Lord WILL take care of me, I just need to trust that he is.

Please know, if anything today, that the Lord will take care of you too, no matter what. is happening in your life.

Because if I can go to being completely at peace in about 7 min this morning in my prayers, so can you.

ps. Also, you're probably loved by me if you are reading this so that should make you feel good too. that's all.

Kirra Jamison love.

2011-08-17T01:04:00.000-07:00

Found this bomb artist on the blog seesaw.

which is pretty much the best blog ever, I love it so very much, you should check it out if you enjoy radical things..

& I fell in love with her within 2 minutes.

These are some of my faves.

SO sweet huh!

Check out her full website here.

Also, I'm loving this album lately.

Pumped up kicks you've probably heard but check out miss you, waste, I would do anything for you, and call it what you want. they are swell tracks as well.

I Would Do Anything For You - Foster The People by GazelG

Last but not least, I jammed to Lykke Li whilst working in my garden yesterday. It was a legit jam sesh full of singing to my tomatoes and dancing to my cantelope.
Sometimes I love not really having roommates around, cuz I don't have people to answer to anyone of what the heck I am doing. Especially to my fruits and veggies in the backyard.

Oldy but goody.

Lykke Li - Little Bit by penguinslairrr

ps.
1.MOVING OUT NEXT WEEK! sad to leave my roomies, but its good to move forward! also feeling disgruntled that I didn't purchase prints of my favorites at the met.. stupid decision.. my walls will be so bare.. must create!!
2.school starts in two weeks! the line up - 2d design, 3d design, art history, newswriting, english, maybe photography if I get in the waitlist, beginning ceramics (waitlist as well) , french year I, & my art minor will be almost complete while I apply for my journalism major!
3. 3 more chapters and I'm done with the BoM. Pretty stoked about it.
4. Institute classes: family history duh, ... something else I feel is good, & a scripture based class like D+C or Bom or something. I love learning about the gospel, I feel like a sponge! Gimme more!
5. CAN NOT wait for my friends to come back so I have people to play with again!!!!!! Yay for friends.
6. I seriously love my job. Everyone that works there are just such good kind people. It's really a great thing to be excited to go into work everyday.

Life. is. so. good. to. me.

Happiness. is. happy. to. feel. again.

Thank you. Lord.

I. am. glad. to. be. with. you.

and. you. with. me.

that's all.

FRIENDSHIP.

The 14th of August and On.

2011-08-14T17:11:00.000-07:00

Today is the first day of the rest of my life.

Thank you Lord for hurting with me in the present, so as to be better for the future.

I am grateful for this gift of more time and better understanding.

You bless me more than I can see, know, or can ever deserve.

What a miracle you are everyday in my life.

Here's to a new beginning today & the rest of my future!

I know you will be right by my side the whole way.

Dear Tomorrow,

2011-08-12T23:11:00.000-07:00

please be gentle.

please be kind.

please pass away quickly.

please be distracting.

please be understanding.

please keep me busy working.

please bless no one yells at me at work or is rude.

Cuz tomorrow I will be fragile.

I will be more than fragile.

Let's be honest.

Please know I am grateful for this day

for giving me what I know now

for the opportunity to have learned vital things

for having more time to myself & with the Lord that I know I need

to have more time to become the person I know I can reach now

to have the time to be able to focus on drawing closer to the lord and to be better in the long run

I am grateful I have the time I need to become the person I know I can.

please be full of love and kindness

please be tender and soft

please don't let me have too much time to think

please bless the walk in freezer in the back will be empty if I need it to be at work

please bless I wont take too long, my waterproof mascara will do it's duty and no one will notice

please bless when I come back out, I will be okay, and no one will suspect a thing

please bless I wont need that, but who am I kidding I know I most likely will

So please just bless it will get over with quickly
and the next day will come. and this all will be just a terrible memory in the past.
And I can forget and move forward
after tomorrow I will be free

please just pass away just like any other normal day only maybe a little faster.

Because my heart breaks at the thought of what today was supposed to be

and what it isn't now

even though I'm grateful because I know I have this time to do a lot of things I need to

before I feel like I'm in the right place for that

and how I could have thought I was back then I will never know

the time for me being by myself is needed right now

It still just hurts. kills. mutilates. and then hurts again.

So if I have ever asked for anything life

and needed it badly

tomorrow would be the day to just please go easy

Dear tomorrow,

please have mercy on me.

I am very fragile this day, and I would love to make it out in one piece.

thanks so very much

Yours Truly,

Chelsea Lynn

ps. I have an undying faith that The Lord is always with me and this is the exact thing I need right now. His comfort is reliable, steadfast and true.

Ask me how I could get through days like tomorrow without him and I would laugh in your face at the mere absurdity of the question. It's amazing how much peace it brings though knowing you're doing what the Lord wants you to no matter how hard it is.

However, your prayers are welcomed.

Heaven knows I will need them.

What better day for learning, feeling the Lords arms around me & growth?

Happy August 13th everyone.

More & More of NYC

2011-08-12T00:31:00.000-07:00

So I have posted like 2 times in 20 min because for some reason the pictures don't work on my computer so I have to borrow my roommate's, who I believe is probably getting rather sick of me always having it ( I know I would let's be honest) So I am trying to blog all my pics in a timely manner to let her have her stuff back. Here is my trip in a nutshell, a rather large nutshell. Like a walnut shell. yep.

CHELSEA MARKET
it was a way cool place for obvious reasons

I ate here. It was delicious. Oh and by myself. Loved it. Bucket List - check!

Also, didn't know it was water in the tall green bottle for the longest time, so I didn't drink it for fear of having to tell the Bishop I got drunk on accident by myself in New York...

The people who named this town knew what was up, that's all I have to say.

BROOKLYN

this was street art called "cereal killers" way clever huh! love mister toucan with the bomb.

THE Beacons Closet! (see earlier post for the deets)

delish mac & cheese shop called Brooklyn Mac. Never knew Mac & Cheese could be so good!

CENTRAL PARK

Amer Apare tiger dress. $10 at Beacon's. It's rather strange but I was drawn to it.

Art Museums
MoMA, The Met & Guggenheim

Guggemheim

The Met. sigh.

The MoMA

Starry Night

Monet

A really unique Monet
(he usually doesn't use such bold reds mostly blues and greens throughout all his peices, this may have been accounted for when he had eye issues that made him go colorblind for a bit but no one really knows)

Salvador Dali

Picasso

Can't remember the name of this one but the story behind it is my favorite.

Pollock - one. number one signifies him not being under the influence of drugs or alcohol and being one with his art and himself. It's awesome.

Droog furniture in the MoMA. I went to this store in Vegas, this stuff is le

This was a sweet clock in the MoMA, the little sweeper men push a line of rubble for the second hand. It was a little tiring to watch but way neat.

They're just keeping the time!

Dog Sitting

Loved these little guys. Such good little snuggelers. This was a great funny night. 2 Jane Austen movies later we end up in bed with them just cuddling up. Presh!

Anyways that is all for now, it is getting late and I still need to read before I get too tired and conk out!

FYI Ether is amazing!! The brother of Jared is amazing!! I'm loving it so much!

Goodnight to All & here's to a morning someday waking up to my own little pup snuggling way too close to me.

05. The Civil Wars - Poison & Wine by jensen-lips

High Line!

2011-08-11T22:58:00.000-07:00

The high line is a park made out of an old rail road passage in Chelsea, NY. It was really pretty and I got some sweet pictures. Only I don't know how to turn then so some of them are sideways. Sorry! Just turn your laptop on its side and pretend I'm not technologically challenged. deal?

The entrance to the High Line

loved the burnt orange and green combo action going on here.

I can't get enough of unique architecture. This building was kinda slanty, and awesome.

This is probably my favorite shot of the trip, only its way better when you don't have to turn your head to see it right.. my bad..

Oh hey who's the hottie?? woo woo jokes it's just me loving my life!

sweet art peice on the side of the walkway.

saw this and said dear chelsea, theres shopping down there. needless to say that was the end of me and the high line on the next exit.

That's all! The high line was a nice opportunity to play around with Madi's 7D. Loved it!

Comin at 'Em

2011-08-10T09:55:00.000-07:00

This post is in dedication to my new found love for:

shopping in New York.

My blissful state of ignorance to the wealth and goodness of this place is now forever obliterated and I am now subject to suffer in Utah all the days of not having one here.

okay too much, but you feel me girl.

Thank heavens for online shopping.

I have been made forever a fan of their trousers.

I purchased two pair while in the city and I am wondering how I dressed without them now!

Do you ever do that, buy something and then wonder how you ever got along with out it?

Here's what I got - my new favorites only in a camel color, not this yellow, however they were nice too.

Also I fell madly in love with these little guys.

I know they are borderline ugly to some..

but that's why I love them and admit that I am regretting my self control in the matter.

may have had to lap up some drool in the store..

love this mustard/canary color for the fall when paired with a brown belt/shoe, so great.

yep, if this isn't true love people I don't know what is.

Alas, I will just have to push through 'till we meet again Topshop.

Zara & H&M were a sad, sad bust. I was bored at the stores, which is hard for me, but just wasn't feeling what they had to offer. It was strange but true. Amer Apare is always a wee boring to me, and overpriced.. so obvi wasn't feeling it either, but I never really am for that store, some reason I thought in New York it would be different, WRONG.

Secondly,

Beacon's Closet in Williamsburg was my dream come true of thrift.

It was as if someone sorted through the DI and picked only those that were incredibly awesome.

My thrift buddy LORI would fully appreciate the true greatness of this shop.

I scored with 2 dresses & 2 tops.

(pics coming)

and I was only there for 25 min because it was closing.

Imagine with time what I could have found..

NYC was an epic shopping time when I hit it, but surprisngly I kept my wits about me and didn't even spend as much as I thought I would.

YAY FOR BECOMING A RESPONSIBLE ADULT WITH MONEY!

PS.

Cheers for H&M in the fall.

Hip Hip Hooray for Utah!

Home.

2011-08-09T17:24:00.000-07:00

sigh... New York was so magnificent.
so beautiful
so concrete
so full of opportunities and life.

Small Sidenote:
I used to have this fantasy when I was a little girl of me in a black skirt suit with a briefcase walking to work amongst giant buildings and honking taxi cabs, just so professional and womanly. Make that dream a reality, at least for a time someday soon? Certainly.

The city was everything I have imagined it to be and more. I loved almost everything about it. I met some great people who inspire me, saw some great outfits, art, and culture that did the same.

I mean.. I guess I am glad to be home... :) My garden is flourishing, I'm home alone & have time to ponder & study & less distracted and getting back to work will be good for my bank account.

However, there is no Hudson River to ponder & discuss doctrine with madi in its mist to.
There are no buildings with magnificent sculptures and gargoyles to admire round nearly every corner.
There isn't a pinkberry. In the entire state. Let alone every ten blocks.
There are no famous amazing thrift stores, delectable mac and cheese joints, or street art to be found.
There is no world renowned museum where I can be in the midst of Monet, Pollock, or Grecian sculptures whenever I darn well choose to be.

But it's good to be home. Home is always pleasant, work is obtainable here, rent is cheap, places are familiar, and friends are always in great & loving abundance.

Except two of them are no longer here. My dearest Meggiepoop is leaving on her mission..tomorrow!! It is a sad time, she has buried a little special meggie poop place in my heart that will be stagnant for two years. But she will surely do a great work.

Also, my dear, dear friends from the DR left today. It was a tearful goodbye. I asked he Lord to help me love & guide them towards the church and he granted me both. I honestly don't know if I will ever see them again. But I am happy I got to be a little part of Ariella's path to conversion. She is returning to her country a strength to her family and a new light to her friends. She will do a great work as well, I just hate saying goodbye.

I am truly happy to be home, I am blessed to live such a pleasant life. ..but looking ever more forward to the day when I can start my own adventure in a new & exciting city.

sigh, back to real life.

ps. this post would normally be chuck full of cheesy touristy pictures and asian peace signs, but the cd full of my pics did not work when I put it into my comp.. soo until I can get a hold of them.. bare with me!

Live long & prosper.

ps. ^^ She was amazing live. top 3 concerts i've ever seen. So grateful and humble, such a truly amazing voice. Was beter live then any recording I've heard of her. Awesome!

Waking Up in NYC

2011-08-02T23:00:00.000-07:00

I love when you wake up somewhere different in the first few seconds of the morning and then realizing where you are and rejoicing.
It's just one of those little treasures of life.

This morning I woke up, looked out the window saw a long street full of trees, apartments, dog walkers, and hustle & bustle and realized i was in NYC.
That I really did see Lykke Li last night and walk through central park home in the warm and welcoming New York muggy streetlight.

Today was also amazing. I will tell you more about it when I am home and can do it right, But just know, the Met is my sanctuary, Shake Shack is delish, Times Suare (the button for the kue isnt working, weird to try and spell is without the letter..) Street vendor hot dogs are semi anticlimactic, and of all the places I've gotten lost, Central Park is the best one by far.

Tomorrow's line up:
Rockefeller center
Radio City
New York City Library
Flat Iron Building
Central Park cont'd
FAO Shwartz & playing on the giant piano (childhood fantasy, check!)
Zara & H&M
Grand Central Station
Williamsburg & a sweet thrift store there
Loving life.

For now, I just love my life more than I ever have. Something about this city just makes you feel ALIVE. This city is amazing, I love everything about it,
except the headaches I get from second hand smoke
and all the cute boys are never wearing g's.
What a waste. :)

But so many opportunities and lovely things to do and see, after graduating I could def see a lovely time to relocate.. for a time is all but relocate nonetheless for a bit.

real blogging to come about the city so stay tuned for some sweet pics!

Thought Process.

2011-07-29T21:21:00.000-07:00

new york

dr pepper, chicken critters, brown gravy

new york

central park

cowboy cooler & 2 waters, bbq sauce

myrtle

sweet potato loaded

table 312 needs their check & a lid

little italy

new york

more rolls, 3rd refill in 20 min, really? where does he put this

new york

sacrement talk this sunday

new york

lykke li

....

TOP SHOP!!

It goes on, but you get it.

3 days til I get to forget everything for a while and be submersed in the big city.

pure joy.

Ps. Yesterday was fine, not as bad as I had been stressing about. Let's be honest though, if it's not there it's not there. It happens. Shame, he's pretty handsome.
On the real though
what a relief.

Guess What!

2011-07-28T00:41:00.000-07:00

I have a bed!!

A real bed frame with a curved white painted headboard and cute little knobs on the foot board!

I have a bed frame that's off the ground. It's the perfect height to lean on when I talk to my dear Father.

I have a bed that is white and cute so spiders don't crawl on my blanket anymore on the ground

( I live in the basement. It's disgusting how often this occurs.)

I have a bed! Furniture of my own! That isn't plastic college crap.

I have a bed! My mattress isn't on the floor anymore saying,

"hey remember when you didn't care about your bed being on the floor cuz it was temporary but now its not so temporary, so now you just have this reminding you everyday that your plans used to be different and now all you have is this crappy mattress on the floor?"

Well, I have a bed frame now. A single one cuz I'm a single girl. Moving forward with new plans & a new bed frame.

That's all.

It's the little things.

Ps. Wish me good luck tomorrow, I've been dreading it all week.

it's not a date, we're just friends hanging out, it's not a date, it's not a date, it's not a date..

ugh.

Simple Algebra + Some Bonus Points.

2011-07-26T15:06:00.000-07:00

Ariella told me yesterday she wants to get baptised (!!!!!!!!!!)

when she goes home to the DR so her mom can be there with her.
She said that meeting with the missionaries taught her many things and mostly she feels differently now that she has the scriptures & recognizes the spirit when she reads them. She likes Nephi ( ne phee she calls it. oh m heck I'm going to miss them) & feeling the Lord around her that she knows she is never alone anymore. She says she wants to come back to USU and study biology pre med and be around the church more. I feel so blessed to be able to be seeing this happen & mostly just to have been able to be her friend and try to be a good example. +100,022,020 cool/happy points.

Found 4 baptisms and 2 sealings in 1 hour today. I know this beginners luck will run out sometime, please bless it is not anytime soon. I love the peace it brings into my life.

I found a guy to do my men family names this week! I'll probs only get like 10 done but that's ten men who can receive the holy ghost along with the 22 women that did last week! & endowments & sealings for them later on hopefully! Also, he just so happens to be kindof cute..bonus points! but don't get too excited, it's just something I noticed once..

Speaking in Sacrement Sunday & I'm Super Stoked. 5 S's in 1 sentence, what up.

Manhattan, Myrtle & the MET in .. 7 days. 3 M's, not so impressive but bonus points for the subject coolness.

Soo, pretty much I'm blessed out of my mind. The Lord is good people, don't forget it. & I cannot wait to wake up the next day to the things the Lord wants me to do & learn that day. Love him so much.

oh & you too of course.

Friendship!

Foster The People - Pumped Up Kicks by zsoltbako

First of Many SLC Temple Trips

2011-07-23T13:12:00.000-07:00

Did my family temple names yesterday in the SLC temple for the first time. It was an incredible experience.

22 women now have the gift of the Holy Ghost.

I have never felt so much peace the whole day, it was just really good.

A big thanks to Chunch for helping me, even 11 names by myself was kinda a lot, so I'm glad I have good girlfriends to help out.

It was great to see Meggie Poop and Swatalie join us after the Motab Pioneer Day Celebration Concert as well.

They are so wonderful & the catching up date was well overdue.

Yesterday was a success to the max.

Now I'm off to finish up my lesson for tomorrow. reeee. I'm nervous, hopefully I can do a good job.

Wish me luck!

ps. It's a great feeling to recognize the changes in yourself are real. That you're really growing and not just feeling and hoping that you are. It's awesome.

Garden Update!

2011-07-21T16:08:00.000-07:00

Cucumbers about 3 weeks ago..

Today!

Spotted even a few babies growing! Yay!

Peas then..

Now! Look at them!! they have little pods! wahooo!

Baby watermelon plants..

Watermelon today!! still don't have any fruit but they are just growing up so fast! I am a patient gardener don't worry.

3 weeks ago Cantelopes.. (notice how big the cage is to them)

Eating the cage for breakfast! no melons yet.. but I have faith!!

Tomatos #1

So proud of these chubby little guys!

Roma tomatos 3 weeks prior

Roma's Today! Look how big they are!

The Garden before..

This Afternoon!

sorry for the poor quality, the sun was very bright today and I used my phone.

I can honestly say that very few things bring me as much bliss as working in my garden. I love being out there tending these little guys. Even pulling weeds is enjoyable. I love the smell of my hands after making sure all the tomato branches are on the best height of the cages. I can't explain how great the smell is, but the leaves of my Roma's are fresh and delicious beyond all.

Welp that's that! I'll keep you posted when I get some yummy fruit to eat!

Can't wait!

Being Active.

2011-07-20T14:58:00.000-07:00

“A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you. …

“By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another” (John 13:34–35).

The love the Savior described is an active love. It is not manifested through large and heroic deeds but rather through simple acts of kindness and service.

- Finding Joy Through Loving Service by Elder Ballard.

As I was on the elliptical (sp?) today,
(I love my alone time at Icon, it is where I do my best thinking & pondering.)
I thought through this process in my mind:

"I always ask for comfort and say thank you for it and it is so amazing how he always delivers, but I never have wondered how the Lord is doing..

I mean I'm sure he gets sad at times of how some of His children don't remember him in important times, forsake him and his teachings, and even are angry and despise him for their lack of understanding.. that must be hard to deal with everyday by everyone!

To be honest, I know he is probably wonderful because he has a perfect knowledge, but I feel bad I never have thought about him and his well being, I just ask and he gives.. what a brat.."

Then a thought came to me that went something like this.

"I need to give something back, to help him, for all that he has & will do for me!!"

(zzzing spirit whispered, if ye love me feed my sheep.)

Duh. Helping his children = helping him be happy, because his children are then happy and he is happy that they are happy."

happy. had to say it one more time just in case.

I mean I've known this concept for forever but never really understood it in such a manner as real as I did today.

When I served someone before I always just want to help the person, because they were hurting and I wanted to make them feel better, not really thinking that I am helping the Lord too and for Him to be happy too.. crazy! To think we little pee ons can help make the Lord have joy. The one who has given to us all & any joy we have ever felt in this life. Just by telling someone they are great, or sharing our testimony that they will be okay, or letting them lean on us for a bit, or dropping by a nice note and some cookies. We can begin to really show the lord we love him and are thankful, instead of just keep asking and asking.

Anyways, that's all.This is a new goal of mine. Being ACTIVE in my love for humans and the lord.

Happy Wednesday!

Teaching is Scary.

2011-07-19T23:35:00.000-07:00

Teaching Relief Society this sabbath.

Soo nervous.. thought I wouldn't be, but I'm getting there, and it's only Tuesday!!

But super excited at the same time.

Never thought helping people would come in this form, baking cookies for someone is so much less intimidating.

I just want to say things that matter to someone/help/teach the things the Lord wants me to teach in the best way.

wish me luck!

..I will need it!

"For whom the Lord calls, the Lord qualifies" - never understood fully this quote & hoped in it more then this week!

Night Sky.

2011-07-15T14:46:00.000-07:00

Sometimes when you know you are doing good works and the Lord is pleased with you & your efforts, nothing else really matters.

Twilight Concert Series - Explosions in the Sky.

What a blessing to have such friends.
Ry & Tal seeing you made my night. love you girls.

& What a beautiful night sky it was indeed.

First Breath After Coma by pachucohands

Take Away Show

2011-07-12T23:10:00.000-07:00

What would you do if your favorite artist happened to walk down your street playing your favorite song?

Love the take away shows, here are some faves. Enjoy.

fhe & snowcones

2011-07-12T16:13:00.000-07:00

last night was awesome.

besides the whole, drunken crazy man who jumped into laura's car and came to snowcones with us & soon after got ditched on the side of the road..

I love my dominican friends, I love being able to be the Lords tools!
&
All I want is for LinLin to say ni hao to the gospel.

Yesterday I asked her if she believed in God, and she said that it was too much of a new and foreign concept for her to really know or understand her feelings. That breaks my heart to the fullest.

She is even teaching me a little Chinese! Not that I can pronounce any of it right...

ma means mom
ma means horse
ma means two other things that I couldn't understand what she said..

...Chinese people are too smart, lets just agree on it here & now.

But guess what! Baptism tonight!! Devastated I have to work! Michelle is receiving the Holy Ghost at 7pm! WAAAAHOOOO!!!

life is so good!

Moab & Missionary Work

2011-07-10T23:29:00.000-07:00

Weekend in Moab as blogged by Kristyne. No one does it better. Check out all my adventures from the trip HERE.

I'm so glad I got invited and got to meet her hilarious friends. Had a blast!

Ps. you don't have to be set apart to be a missionary. I went to my friends' 3rd lesson with the missionaries today. They & two new friends came to church today and to the lesson tonight, we watched the Joseph Smith vision, talked about temples and being sealed to families, and right after I met a girl from China named Lin who wants to come to church and fhe with me tomorrow too! I feel like the missionary experiences I'm having are the kinds of blessings like "you will not have room enough to receive it" What a tender mercy the lord is showing me that I don't have to put in my papers to serve a mission. I almost like not being the missionary, so I can be their friend too and make them feel welcomed and befriended and taught more by my example and let the missionaries do what they do best. Best of both worlds! I have never been happier. I know the Lord will take care of me, if I do all I can to take care of my brothers and sisters for him. Hooray for missionary work!

Bring on 113 degree weather.

2011-07-07T02:13:00.000-07:00

MOAB Bound!

with my bffffff Kristyne.

wish me good luck.
I hear it's hot down there.
and I hear the river is PUMPING!
my bish said stay far away, which means the rapids are probs craziness.. or just right.. Right!? :)
hmm who knows. I'm jut excited for adventures!

Happy early weekend to all!

STATUS: CONFIRMED

2011-07-04T18:59:00.000-07:00

JUST BOUGHT MY TICKET TO NEW YORK CITY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

GUESS WHO'S MEETING ME THERE..

LYKKE LI!

LYKKE LI LIVE IN CENTRAL PARK!

DREAM COME TRUE!

NEW YORK CITY.. HOLY HECK!

DID I REALLY JUST BUY A TICKET TO NEW YORK?

WHO AM I??

I DON'T GO TO NEW YORK, I AM CHELSEA...

WHAT?!

I AM ECSTATIC.

IF YOU COULDN'T TELL.

I'M GONNA STAND OUT AS SUCH A TOURIST WITH MY HOLGA AROUND MY NECK. HAHA YESSSSSS!!

NOW I DON'T FEEL BAD FOR NOT HAVING A LIFE AND WORKING EVERY NIGHT THIS SUMMER!!

WHERE SHOULD I GO ALL YOU TRAVELER FRIENDS OF MINE? LET ME IN ON WHERE IT'S AT IN MANHATTAN.

MUCH APPRECIATED!

NOW I'M OFF TO SIT IN ON THE FIRST LESSON BEING TAUGHT TO MY NEW FRIEND ARIELLA! I'M SO NERVOUS FOR HER AND THE MISSIONARIES AND I'M NOT EVEN DOING ONE THING.

AHH HOPE ALL GOES WELL.

WHAT AN AWESOME DAY!

HAPPY B DAY AMERICA!

Martin Solveig & Dragonette - Hello by Dragonette

PS. THANKS FOR THE SONG, AMANDA PLEASE.

2011-07-03T21:37:00.000-07:00

“The power within you is greater than the

obstacles in front of you.”

We can be more than conquerors through Him that loves us. :)

A pattern in the scriptures and in life shows that many times the darkest, most dangerous tests immediately precede remarkable events and tremendous growth.

“After much tribulation come the blessings.”

my life is proof of this.

to say I am eternally grateful seems lackluster
I am blessed.

also..

Bucket List Checks After Summer:

Do Baptisms in the Salt Lake Temple - next week
Teach Relief Society Lesson- June 24th !!!!!!!!!
Visit New York City - August 2nd

Go to the Met, Eat lunch in Central Park, Holga NYC, Do work in distant temples,

Take a vacation by myself, Share the gospel in all times and places, Shop in NYC,

See & take a photo with an original Banksy, Photograph Brooklyn Bridge at night.. etc.

CHECK, CHECK, CHECK, CHECK,CHECK!

This is a great summer, and it will only get even greater.
did I mention I was blessed?

& The Lovely Life.

repeat repeat repeat

Christmas Happenings

I feel slightly unpleasant.

My future is blowing up!

Mostly, I love time.

hibernation

Shh.. Top Secret!!

Today.

Masako

tips from last weekend.

Life in quotes, as of late.

making decisions is hard.

I realized today that I'm somewhat of a creep

Rapture Poster 2D Design

Hard things become easy.

The changing leaves of life.

You are not invisible.

Words Ringing True Tonight.

YOU Matter to Him.

You Matter to Him

DIETER F. UCHTDORFSecond Counselor in the First Presidency

We Are Less Than We Suppose

We Are Greater Than We Suppose

The Folly of Pride

We Are Not Forgotten

The Last Shall Be First

You Matter to Him

2 Days of Fall, 700 days of Winter.

Autumn

We're really doing it folks.

Highlight of my day.

Word to the Unwise Part II

Rainy days make the best days.

Section 31

Remembering

I forgot that life changes sometimes.

My Favorite Saint.

Wilhelm Staehle

It's definitely a sign.

This is Why I Don't Leave My House.

Revelation Riding Home.

sneakiness never was happiness.

Praying.. from a distance.

Unpack Break.

Where is home now?

Donezo.

TGIS

Great Morning.

Kirra Jamison love.

The 14th of August and On.

Dear Tomorrow,

More & More of NYC

High Line!

Comin at 'Em

Home.

Waking Up in NYC

Thought Process.

Guess What!

Simple Algebra + Some Bonus Points.

First of Many SLC Temple Trips

Garden Update!

Being Active.

Teaching is Scary.

Night Sky.

Take Away Show

fhe & snowcones

Moab & Missionary Work

Bring on 113 degree weather.

STATUS: CONFIRMED

DIETER F. UCHTDORF
Second Counselor in the First Presidency