It's in the Air

Today I am grateful.

I'm grateful for trials, I'm grateful for tender mercies, and I'm grateful for the wonderful individuals surrounding me.

This past year has been a whirlwind, to say the least. I've experienced exuberant highs and lows in depths I never thought possible. The gospel has been my only sure rock and my absolute saving grace. I know without a doubt that the Atonement is real. Not only can we repent of our sins, but we have a friend and a brother who knows exactly what we are going through. He knows the sting of our situation and has felt every pain. I have such a deep love and testimony of the Atonement - it exhumes such an indescribable comfort into my life. The Lord wants us in our brokenness and imperfection. All He asks in return is for our love toward Him.

As you experience trials, you will also experience the hand of God in your life. The Lord works in mysterious ways and often times, tender mercies come through individuals. I firmly believe the people in my life have been placed in it for a reason. They have been my own personal angels here on earth and I am astounded every single day by the love people have for each other as well as the love shown toward me. I am overwhelmed with gratitude for the acts of service performed - big or small.

Yes, I've been frustrated, angry, and hurt. And yes, I have found myself questioning when I'm ever going to catch a break. But the Lord hears your prayers. He hears your cries toward heaven and the pleadings of your heart. I believe and trust in Him with every fiber in my being. He knows what is best for you and He will answer your prayers in His own due time.

This past year I have l have learned a lot. I have a greater appreciation for eternal families and what it means to make that commitment. I have learned to hold those who love and respect themselves as well as others to the utmost esteem. I have learned that healthy relationships are necessary for a happy and successful life and that these need to be cherished and cultivated every single day. I have learned to love deeper and care for people at levels I had previously determined impossible. I have learned that "me-time" keeps you sane and service toward others mends a broken heart.

Trials make us stronger. They give us depth and allow us to have a greater appreciation for the joyful times. I don't have all the answers, nor will I ever. But I do know that things will work out - both on earth and in heaven.

The Lord lives and the gospel is true. And for that, I am grateful.

xoxo

Is it just me? Or...

Senior year of college? Or growing up. Can't really decide, but here's how you know...

+You binge on Diet Dr. Pepper to shove an absurd amount of caffeine in your body
+Toxic Shock Syndrome is a legitimate fear
+Staying in on the weekends doesn't sound like a terrible idea
+You become incredibly obsessed with the fact that you got a new vacuum that totally rocks
+You make lists just to cross off the list
+Your Christmas list consists of books and Wal-Mart gift cards
+Shopping for house decor for a home you won't own for another 20 years becomes the norm
+Changing into sweats and pulling your hair up becomes the best thing to happen to man/most exciting part of your night
+You go get your oil changed by yourself and pay for it with your own money
+Everyone and their dog is getting married
+You try to hone in your baking skillzz bcuz at this point it's the only thing to woo the boyzz
+Heels=you can conquer the world

xoxo

Life according to my iPhone

They say a picture is worth a thousand words. Well I have a thousand pictures sooo....get ready for a zillion words??

xoxo

Forest Gimp

I think I'm going through senior year midlife crisis. The latest and greatest event happened about a month ago when I impulse registered for a half marathon. LOLZ. I can't/don't/hate running. I grew up a swimmer so the though of doing something "on land" for that long totally freaked me out.

But then it was like BAM, $60 had been charged to my debit card and I realized I had to start training like...that very second or I would probably die. Thankfully two of my roommates were doing it too, so we could all tear our bodies apart together.

Let me just tell you. The first half of your half marathon is sooo enjoyable (maybe because mine was downhill). I was seriously thinking to myself "Heck, I'll run a marathon! This is great!" Then it hit mile 10 and I thought I was going to fall flat on my face and die. I'm probably just dramatic, but like...whatever. It was hard, okay? And I had never run that far in my entire life put together.

Okay okay, it was actually kind of enjoyable. I mean I was running down Emigration Canyon in the middle of fall with great friends breathing in fresh crisp air. Not so bad, eh?

But let's get back to my dramatic self and sum it up and say: crossing the finish line is the best part of the half marathon. I seriously wanted to cry for the sheer fact that the pain could stop. (Again, I'm just being dramatic. But still, you try it.)

Long story short, I ended up tearing some ligaments in my foot and possibly fractured it toward the end of the race (which may explain my pain) so now I'm in a boot. YAY ME. I attempted crutches but it just wasn't my thang, so now I just limp around. You may now call me Forest Gimp. I now have a new appreciation for walking and all the nice people who have offered me rides. Go you, and God bless you guys.

The crew

Wasn't about to pay $6 for this picture so...sorry copyright laws

Like yeah...way hard.

Selfie photo op with my ghost medal...how could I resist?

And because Halloween was a week ago...we have an excuse to showcase my costume.

Heeeyyy Amanda Bynes

And just so you guys know...taking a good mirror selfie is actually WAY harder than you think.

xoxo