I wonder if the wood prefers the paint? Or takes a breath once those layers have been stripped away. It must feel barren. Exposed! Left to the elements. Yes, it's natural. Yes, it's supposed to like that natural state of being. Yes, it can finally breathe fresh air again. But, is that natural state different for the wood who's never been cloaked in decadence? New coats of paint bring new life, right? How does that compare to the wood well-kept to maintain its natural hue?
Tuesday, October 12, 2021
Saturday, February 17, 2018
To Listen, To Wait
Some things I wish I could unsee.
The look of indescribable grief and pain in children's eyes after seeing their mother lifeless on a hospital bed.
Refugee children leaving chilling rafts and entering into a camp that would turn to confinement within a week.
Watching and comforting a child as she tries to process her father leaving her and her family for another life.
Inexplicable grief and pain exist. And children experience it firsthand.
Then I think about homeless children playing soccer together in a dirt patch on a warm, spring day. Or dancing with two wistful angels to Disney songs in a cabin attic.
My voice has been silent for some time: partly to listen, partly to wait.
The look of indescribable grief and pain in children's eyes after seeing their mother lifeless on a hospital bed.
Refugee children leaving chilling rafts and entering into a camp that would turn to confinement within a week.
Watching and comforting a child as she tries to process her father leaving her and her family for another life.
Inexplicable grief and pain exist. And children experience it firsthand.
Then I think about homeless children playing soccer together in a dirt patch on a warm, spring day. Or dancing with two wistful angels to Disney songs in a cabin attic.
My voice has been silent for some time: partly to listen, partly to wait.
Saturday, December 31, 2016
2016 in Review
I have told multiple people...I don't want to say it premature. But, 2016 has been by far the best year of my life! I traveled to 13 different states, and been to 3 new countries this year. I learned about myself--and how I love to serve with people and empower people! I
Started the year right, dancing it in followed by snowboarding!
It has been the year of many travels.
I have made some meaningful friendships, along with maintaining the golden ones.
Hung out with some cool canines throughout the year: Maverick, Chucky, Lillee, Arya, Brinley, and Copper.
Participated in a rally that turned into a protest!
Organized a trip to Greece to assist refugees
Competed in a national compounding competition
Went on a cruise!
Hiked n Biked a lot.
Visited Washington D.C. and lobbied Congressmen!
Went to 3 of my dear friend's weddings!
Rode a train
Worked up in Glenwood Springs at the hospital
Camped
Went thru caves!
On TV for a Rockies game!
Fell in love!
Went up to Keystone for the Colorado Health Symposium!
Went to a Colorado state fair
Saw Brandi Carlile in concert at Red Rocks!
Dyed my hair blonde!
Learned what the journey of falling out of love is like.
Went on two BIG road trips: one with each sister!
Sold my car!!
Attended National AAPS Conference!
Rode the bull!
Performed dancing on stage!
Bought a new car!
Wednesday, May 11, 2016
Bicycle
Today, I bought a bike.
I needed a bike to get me to and from places here in Ohio. Most the stuff I need to get to is within biking distance.
It's a 26" turquoise and pink Huffy bike. As I rode it to my class today, it was reminiscent.
The air was thick with moisture and oxygen. And flowers. The faintest smell of flowers.
I needed a bike to get me to and from places here in Ohio. Most the stuff I need to get to is within biking distance.
It's a 26" turquoise and pink Huffy bike. As I rode it to my class today, it was reminiscent.
The air was thick with moisture and oxygen. And flowers. The faintest smell of flowers.
Thursday, December 10, 2015
Get Her to the Greeks
K, so I've been working on this project hardcore for a while now. I can't believe it's all coming together. I keep telling people that it's been like a puzzle. I've been given all these amazing pieces and I just have to figure out how to put them together!
I don't know if you've been paying attention to the massive refugee crisis that the world is facing. I'm sure you've seen on Facebook the backlash that Presidential candidate Donald Trump is facing with his offensive comments about Muslims and refugees coming to the United States. I bet if your Mormon, you've heard about the church's stance on assisting refugees.
Well, this is my stance! Look, I know that there's a lot to be figured out with refugees coming to the United States. But I believe that we can at least help the refugees with where they're at right now. Thousands of refugees are flooding into Europe. The staff assisting these refugees are overwhelmed with the influx of people. My friend Adam Steed is a coordinator for Mercy Worldwide and he's been volunteering on Lesvos Island in Greece to aid the thousands of refugees coming in through the coast. He says that they could use our help there.
Well, this is my stance! Look, I know that there's a lot to be figured out with refugees coming to the United States. But I believe that we can at least help the refugees with where they're at right now. Thousands of refugees are flooding into Europe. The staff assisting these refugees are overwhelmed with the influx of people. My friend Adam Steed is a coordinator for Mercy Worldwide and he's been volunteering on Lesvos Island in Greece to aid the thousands of refugees coming in through the coast. He says that they could use our help there.
I'm working with Regis University to get a group of healthcare students to go to the island and help with emergency medical relief. And just so you know, we're getting traction. \
I know that we can't save all the refugees, and I know that I personally can't convince Congress to accept refugees in this country. But I know that we can help these refugees in one aspect of their lives. We might not be able to fix their homelessness, or their security, or their financial needs, but I can help them with their medical needs. I believe in cura personalis, a Jesuit value in Latin which translated means "care of the entire person." I believe that cura personalis can start with guaranteeing these refugees care for their health.
I know that we can't save all the refugees, and I know that I personally can't convince Congress to accept refugees in this country. But I know that we can help these refugees in one aspect of their lives. We might not be able to fix their homelessness, or their security, or their financial needs, but I can help them with their medical needs. I believe in cura personalis, a Jesuit value in Latin which translated means "care of the entire person." I believe that cura personalis can start with guaranteeing these refugees care for their health.
Sunday, November 22, 2015
Sunday Stop-by
I was surprised at what a great day at church it was. I didn't really go in in the right state of mind. I had fifty billion other things on my mind. But, by the end, I felt like I had hope again. I can make it through this week. It will be okay. History does repeat itself. I have passed tests like these before. I will make it through. On a broader scope, unfortunately we have seen world events like what's happening now before. They are seen throughout history. They are seen in the scriptures.
Wednesday, November 18, 2015
Believe In Yourself
You know, I have been really down on myself lately. My mother, and my friend Frans reminded me of this today.
I didn't realize what an impact is made when you don't believe in yourself.
I'm really going to try to work on that.
But, I believe that I am going to make a great pharmacist. And I believe that I am going to make a good girlfriend and good wife and mother someday.
I didn't realize what an impact is made when you don't believe in yourself.
I'm really going to try to work on that.
But, I believe that I am going to make a great pharmacist. And I believe that I am going to make a good girlfriend and good wife and mother someday.
Saturday, November 7, 2015
Gratitude to Give: Part 1
So much has changed since writing this blog.
I don't really know where to begin. As I read these posts, I can't help but miss the young, optimistic naive Suzette. She seems so far away sometimes.
What I've decided to do, is try to write one post every day the rest of this month of things I am grateful for.
I am grateful for humble, but functioning resources like my car and my home. While many people worry about my car, I am so grateful for it. It has really helped me out this past year and a half. It has gotten me through multiple trips back and forth from Utah. It became our best ride up into the mountains last year because of its four-wheel drive.
I am grateful for a bed that I have to rest my head on at night. Over the summer, I had the opportunity to do an internship up in Aspen! It was amazing! However, some of the most terrifying nights I've ever had were up there. Like one night waking up to what I'm pretty sure was a bear outside my car. I didn't know what fear was until then. Or another night waking up to a cop shining his light in my face while sleeping. Let me say one thing: being homeless is not easy. It's like this ebb and flow of fearing for your life. And I discovered I have a lot to learn when it comes to survival. Honestly makes me grateful that I have a place where no one is invading my bed at night.
While I mention these trivial things, I can't help but mention my Savior. When I bought my car, I found a car almost exactly within my budget. During long road trips, I'd like to believe He was there with me--protecting me. Even though my housing situation now definitely did not turn out the way I expected, I think it turned out okay in the end. I have roommates that care about me.
I've been sitting around thinking of everything I don't have, but it's looking like it's helping more to think what I do have.
I don't really know where to begin. As I read these posts, I can't help but miss the young, optimistic naive Suzette. She seems so far away sometimes.
What I've decided to do, is try to write one post every day the rest of this month of things I am grateful for.
I am grateful for humble, but functioning resources like my car and my home. While many people worry about my car, I am so grateful for it. It has really helped me out this past year and a half. It has gotten me through multiple trips back and forth from Utah. It became our best ride up into the mountains last year because of its four-wheel drive.
I am grateful for a bed that I have to rest my head on at night. Over the summer, I had the opportunity to do an internship up in Aspen! It was amazing! However, some of the most terrifying nights I've ever had were up there. Like one night waking up to what I'm pretty sure was a bear outside my car. I didn't know what fear was until then. Or another night waking up to a cop shining his light in my face while sleeping. Let me say one thing: being homeless is not easy. It's like this ebb and flow of fearing for your life. And I discovered I have a lot to learn when it comes to survival. Honestly makes me grateful that I have a place where no one is invading my bed at night.
While I mention these trivial things, I can't help but mention my Savior. When I bought my car, I found a car almost exactly within my budget. During long road trips, I'd like to believe He was there with me--protecting me. Even though my housing situation now definitely did not turn out the way I expected, I think it turned out okay in the end. I have roommates that care about me.
I've been sitting around thinking of everything I don't have, but it's looking like it's helping more to think what I do have.
Thursday, August 20, 2015
2015 Summer: Goals and Failing to Predict What I Actually Needed to Learn
I didn't broadcast much about my goals this summer. I'm not entirely sure where a lot of these came from. I think they came from frustrations with shortcomings. They came as treating symptoms not in treating the root cause. As a good report, here's what I anticipated to get out of my summer:
Become a...
confident cook.
confident gardner.
home decor artist.
confident, humble outdoor enthusiast.
knowledgeable student pharmacist.
advocate for the family.
good missionary.
health nut.
reserved & respected.
good with finances.
I know some of these stemmed from the strengths of others. Confident cook? Kjirstin. Confident gardner? My grandma, Martha Flandro. Home decor artist? My grandma. Reserved and respected? Samantha Phelps and my friend Kevin.
Others came from my long-term goals. Some of them also came from my impressions from church.
Here's my report:
Did not really attempt
Home decor artist. Yeah, I still need to convince myself to even attempt to spend money on this! It's like...food or painting?
Advocate for the family. This one was a lot harder than I thought. With a huge push for broader definitions of marriage, with a roller coaster family reunion/road trip, and with distance...it was hard for me to advocate for families. I got confused...lost...and I messed up. But, I still believe in families. I believe if we all put more effort into our families, and trust me that includes me, we would be a lot happier. And that would prove beneficial for our societies. And I also believe that before we point fingers at failed social constructs, we need to evaluate what impact we're having in our own home. I also believe that it would benefit humanity if we could live in societies that seek to support healthy home relationships, rather than societies that seek to replace them.
Good missionary. I think I need to work on my relationship with God before I can resolutely defend it and invite others to. I feel like because of that, I let a friend down. Because I couldn't stand firm and be there for him, that I let him and my Savior down. That I was so focused on myself and my hurt and my confusion, that I missed opportunities to serve. To forget myself and go to work--which would've proven more beneficial, I think.
Attempted/Somewhat did
Confident cook? At the beginning of the summer, I did a bit of cooking. I cooked this mean Greak broccoli and sun-dried tomato salad. But, towards the end of the summer, especially as I went up to Aspen, I hardly cooked! I just couldn't get myself to.
Confident gardner? Again, I was doing well through the first half of the summer. I was taking care of my basil plant. I even used some of the basil in recipes! But, with traveling and the socializing of summer, my Basil passed.
Confident, humble outdoor enthusiast. I tried my best to be confident. I also tried my best--sometimes less than my best--to be a humble outdoor enthusiast. I was really humbled when I was camping up in Aspen and I became petrified of bears.
Health nut. I attempted. I was listening to performance nutrition podcasts, I had given up sugar for a while, I was eating tons of fruits and vegetables. But, fear and laziness sunk in. Indulgence and comfort became my allies and my pursuits.
Reserved and respected. I didn't know how to approach this one. I feel in some sense, I connected with childhood Suzette. Who wasn't afraid to do things on her own. Who wasn't afraid of the silence. But is that really who I'm meant to be?
Good with finances. I was good until the end of July. Then, I just started using up my credit card, especially while on my "vacanternship" up in Aspen. Everything kind of hit the fan from there. Oops.
Accomplished
Knowledgeable student pharmacist. I really feel like this was tested and proven in my internship at Aspen Valley Hospital. The camping kept me humble, and when I got there, I was ready to learn. I learned everything from tobramycin dosing, monitoring peaks and troughs, spectrum of activity, etc. to different assessment tools for diagnosis. I learned that if I give myself proper time for research, I can do a solid job! It was so awesome to see my preceptor give advice to patients based off of my research, to be able to have passionate discussions with my preceptors, and to be able to impress them with not just recitation but depth of understanding just after my first year. Thank you Mrs. Colligan, my high school English teacher, for teaching me how to research, write beautifully constructed papers, and how to relish it! (I think it even goes back to Mrs. Hiner, Mrs. Painter, Mrs. Richards, Mrs. Theisen). Anyways, thank you Justin, my debate coach, for teaching me to get at the root of the argument. To look at both sides. To know that even this morning's news can be used to prove my argument. For teaching me that the internet can basically prove anything, but you want good, sound research on your side. Thank you to Dr. Christensen, for teaching me how to delve into scientific research and extrapolate worthwhile information. Especially trying to do it quickly.
In summary, at the beginning of summer, I thought it would be great to just write down things I wanted out of life...either spontaneously or with end goals in mind. I failed. I failed a lot. Why though? In the past, when I turned to God with my goals, He would help me finish them. I don't think I went to Him to figure out what He wanted for me. I didn't align my goals with my priorities.
So what did I learn this summer?
That friendship is so very important. That it can help provide support when I don't feel it otherwise. That there are truly loyal people out there that despite knowing my shortcomings, they stick it out. Because they see something more important, more valuable, and more beautiful in me that transcends any reservations they may have.
That I need to continue to progress, but I think I need to find it in the way that God sees it. He knows better than I on what I need to work on, and also deep down, I believe He knows how to make me happier than I think I know how to.
Become a...
confident cook.
confident gardner.
home decor artist.
confident, humble outdoor enthusiast.
knowledgeable student pharmacist.
advocate for the family.
good missionary.
health nut.
reserved & respected.
good with finances.
I know some of these stemmed from the strengths of others. Confident cook? Kjirstin. Confident gardner? My grandma, Martha Flandro. Home decor artist? My grandma. Reserved and respected? Samantha Phelps and my friend Kevin.
Others came from my long-term goals. Some of them also came from my impressions from church.
Here's my report:
Did not really attempt
Home decor artist. Yeah, I still need to convince myself to even attempt to spend money on this! It's like...food or painting?
Advocate for the family. This one was a lot harder than I thought. With a huge push for broader definitions of marriage, with a roller coaster family reunion/road trip, and with distance...it was hard for me to advocate for families. I got confused...lost...and I messed up. But, I still believe in families. I believe if we all put more effort into our families, and trust me that includes me, we would be a lot happier. And that would prove beneficial for our societies. And I also believe that before we point fingers at failed social constructs, we need to evaluate what impact we're having in our own home. I also believe that it would benefit humanity if we could live in societies that seek to support healthy home relationships, rather than societies that seek to replace them.
Good missionary. I think I need to work on my relationship with God before I can resolutely defend it and invite others to. I feel like because of that, I let a friend down. Because I couldn't stand firm and be there for him, that I let him and my Savior down. That I was so focused on myself and my hurt and my confusion, that I missed opportunities to serve. To forget myself and go to work--which would've proven more beneficial, I think.
Attempted/Somewhat did
Confident cook? At the beginning of the summer, I did a bit of cooking. I cooked this mean Greak broccoli and sun-dried tomato salad. But, towards the end of the summer, especially as I went up to Aspen, I hardly cooked! I just couldn't get myself to.
Confident gardner? Again, I was doing well through the first half of the summer. I was taking care of my basil plant. I even used some of the basil in recipes! But, with traveling and the socializing of summer, my Basil passed.
Confident, humble outdoor enthusiast. I tried my best to be confident. I also tried my best--sometimes less than my best--to be a humble outdoor enthusiast. I was really humbled when I was camping up in Aspen and I became petrified of bears.
Health nut. I attempted. I was listening to performance nutrition podcasts, I had given up sugar for a while, I was eating tons of fruits and vegetables. But, fear and laziness sunk in. Indulgence and comfort became my allies and my pursuits.
Reserved and respected. I didn't know how to approach this one. I feel in some sense, I connected with childhood Suzette. Who wasn't afraid to do things on her own. Who wasn't afraid of the silence. But is that really who I'm meant to be?
Good with finances. I was good until the end of July. Then, I just started using up my credit card, especially while on my "vacanternship" up in Aspen. Everything kind of hit the fan from there. Oops.
Accomplished
Knowledgeable student pharmacist. I really feel like this was tested and proven in my internship at Aspen Valley Hospital. The camping kept me humble, and when I got there, I was ready to learn. I learned everything from tobramycin dosing, monitoring peaks and troughs, spectrum of activity, etc. to different assessment tools for diagnosis. I learned that if I give myself proper time for research, I can do a solid job! It was so awesome to see my preceptor give advice to patients based off of my research, to be able to have passionate discussions with my preceptors, and to be able to impress them with not just recitation but depth of understanding just after my first year. Thank you Mrs. Colligan, my high school English teacher, for teaching me how to research, write beautifully constructed papers, and how to relish it! (I think it even goes back to Mrs. Hiner, Mrs. Painter, Mrs. Richards, Mrs. Theisen). Anyways, thank you Justin, my debate coach, for teaching me to get at the root of the argument. To look at both sides. To know that even this morning's news can be used to prove my argument. For teaching me that the internet can basically prove anything, but you want good, sound research on your side. Thank you to Dr. Christensen, for teaching me how to delve into scientific research and extrapolate worthwhile information. Especially trying to do it quickly.
In summary, at the beginning of summer, I thought it would be great to just write down things I wanted out of life...either spontaneously or with end goals in mind. I failed. I failed a lot. Why though? In the past, when I turned to God with my goals, He would help me finish them. I don't think I went to Him to figure out what He wanted for me. I didn't align my goals with my priorities.
So what did I learn this summer?
That friendship is so very important. That it can help provide support when I don't feel it otherwise. That there are truly loyal people out there that despite knowing my shortcomings, they stick it out. Because they see something more important, more valuable, and more beautiful in me that transcends any reservations they may have.
That I need to continue to progress, but I think I need to find it in the way that God sees it. He knows better than I on what I need to work on, and also deep down, I believe He knows how to make me happier than I think I know how to.
Sunday, December 28, 2014
2014 In Review
"God gave us memory so that we might have roses in December."
-James M. Barrie
-Worked at Sundance! Worked with amazingly positive and outgoing people.
-Met great people like my friend Joey there. He introduced me to Pho. He also got me turquoise earrings for my birthday and took me up to Park City (see later).
-Became a TA. It was both terrifying and enriching.
-Went to the Spanish Fork Buddhist temple for a lesson. Life is filled with many reasons to dance and celebrate!
-Had my first surgery--> Wisdom teeth. Could NOT have done it without my friend Brandt. Truly an angel.
-Olympics!! Charlotte Kalla wins gold in the Cross Country Ski. She went from 3rd to first in the final minute. She wanted it BAD.
-Someone shot by best friend to be initiated into a gang. Inspiring story.
-Went to Park City for my birthday!
-April 24th. I graduated! My mom and dad surprised me with a very generous graduation gift. It was enough to help me with that last little bit to buy my car. We went up to Sundance to eat afterwards. Also had great support from my family. ☺️
-April 25. Chantelle got engaged!
-April 25. Moved up to Salt Lake City. I prayed about it, and I felt like I should go up to SLC to live with Chantelle for the summer. Although I might've been more of a hassle to her than a service, she taught me a lot about friendship, relationships, and how to let loose and relax. So glad I got to spend the last couple months of her singlehood with her. That includes the late nights spent talking about nightmares, or the early mornings driving her to her dress fittings. Love her.
-Found my ancestors gravestone. Still working on it...
-May 8. Jacquie my good friend sent me a cool article about an autistic son's love of Disney!
-Ankur, Anna Killian, Niles, Eleise Hinton, Jacquie, Abbi Koch, Mr. Moyer, Steph Tardiff, Bojana, Leigh, Maggie, Alysia, Jason, Courtney...just listing a few people that reached out to me this year. And I really needed it. Seriously, thanks to them, I get to see how great life is when you have friends.
-Took classes at the BYU Salt Lake Center. Psychology from a sweet old man. ☺️
-May 21. I got dreads!! Had em for about 3 months. So fun!!
-Bought my first car!
-May 24. Went to Goblin Valley and camped out! Had some fun ;) in the desert. Saw beautiful canyons there.
-Donut Falls Hike & the Living Room hike
-Extra in a movie as a zombie
-Worked as a Janitor at the Salt Lake Courthouse
-Joined my ward's softball team! Learned how to play softball...
-June 14. Hiked Squaw Peak.
-My tire blew out. Thanks to the support of family and friends, everything turned out fine. Even after I had one tire replaced twice more!
-4th of July! Zions Nat'l Park!
-July 10-13. Went to Lake Powell!!! With Court and her family and mish friends
-Guiding on the Provo
(from Westwater a while back)
-July 18th. 4th time up Mt. Timp! With Abby and friends
-July 29th. Ziplining in Provo Canyon with Alex!
-Hiked up Big Cottonwood with Mo and Michaela!
-Aug 8. Chantelle got married!
-Aug 14. Moved to Denver!
-Aug 25. Started pharmacy school!
-Denver's nightlife! Dancing, eating, socializing, festivals, music. <3
-Sept 13-14. Grandby Cabin trip.
-Sept 26. Big Gigantic Concert at Red Rocks!
-Oct 11-14. Ft. Morgan Immersion trip. Melissa, Melissa, me, Jacqueline.
-Oct 17. Hiking in CO Nat'l park!
-Colorado Springs & Ft. Collins Kaitlin's Vball games. With cous Kate. :)
-Halloween parties with wardies & besties.
-Nov 8. Ski season starts. Snowboarding in Colorado! Copper and Keystone!
-New temple! Denver :) love it
-Nov 30. First flu clinic.
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-Dec 5. Ice skating in Downtown Denver with besties!
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-Dec 12. Finished my first semester in pharmacy school! Great team, great memories.
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-Dec 13. Eagles Hockey game!
-Dec 14. Got to see Eleise!
-Dec 15. Taught Jason how to snowboard!
-Dec 17. Went to the Ohio!
-Dec 22. Had a high school get together party.
And that's a wrap. Just today, I was feeling down because I couldn't remember much from this year. I'm glad I put this together. I can't say it enough, but this year really was filled with things that got me OUT OF MY COMFORT ZONE! And because of it, I have met some amazing people. I'd say it's a year making new friends and rekindling the old friendships. Thanks to the many people who touched my heart this year.
Wednesday, December 3, 2014
Standing Up to Live
A good sign that you haven't written on blogger in a while is when you misspell it in the search bar as "bloog" and you get a e-cig website instead.
Hello again.
I wouldn't say that I have an incredibly illustrious life that keeps me from writing. My dear friend Henry says it best:
"How vain it is to sit down to when you have not stood up to live."
Boy, did I have a lot of living to do (and still do). It was made very apparent to me that I might have fallen short of memories in life. It has been humbling. In this, I am very aware of my imperfection. Imperfection is not so bothersome because it's real, but because it requires patience for its acceptance.
Anyways, I just wanted to write a short post.
And let myself willingly accept that I miss Utah.
I'll call them my Utahan utopian years--mostly because I'm thrilled with the alliteration.
Sunday, August 24, 2014
D is for Denver. Daring, devout, distinguished Denver.
After meeting with my friend Zach, I have the strong desire to express my appreciation for the Denver area--the 9 days I've been here so far!
What an amazing place this is! I think that any area can be great if you have the right attitude, but I think Denver is blessed with exceptionally great people. The first night, a local restaurant employee sincerely welcomed me to the area. A lady at the store turned around to me and showed me the clothing items she was buying that day. A couple days later, a man talks with me for 30 min in front of the soup stand at the grocery store. The people are genuinely friendly here. They don't have any other motives other than being a good neighbor. I love that.
How did I end up here? Well, I had the opportunity to go to a couple of different pharmacy schools, but I chose Regis because they're going to turn me into the pharmacist I want to be! Someone with integrity and compassion along with wisdom and expertise. I'll never forget how much peace and light I felt when asked, "Why Regis?" in my interview.
How did I get here? The help of a friendly bishopric member. I was concerned--or rather my mom was quite concerned--that I needed to find another LDS girl to live with. With that in mind, I contacted 10 different bishops in the Denver area. Within 24 hours, 3 got back to me. THREE! Three busy, working, focused people that already had plenty of people that needed their attention, but they took the time to get back to me. TO ME. Someone they had never met.
And one proved to be a fantastic roommate match! Enter Kjirstin. What are the chances that she and I already have something in common (other than our faith)? Well, we did. And that was a shared roommate. Again, what are the chances that she and I both had the same roommate at different universities? Enter Rachel.
Other events over the last 9 days have proved the Lord is acutely aware of us. Down to the minute details. For example, I met with my Branch President, President Watterson (the leader of my small congregation) last Sunday only to find out...that we also shared a common thread. Enter Shirley Lassen. President Watterson mentioned he only knew two people from Ohio. One of them happened to be Shirley Lassen. Out of the whole state of Ohio, what are the chances that I would know her? Well, I did. My dad went to her home once a month for years and home taught her. Do you see a pattern here? The Lord was acutely aware of Shirley Lassen. And it was another confirmation that this is where I am supposed to be.
I could go on and tell you how cool it has been to connect with my classmates about our faiths, or how I've met an amazing bunch of LDS young single adults, or how I felt inspired to share my testimony about the eternal nature of families (or how this sentence is a run-on), but that will have to be at another time (and maybe a different medium). For now, I'd like to end by saying: hold to the truths that you do know. And I do know that my Heavenly Father loves me.
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| Just me and my Sub. All I had when I arrived in Denver. |
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| Denver. No editing. |
How did I get here? The help of a friendly bishopric member. I was concerned--or rather my mom was quite concerned--that I needed to find another LDS girl to live with. With that in mind, I contacted 10 different bishops in the Denver area. Within 24 hours, 3 got back to me. THREE! Three busy, working, focused people that already had plenty of people that needed their attention, but they took the time to get back to me. TO ME. Someone they had never met.
And one proved to be a fantastic roommate match! Enter Kjirstin. What are the chances that she and I already have something in common (other than our faith)? Well, we did. And that was a shared roommate. Again, what are the chances that she and I both had the same roommate at different universities? Enter Rachel.
Other events over the last 9 days have proved the Lord is acutely aware of us. Down to the minute details. For example, I met with my Branch President, President Watterson (the leader of my small congregation) last Sunday only to find out...that we also shared a common thread. Enter Shirley Lassen. President Watterson mentioned he only knew two people from Ohio. One of them happened to be Shirley Lassen. Out of the whole state of Ohio, what are the chances that I would know her? Well, I did. My dad went to her home once a month for years and home taught her. Do you see a pattern here? The Lord was acutely aware of Shirley Lassen. And it was another confirmation that this is where I am supposed to be.
Thursday, July 24, 2014
A Heavy Dose of Summer
I can't sleep, which I feel is the frequent pattern for my writings.
There's something so reflective about the early hours of the morning I guess!
What happened the rest of this summer? Where has it gone?
Goblin Valley. This was a girls' trip, which I was so grateful for. These girls weren't afraid to be themselves. It allowed for us to become a lot closer in just a couple of days. The highlights from this trip include almost running out of gas on the way down, Elise carrying a handgun on her, peeing in the wilderness (Chelsea's first time!), the night sky, stripping down to our underwear to wade through slot canyon puddles, getting hit on by carnival men, and trying to stay upside down the longest on a spinning roller coaster. These girls taught me to live in the moment, and appreciate beauty and laughter!
Being an Extra in a Movie. Having a flexible schedule this summer allowed me to say "yes" to a lot of things I typically wouldn't. That includes being an extra in my friend's film Days of Z. Plus, who could turn down an opportunity to be dressed as a zombie?
Squaw Peak Mountain. This one was so fun! Just a Saturday morning hike with a couple of stellar people. To a view of Provo that I had never seen before. It taught me to try to look at things with a different perspective. Plus, these people laughed at my jokes. Making me feel all funny n stuff. I love not only feeling appreciated...but appreciated for my humor! #FTW
Playing softball with my ward. I never thought I would ever, EVER be good at softball. Or really any sport with a ball involved. It was definitely out of my comfort zone! But, I watched a Bees game in Salt Lake. Then I watched my sister's fiance play with his friends. And I couldn't help but feel more enthusiastic about it. I had to try it. And thankfully my church group had a team going! I tried it...and practiced...and played catch for the first time in my life I think! I even struck somebody out by catching their pitch! I had the most supportive team too. I'm sad I work in the evenings now so I can't play, but it was such a memorable experience.
Up Next:
Zions Nat'l Park
Dinner with some fancy people
Lake Powell
Mt. Timp
There's something so reflective about the early hours of the morning I guess!
What happened the rest of this summer? Where has it gone?
Goblin Valley. This was a girls' trip, which I was so grateful for. These girls weren't afraid to be themselves. It allowed for us to become a lot closer in just a couple of days. The highlights from this trip include almost running out of gas on the way down, Elise carrying a handgun on her, peeing in the wilderness (Chelsea's first time!), the night sky, stripping down to our underwear to wade through slot canyon puddles, getting hit on by carnival men, and trying to stay upside down the longest on a spinning roller coaster. These girls taught me to live in the moment, and appreciate beauty and laughter!
Being an Extra in a Movie. Having a flexible schedule this summer allowed me to say "yes" to a lot of things I typically wouldn't. That includes being an extra in my friend's film Days of Z. Plus, who could turn down an opportunity to be dressed as a zombie?
Squaw Peak Mountain. This one was so fun! Just a Saturday morning hike with a couple of stellar people. To a view of Provo that I had never seen before. It taught me to try to look at things with a different perspective. Plus, these people laughed at my jokes. Making me feel all funny n stuff. I love not only feeling appreciated...but appreciated for my humor! #FTW
Playing softball with my ward. I never thought I would ever, EVER be good at softball. Or really any sport with a ball involved. It was definitely out of my comfort zone! But, I watched a Bees game in Salt Lake. Then I watched my sister's fiance play with his friends. And I couldn't help but feel more enthusiastic about it. I had to try it. And thankfully my church group had a team going! I tried it...and practiced...and played catch for the first time in my life I think! I even struck somebody out by catching their pitch! I had the most supportive team too. I'm sad I work in the evenings now so I can't play, but it was such a memorable experience.
Up Next:
Zions Nat'l Park
Dinner with some fancy people
Lake Powell
Mt. Timp
Tuesday, July 22, 2014
His Glory
I've been reluctant to post...because this will be my 100th post! I wanted it to be spectacular. Ground-breaking n stuff.
But, I couldn't hold back my enthusiasm about the prophet Joseph Smith's words. Joseph Smith was visited by an angel and it was revealed to him where a set of gold plates were. On these gold plates contained a record of an ancient people that lived in the Americas. It told of their conversions unto Christ, and Christ coming to visit them after his resurrection. It told of their struggles, so that those reading would learn from their mistakes.
Joseph Smith was instructed to retrieve these plates and to translate them through the power of God. What a glorious opportunity! But, the angel Moroni warned Joseph Smith that Satan would tempt him. Joseph came from humble circumstances, and Satan would tempt him to use the plates for monetary value. Following this warning, Joseph writes:
"[The angel] forbade me, saying that I must have no other object in view in getting the plates but to glorify God, and must not be influenced by any other motive than that of building his kingdom."
For me, I was so touched by this passage. I thought of all the things I've done in my life, and asked myself: Did I do it with no other object in view but to glorify God?
When I received a calling in the church, did I think: "I must have no other object in view in getting this calling but to glorify God."
In all things, I want to be able to eventually say, I did it to glorify God. I serve people to glorify Him. I love to glorify Him. I keep His commandments to glorify Him. Not to get monetary value. Not to get praise or power. Not to feel loved in return by others. But, solely for His glory.
But, I couldn't hold back my enthusiasm about the prophet Joseph Smith's words. Joseph Smith was visited by an angel and it was revealed to him where a set of gold plates were. On these gold plates contained a record of an ancient people that lived in the Americas. It told of their conversions unto Christ, and Christ coming to visit them after his resurrection. It told of their struggles, so that those reading would learn from their mistakes.
Joseph Smith was instructed to retrieve these plates and to translate them through the power of God. What a glorious opportunity! But, the angel Moroni warned Joseph Smith that Satan would tempt him. Joseph came from humble circumstances, and Satan would tempt him to use the plates for monetary value. Following this warning, Joseph writes:
"[The angel] forbade me, saying that I must have no other object in view in getting the plates but to glorify God, and must not be influenced by any other motive than that of building his kingdom."
For me, I was so touched by this passage. I thought of all the things I've done in my life, and asked myself: Did I do it with no other object in view but to glorify God?
When I received a calling in the church, did I think: "I must have no other object in view in getting this calling but to glorify God."
In all things, I want to be able to eventually say, I did it to glorify God. I serve people to glorify Him. I love to glorify Him. I keep His commandments to glorify Him. Not to get monetary value. Not to get praise or power. Not to feel loved in return by others. But, solely for His glory.
Thursday, May 29, 2014
Scaling Mountains and Capsized Kayaks
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| This pose is a shout out for my friend Eleise (she's currently on a mission in Rhode Island; see below) |
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| Taken last August on Mt Timp. Miss this girl! |
Then, with it being Memorial Day weekend, a ton of my friends had planned some sweet trips. First up was a trip down the Provo River. My friend Colton had some kayaks his parents let us borrow. We strapped them to his Suburban and then headed up the canyon. The top part was great. A couple fun rapids, especially since the water is much higher this early in the season. I'm going to be rafting again on it this summer, so it was awesome to get the feel of the current again. To my surprise, I could actually physically and mentally remember the river. Those boy scout trips last summer actually paid off!
They only paid off to an extent though. Colton and I were overzealous and very confident in our novice kayaking abilities. As we headed down the bottom of the Provo River in the canyon, the river upped its intensity. Many people don't know this, but the Provo actually has some level 5 rapids which take a little bit more preparation and scouting to go through. Our zeal caught up with us as we both capsized within 200 yards. I still have the bruises to prove it. Next time, Provo, next time.
So we had to hoist our kayaks out of the river, mine being full of water. With the help of some adrenaline, we got our kayaks out safely.
We were still miles away from our cars. So, we did what any logical, stranded adventurer would do:
Thankfully Colton was wearing a BYU Alumni shirt...Someone pulled over within 10 minutes. Nicest guy ever named Phil. Was he on his way to work? Yes. Was his wife in labor? Why yes, yes she was. HE IS THE ONLY ONE WITHOUT AN EXCUSE TO PICK US UP. Cool guy.
Next Time:
Goblin Valley
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