New Chapter

It's official!! The semester is over!

While I'm ecstatic for this summer and the adventures that are held within it, a little piece of me is heart broken. You see, this was my last semester with all my Cobra Girls. (For those of you who aren't aware, this is what the girls in the 8-12 education cohort at UVU are called... at least that's what we call ourselves.) After our last final today those who wanted to and were able to come, went to lunch and shared lots of 'moments' together. I'm super excited for our interns and I'm so proud of them, but the jealous part of me is sad that they are leaving and wish they would stay with us. Oh well, on to bigger and better things. Luckily we'll all be able to keep in touch and see each other at graduation!

Good luck Interns! I'm so happy for you!

It's also a new chapter because I now only have one more year of college left. Wow... that's a strange thought. I never really thought I'd be so close. Crazy when ya really think about it. It's funny how life works out the way it does. Most the time, it's not anywhere near according to the plans you've made for yourself. Well, that's the way everything happens for me anyway. :)

With the summer being here (ironically it snowed today. Who invites the snow in April, on the last day of finals no less?!? Whoever it was needs a lesson about April Showers. They are rain, not snow! Come now...) I find myself daydreaming about road trips and distant places. I'm so excited for all that is in store. I'm determined to live my last summer in college up! This is also the last summer before one of my younger brother leaves on his mission. *Sniffle* What a bittersweet thought. My family is growing up so fast!

In the mean time, I'll focus on St. George, Zion's, Mexico and a plethora of outdoor movies in my backyard! Bring it summer! I'm ready for you to finally be here!

HUZZAH!

Well friends,

The semester is just about over and I think I conquered it! I am just finishing up a BEASTLY project that I've spent hours of udder frustration working on it today. Needless to say, I'm feeling that because I was able to finish it I now feel rather invincible (just so long as my car doesn't break down, or my other zipper on my backpack breaks - keep your fingers crossed!).

Good luck to the rest of you who are also trying to tread water through finals! We can do it!

Great Quote of the Day

"The moment you begin a serious study of the [Book of Mormon], you will find greater power to resist temptation. You will find the power to avoid deception. You will find the power to stay on the straight and narrow path... When you being to hunger and thirst after those words, you will find life in greater and greater abundance."
--President Ezra Taft Benson Ensign, November 1986, pg. 7

A True Friend

So... I know I'm going to sound depressed but I promise I'm not. Today I just took a few minutes to reflect on one the the things I've been most grateful for:


Lately I've been thinking about the people who have impacts on my life. Often we call these people friends. As I started to make a list of them, I found it growing exponentially. I of course included my family, closest friends and Savior. Not to forget the countless institute teachers and church leaders (Bishoprics, teachers, home and visiting teachers) who have taught me lessons beyond the manual or Ensign.

As the week has past I've spent time pondering the impact that one person can have on a life; particularly the impact persons have had in my life. This person whom I've been thinking of doesn't know all he's done for me, but he's changed my outlook and has helped me to reform the way I treat others. He is by no coincidence, Brother Weber, my former institute teacher. The only conclusion I can come to is that Brother (Bishop) Weber isn't just an institute teacher. He recognizes that he's not only employed by CES, but rather that he is in the life saving business. He sees the importance of going from teacher-student and transforming that relationship to one of trust and friendship. Maybe it's the calling as Bishop, or maybe it's the therapist in him - whatever it is because of him I've more fully begun to learn what it is to be a friend.

A friend is someone who has a listening ear when you need it most. Who can ask the right questions to get you to think about the answers you already know. They can help you know that you're loved during the best and worst times. They might be in your life for just a brief moment, or can grace you with their presence throughout your days on the earth. I think a friend is really someone the Lord knows can help, support or love you when you need it most.

Today I'm grateful for Brother Weber, he is the angel who knew what to say, what to ask, and how to love me when I needed it most.

You Choose

Isn't it so funny when you realize something in your heart that you've known in your head for years? Last Sunday in Relief Society someone said something about happiness being a choice. It isn't something that someone can force upon you. I think the only assistance in obtaining this is from the Lord, that he can bless you, but even He can't - or rather won't make you be happy.

With the stresses of school, work, and life over the last few days I could easily justify being unhappy, but have made on conscious choice everyday to "fake it till I make it." And wanted to share with the world that, it worked!

Helen Keller once said, "Keep your face to the sunshine and you will not see the shadows." As you do so, I know that you'll start to see more purpose to your life, and that the trials you face will "seem but a small moment (D&C 212: 7)."