LMP

I never realized how exciting the world of academia is. We live in a world that is largely fast-paced, self-absorbed, obsessive, material and fake. I know that's a pretty serious and cynical view to take, and I'm aware of the wonderful things and people existing right now. But really, next time you're standing in a line, count how many people are NOT looking at their phones. Or how many strangers make eye contact with you. Or measure people's attention spans. And get this- average 18 year olds have had 11,000 hours in the classroom, and 22,000 hours in front of the TV. Double the amount!! Anyway, a lot of people might see as academia as boring or too formal. But I think once someone is exposed to really good teachers, interesting articles, quality texts, and new ideas-that all changes! Granted, the school system is set up to reward memorizing and it's fairly easy to cheat the system. There is not enough exploration, questioning, failing, experiencing and internaliz...

"A long history of inspired voices, including those you will hear in this conference and the voice you just heard in the person of President Thomas S. Monson, point you toward the path of  Christian  discipleship. It is a strait path, and it is a narrow path without a great deal of latitude at some points, but it can be thrillingly and successfully traveled, “with … steadfastness in Christ, … a perfect brightness of hope, and a love of God and of all men.” 19  In courageously pursuing such a course, you will forge unshakable faith, you will find safety against ill winds that blow, even shafts in the whirlwind, and you will feel the rock-like strength of our Redeemer, upon whom if you build your unflagging discipleship, you cannot  fall. 20  In the sacred name of Jesus Christ, amen." -Jeffrey R. Holland April 2014 This talk, titled 'The Cost and Blessings of Discipleship' is amazing! I highly recommend reading it  Get it here

Christmas Eve is by far my favorite day of the year. The anticipation, excitement, traditions and feeling is just so wonderful, even magical. For the FIRST time in my life, ever, I went to the gym. Ruby, Em and Amy and I went to the body pump class at Sportsplex which was hard and very cardio-y. Then Em and Amy showed us the wonders of the gym. Like, the thing that dangles you upside down, cool pull up bars, and a machine that works your inner thighs (great for dancers). I felt so rejuvenated and ready for the day! Plus, I didn't get hungry until 4 later that day! Maybe I'll go to the gym more than once in 2016  ;) Then Free, my dad, Ruby and I went to the final Hunger Games. Woah-it was intense! I liked it and thought it was well-done. My dad noted that it was a little depressing, which it was, but I had read the book and was excited to see the film adaptation. I hated the book so I thought they did a good job salvaging the good parts and making Katniss more of a participat...

I have loved all the media the church has put out this year for Christmas. A Savior is Born  might be my favorite Mormon Message ever! The daily GIFs are adorable, simple and striking. I'm so thankful for this time of year. Everything is a little more sparkly, a little more cheerful and a little more generous. I got to play in church today with the ward choir. I got the music on Friday and was so excited that it was "While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks". I think it's so pretty and fun to change up the traditional Christmas hymns.  This  is the version we did. I went to Sunday School with Ruby and stayed for Young Womens. I just love Young Womens, I've always felt a connection to it. I hope I'm called to Young Womens when I graduate from the Singles ward. We talked about Mary and her divine role as the earthly mother of Christ. We mentioned that our earthly mother must have been preparing Mary for her mission on Earth. Our heavenly mother also prepared a...

Finals week is over!!! The joy that fills my heart right now is enormous. Biology was my last final and it was quite daunting. I read through 700+ slides over again for my review, watched some videos about photosynthesis and cellular respiration, taught it to my roommate, and prayed. I still don't know my score, but ya know what? I did my best. I've learned that that's all that matters. School gives back to you exactly what you put into it. Maybe not in the form of an A or praise from the teacher, but knowledge is precious. It is valuable. Knowledge is one of the few things you take with you into the next life. Even though the modern school system is not perfect and the grading system is a little whack, learning can still take place. I have begun to really value my education. So many people never get one. Even in the seemingly useless memorizing, studying and writing, I know I am using my brain, getting closer to my potential and being productive. So take heart high sch...

"We don't need to be more of anything to start to become the person God intended us to become." -Dieter F. Uchtodorf Sometimes I have the absurd fear that I will be judged if I am too nice. I am afraid that if I change and say something kind or act especially nice that people will see me as fake or hypocritical. When that thought flashes through my head, I quickly determine not to let it dictate my actions. It's so silly! I don't know if anyone else ever thinks this, but it is not true. Even if someone does judge, it's not your fault or business. No one is perfect and you can't make assumptions on someone's efforts. It is so ironic that sometimes I fear people will judge me for doing something right. I am in no way perfect and kindness doesn't mean I think I am.