If you know my music tastes at all, you know I abhor (loathe/detest/hate choose the one that seems like the most emphatic amount of dislike) country music. Honestly I think it's the worst genre of music ever, and that even comes after rap. There is nothing that is even slightly redeeming about country...
And yet, suddenly I'm falling into an actual appreciation for this sort of music. I honestly have fallen in love with Taylor Swift...and her music. Maybe she's not the most country person on the earth, but she's like the transition from my pop tastes to the country that I've always been so disgusted by. It's not just Taylor Swift anymore, either, I've been surrounded by country music lovers, and so I'm suddenly, not loving country...but you know, appreciating it...It's so strange.
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
I Wish the World Knew...
the true gospel of Jesus Christ! Why do I want to serve a mission? Not because it's something my church is forcing me to do, or even expecting me to do. I want to serve, because I want to help people come to the greatest source of happiness in this life. The message of Christ's gospel is peace, hope, and happiness. That's what I want to share. This gospel has brought untold happiness into my life, and I want to share it with everyone else.
The first thing that brings me happiness in the gospel is the fact that I know, without a doubt, that God exists. He is in control, He is my Heavenly Father, and He loves me. I know this because I know He answers prayers, and the Holy Ghost has confirmed it to me. Not only does He love me, but even on my worst days, when I can see nothing worth loving in myself, He is there to open my eyes, and show me what He thinks of me.
There is always hope in the gospel. I think the most important thing I've learned in my life, is that my Savior Jesus Christ is always there with arms outstretched, towards me, beckoning me towards Him, reminding me that no matter how awful I think I am, He sees something worth saving. Even when I feel like no one could love me, He, the most perfect person to ever come down to this earth has suffered for my sins so that I can return and be with Him and our Father again someday, as brothers in the gospel.
There's a happiness that comes from living the gospel of Jesus Christ. I don't know why, I mean for a while, I thought it would be opposite. Trying to live all those rules, it's just a deprivation of all the fun I could be having. But it's not, now I see the effects of trying to step outside of God's path, and yeah, you may have some fun, but at the end of the day, when I've lived by God's rules, I sleep better, and I'm just happier, more willing to help. So maybe you think I'm missing something, but if you haven't tried to live by God's path and expectations, it's definitely worth trying.
I could go on and on, but I don't wanna sound overyly preachy. I just wish everyone were ready to let the gospel into their lives. I'm not saying it's the easiest path, I know that around every corner there is hardship, but I learned in institute that we have a lot more people on our side, cheering us on, than working against us. All around, I think it's a great deal, and I can't wait until I get to dedicate two years of my life to declaring the gospel to the world.
The first thing that brings me happiness in the gospel is the fact that I know, without a doubt, that God exists. He is in control, He is my Heavenly Father, and He loves me. I know this because I know He answers prayers, and the Holy Ghost has confirmed it to me. Not only does He love me, but even on my worst days, when I can see nothing worth loving in myself, He is there to open my eyes, and show me what He thinks of me.
There is always hope in the gospel. I think the most important thing I've learned in my life, is that my Savior Jesus Christ is always there with arms outstretched, towards me, beckoning me towards Him, reminding me that no matter how awful I think I am, He sees something worth saving. Even when I feel like no one could love me, He, the most perfect person to ever come down to this earth has suffered for my sins so that I can return and be with Him and our Father again someday, as brothers in the gospel.
There's a happiness that comes from living the gospel of Jesus Christ. I don't know why, I mean for a while, I thought it would be opposite. Trying to live all those rules, it's just a deprivation of all the fun I could be having. But it's not, now I see the effects of trying to step outside of God's path, and yeah, you may have some fun, but at the end of the day, when I've lived by God's rules, I sleep better, and I'm just happier, more willing to help. So maybe you think I'm missing something, but if you haven't tried to live by God's path and expectations, it's definitely worth trying.
I could go on and on, but I don't wanna sound overyly preachy. I just wish everyone were ready to let the gospel into their lives. I'm not saying it's the easiest path, I know that around every corner there is hardship, but I learned in institute that we have a lot more people on our side, cheering us on, than working against us. All around, I think it's a great deal, and I can't wait until I get to dedicate two years of my life to declaring the gospel to the world.
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Feeling Better
Today I had a break between my Institute class and my Swimming class that spanned the gap from 12:00 to 3:00, so instead of the usual facebook stalking for hours on end, I decided to call my mom. It's nice being on better terms with most of my family. I mean, we still aren't one of those perfectly happy families, but I think I'm a lot more okay with that. We get along all right most of the time, and I can't and won't complain about that. It was nice talking with my mom today. I mean, it's nice living my own life, but it's nice having a family I'm okay talking to now.
Today the spiritual thought in my Institute class was all about how this life is too short to have negative thoughts. You have to let go of the things that bother you and keep your attitude positive. I know for a fact that that can be hard, but I just need to move on.
Another of my friends once told me that life is a balance of holding on and letting go. I need to learn to let go of the things that hurt me. Just move on, don't let them get the best of me. By the same measure I need to cling onto the things that bring me the greatest happiness in my life. I need to cling to the gospel of Jesus Christ. I need to hold onto my family, and realize just how significant and wonderful it is to have a family that is sealed together for time and all eternity; that is, to know that my family and I will all be together as a family even after this life. I need to let go of my bitter feelings towards those who intentionally or unintentionally. I need to let go of the things I waste my time with, like hours on facebook, when nothing is really happening.
I need to let go of my bitterness towards my family and do my work to rebuild the bridges.
Today the spiritual thought in my Institute class was all about how this life is too short to have negative thoughts. You have to let go of the things that bother you and keep your attitude positive. I know for a fact that that can be hard, but I just need to move on.
Another of my friends once told me that life is a balance of holding on and letting go. I need to learn to let go of the things that hurt me. Just move on, don't let them get the best of me. By the same measure I need to cling onto the things that bring me the greatest happiness in my life. I need to cling to the gospel of Jesus Christ. I need to hold onto my family, and realize just how significant and wonderful it is to have a family that is sealed together for time and all eternity; that is, to know that my family and I will all be together as a family even after this life. I need to let go of my bitter feelings towards those who intentionally or unintentionally. I need to let go of the things I waste my time with, like hours on facebook, when nothing is really happening.
I need to let go of my bitterness towards my family and do my work to rebuild the bridges.
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Cliche, but what the heck?
New Year's Resolutions:
*Get ready for a mission. Study Preach my Gospel Daily, and really dig through the Book of Mormon, because that's what sets us apart from everyone else.
*Get in shape. Also has to do with the mission, but kind of for personal reasons. Kayaking and swimming should help, but work on flexibility too. Stop being the wimpy kid in the corner.
*Work on something musical. Practice piano, go out and sing in a choir, do something musical, and love it.
*READ! Finish a book of your choice every week...unless they're long books and then you get two weeks.
*Write part II. You're psyched about it, so go out and write it, and make it as awesome as you think it will be.
*Become more caring. Ask about things people are into, and ACTUALLY CARE about what they have to say.
*Baptisms for the dead monthly before the mission. This means talking to bishop and getting a recommend, and then planning ahead. But it'll be so worth it.
*Study. Foreign concept, I know, but really, you're grades can use all the help they can get. So, you know, shoot for A's, don't just aim for B's. Be above average.
*Get to know the Quorum. Actually help President Tate in your calling, instead of being a hindrance.
*Go to class. Don't skip unless you have a really legit reason.
*GO TO INSTITUTE!
*Eat somewhat healthier. I mean you are in college, so you can't ax out packaged food, but seriously, eat something healthy every once in a while. When you use your meal plan eat produce. Eat lots of produce.
*Pray more deeply and seriously. Know who you are talking to and really make that a meaningful conversation. You are not talking at your Heavenly Father, He wants to talk to you too. LISTEN!
*Slow down, enjoy life, and be happy where you are.
Always remember Richard G. Scott: "You become what you want to be, by consistently being what you want to become."
Also Philippians 4:13: "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."
I will make these priorities in my life, and I will love my second semester at school. And make it worth while.
*Get ready for a mission. Study Preach my Gospel Daily, and really dig through the Book of Mormon, because that's what sets us apart from everyone else.
*Get in shape. Also has to do with the mission, but kind of for personal reasons. Kayaking and swimming should help, but work on flexibility too. Stop being the wimpy kid in the corner.
*Work on something musical. Practice piano, go out and sing in a choir, do something musical, and love it.
*READ! Finish a book of your choice every week...unless they're long books and then you get two weeks.
*Write part II. You're psyched about it, so go out and write it, and make it as awesome as you think it will be.
*Become more caring. Ask about things people are into, and ACTUALLY CARE about what they have to say.
*Baptisms for the dead monthly before the mission. This means talking to bishop and getting a recommend, and then planning ahead. But it'll be so worth it.
*Study. Foreign concept, I know, but really, you're grades can use all the help they can get. So, you know, shoot for A's, don't just aim for B's. Be above average.
*Get to know the Quorum. Actually help President Tate in your calling, instead of being a hindrance.
*Go to class. Don't skip unless you have a really legit reason.
*GO TO INSTITUTE!
*Eat somewhat healthier. I mean you are in college, so you can't ax out packaged food, but seriously, eat something healthy every once in a while. When you use your meal plan eat produce. Eat lots of produce.
*Pray more deeply and seriously. Know who you are talking to and really make that a meaningful conversation. You are not talking at your Heavenly Father, He wants to talk to you too. LISTEN!
*Slow down, enjoy life, and be happy where you are.
Always remember Richard G. Scott: "You become what you want to be, by consistently being what you want to become."
Also Philippians 4:13: "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."
I will make these priorities in my life, and I will love my second semester at school. And make it worth while.
Monday, January 3, 2011
If You Think a Yoga Pose is Easy...
You're doing it wrong...
No joke, that stuff is hard. I mean it looks hard, but I was like "oh yeah, the warrior pose, I'm awesome at this thing." Then I realized I was kind of doing it wrong, and when I fixed what I was doing wrong...pain.
No joke, that stuff is hard. I mean it looks hard, but I was like "oh yeah, the warrior pose, I'm awesome at this thing." Then I realized I was kind of doing it wrong, and when I fixed what I was doing wrong...pain.
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