(Ok. Quick preface. Yeah, I'm aware that today is Monday. In fact I thought it was Tuesday five minutes ago. This is sorta a grand example of how my life's been going the past week or so. Distracted, confused, and flying by the seat of my pants? You betcha!)
Don't you just love Sundays? It really just charges your spiritual battery and gets you all prepped for the week ahead of you. I truly believe it's the boost of strength from Heaven we all need to make it. Today was Stake Conference in our little Young Single Adult stake (Oh. Bless our hearts.) and it was so good! One guy spoke on family, and he told about how his mom struggled to provide for him and his brothers as a single working mother, and so eventually she had to send them to live with an Aunt and Uncle. At the time he didn't realize why, and when she told him "Don't worry, my sacrifice will pay off in the end." He didn't understand how come he couldn't just go swimming.
Sometimes it's the same in our lives. Sometimes we don't truly understand the sacrifice Christ made when we're in the middle of the hard part of the Atonement. Sometimes we just want to go swimming and stay on the sunny side of things. But I have a testimony that his sacrifice will pay off in the end.
Also, the Stake choir sang "How Great Thou Art", and it made me get a little teary. I'm not sure I ever really considered the words of that song, but today it really touched me. I need to slow down more often and remember how great my Savior is, and how blessed I am to have the true Gospel in my life. :)
Verse 1: O Lord my God! When I in awesome wonder Consider all the works Thy hands have made. I see the stars, I hear the rolling thunder, Thy power throughout the universe displayed. Refrain: Then sings my soul, my Saviour God, to Thee; How great Thou art, how great Thou art! Then sings my soul, My Saviour God, to Thee: How great Thou art, how great Thou art!
* Verse 2: When through the woods and forest glades I wander And hear the birds sing sweetly in the trees; When I look down from lofty mountain grandeur And hear the brook and feel the gentle breeze: (Repeat Refrain.)
* Verse 3: And when I think that God, His Son not sparing, Sent Him to die, I scarce can take it in; That on the cross, my burden gladly bearing, He bled and died to take away my sin: (Repeat Refrain.)
* Verse 4: When Christ shall come with shouts of acclamation And take me home, what joy shall fill my heart! Then I shall bow in humble adoration, And there proclaim, my God, how great Thou art! (Repeat Refrain.)
Well. On to Monday.
I'm currently taking a break *cough* stalling *cough* from my studies and finishing this blog so that my sad brain can rest for a moment. Seriously, I've never done this much homework in one sitting in my whole entire life!!! (I'm not even sure I've done this much homework collectively in my whole entire life! :p I've been here for 3 hours now, and I'm deeply saddened to inform you that I still have a couple more ahead of me.)
It's almost kind of satisfying to do homework though. (Strictly speaking from the bright side. In my true and honest opinion, homework is a means of torture.)
I decided maybe I need to start praying for a love of learning. I don't mind learning. I like going to classes that interest me, and I absolutely adored learning about Nutrition last year... but when it comes down to the homework interfering with my 'lazy sit on my bum' time... I get rather flustered. Who wouldn't rather blog and work as a Cha Cha question answerer person? (That's my latest project. It's still waiting to be set in motion, but my cousin did it before his mission and one of my roommates has started it so I figured hey! A little extra money is a little extra money. And with this 'job' you get to do it on your spare time so it won't interfere with my studies or anything. Perfect right? :) That's what I thought. Glad we're all on the same page.)
Back to praying... can I just tell you that I love that stuff? Seriously, God is a genius. Not only did he create EVERYTHING, and stick us in the middle of it, but He let's us have unlimited minutes to Him! What a kind thing to do, right? Especially considering how often I need to turn to prayer to make it through some of this college madness. On a slightly lighter- but still dead serious- note, I've discovered since moving into a six-girl apartment that sometimes the only place you can really be alone and undisturbed to pray out loud is in the bathroom. Although if you're not in the shower, people tend to think down upon 'talking to yourself' in the restroom. I assume.
But it's true. And sometimes that's where you get spiritual answers to pressing matters, and it's odd because its the bathroom but it's also beautiful because it's the bathroom. God answers me. No matter where I am! In fact, almost in spite of where I am. :) And I think that's wonderful. How great he art! :p
Sunday, November 07, 2010
Saturday, November 06, 2010
Today I feel a little bigger...
Oh no no, my pants still fit just fine.
I mean maturity wise.
So Ryan that I was sort of dating I think sat down with me and talked out a few things. Long story short... we're now "just friends" because he likes cute, blond Becca more than me. And so I cried for about two seconds... and then I felt fine. Did you know that's sort of a big deal for me? Because it is. I think I finally learned the lesson of "Trust God because it really is true that He knows best because, honey, he's holding the map. So hand him the keys, because it's easier." So, I'm conpuzzled beyond all reason (on several accounts) but I'm happy and smiling and laughing. Yeah. I know. How dare I? It's quite insane for me to think I can be un-dramatic. I mean really. Check my track record! I'm just sayin, this time is different for one reason or another.
Also, this time I don't feel the need to rebound so that I have another someone really soon. I'm fine all by my little self. (Ya know the song Miss Independent by Kelly Clarckson? I think it's beginning to become my theme song. ;p)
The other evening I spent (brace yourselves) FOUR HOURS in the library doing homework. All by myself. No cute boys lured me there, no ulterior motives... just me, John Schmidt, and my homework. No facebook, or texting... it was NUTS! I'm pretty sure I've never done four hours of homework before in my entire life. Sad? Eh, maybe. But I did it! And I still have MORE. Oh College, why are you so full of homework?
So now today, while everyone is going home or being an ambassador or talking to hobo's in Salt Lake (hehe, Karlee) I'm going to clean up my stuff... and do some more homework. And enjoy feeling like I live alone. Sometimes that's rather fun, and a much needed break. I think I'd make a great hermit. Maybe someday we'll find out for sure. ;) Haha, on to showering and home of the work! (emphasis on work. :( Haha, wish me luck, because I'm REALLY going to need it to stay motivated today.)
Love you all! Have a marvelous day!!! Scratch that. Have a marvelous WHOLE WEEKEND!
....P.S.
I think I lied about the pants. I need a belt. :(
I mean maturity wise.
So Ryan that I was sort of dating I think sat down with me and talked out a few things. Long story short... we're now "just friends" because he likes cute, blond Becca more than me. And so I cried for about two seconds... and then I felt fine. Did you know that's sort of a big deal for me? Because it is. I think I finally learned the lesson of "Trust God because it really is true that He knows best because, honey, he's holding the map. So hand him the keys, because it's easier." So, I'm conpuzzled beyond all reason (on several accounts) but I'm happy and smiling and laughing. Yeah. I know. How dare I? It's quite insane for me to think I can be un-dramatic. I mean really. Check my track record! I'm just sayin, this time is different for one reason or another.
Also, this time I don't feel the need to rebound so that I have another someone really soon. I'm fine all by my little self. (Ya know the song Miss Independent by Kelly Clarckson? I think it's beginning to become my theme song. ;p)
The other evening I spent (brace yourselves) FOUR HOURS in the library doing homework. All by myself. No cute boys lured me there, no ulterior motives... just me, John Schmidt, and my homework. No facebook, or texting... it was NUTS! I'm pretty sure I've never done four hours of homework before in my entire life. Sad? Eh, maybe. But I did it! And I still have MORE. Oh College, why are you so full of homework?
So now today, while everyone is going home or being an ambassador or talking to hobo's in Salt Lake (hehe, Karlee) I'm going to clean up my stuff... and do some more homework. And enjoy feeling like I live alone. Sometimes that's rather fun, and a much needed break. I think I'd make a great hermit. Maybe someday we'll find out for sure. ;) Haha, on to showering and home of the work! (emphasis on work. :( Haha, wish me luck, because I'm REALLY going to need it to stay motivated today.)
Love you all! Have a marvelous day!!! Scratch that. Have a marvelous WHOLE WEEKEND!
....P.S.
I think I lied about the pants. I need a belt. :(
Wednesday, November 03, 2010
When life gets boring...
Have a photo shoot!
(These are pictures Caitlan took, and they're kinda ridiculous and silly but most importantly really super fun!)
Yeah. It was sorta a blast. Just so you know. Also, just so you know, I'm feeling so blasted empowered. Wanna know why?? Remember how "Courage" is my word of 2010? Well, it took me the better part of the year to finally figure it out, but I think I've got it now. Courage isn't something I dredge up from inside myself. It's something I adopt through living the gospel. By doing all Heavenly Father asks, and living his teachings, I truly have nothing to fear. That's not to say that it's easy or that I'm not scared anyway, but it's saying that yes, I have fear; but I don't need to be afraid. (Mark 5:36 "...Be not afraid, only believe.") Courage is the part where you face the fears and trials in your life, honestly believing everything will be ok because of the gifts and sacrifices of Heavenly Father and Christ. Courage is the part of us that wants to take worldly risks for eternal rewards. Courage is the fire inside us that pushes us to accomplish things that Satan tries to convince the world are impossible. Nothing is impossible with God. Believing that is courage.
I thought a lot about that today and recently, and I decided I'm so glad that my cousin Angie put the word of the year thing on her blog in January. It's been sort of an underlying blessing in my life over the past year. When things would get really difficult I'd have the word "courage" come to mind, reminding me what I decided I was going to strive for this year. Lots of times just remembering that word would help me be more determined to show courage in my choices and actions. Not every time, of course, because sometimes people are silly and don't always make perfect choices. But in every talk or song or spiritual thought that contained courage, I found personalization. The speaker cared about Shannon. It struck me even more profoundly because it was 'my word'. So, Thank you Angie for inspiring that for me. I can't wait to come up with a word for 2011!
(These are pictures Caitlan took, and they're kinda ridiculous and silly but most importantly really super fun!)
Yeah. It was sorta a blast. Just so you know. Also, just so you know, I'm feeling so blasted empowered. Wanna know why?? Remember how "Courage" is my word of 2010? Well, it took me the better part of the year to finally figure it out, but I think I've got it now. Courage isn't something I dredge up from inside myself. It's something I adopt through living the gospel. By doing all Heavenly Father asks, and living his teachings, I truly have nothing to fear. That's not to say that it's easy or that I'm not scared anyway, but it's saying that yes, I have fear; but I don't need to be afraid. (Mark 5:36 "...Be not afraid, only believe.") Courage is the part where you face the fears and trials in your life, honestly believing everything will be ok because of the gifts and sacrifices of Heavenly Father and Christ. Courage is the part of us that wants to take worldly risks for eternal rewards. Courage is the fire inside us that pushes us to accomplish things that Satan tries to convince the world are impossible. Nothing is impossible with God. Believing that is courage.
I thought a lot about that today and recently, and I decided I'm so glad that my cousin Angie put the word of the year thing on her blog in January. It's been sort of an underlying blessing in my life over the past year. When things would get really difficult I'd have the word "courage" come to mind, reminding me what I decided I was going to strive for this year. Lots of times just remembering that word would help me be more determined to show courage in my choices and actions. Not every time, of course, because sometimes people are silly and don't always make perfect choices. But in every talk or song or spiritual thought that contained courage, I found personalization. The speaker cared about Shannon. It struck me even more profoundly because it was 'my word'. So, Thank you Angie for inspiring that for me. I can't wait to come up with a word for 2011!
Gotta love that feeling
Ya know, that one feeling that says you just had a friend stick up for you to all your other friends. Or that feeling that says you've finally found buffalo instead of ducks. That feeling that says you're being treated right by your current crush, and that it's actually a healthy relationship based on friendship. That feeling that says it's OK that you're stressed because you know it's part of the staircase to Success Mountain. That feeling that says you're so happy to see the growth and change in those you love. I absolutely love it! I loved being able to visit my family on Monday, and I loved the way I felt at home in Cedar. There's nothing like going back to a place that has changed little to see how you've changed in great amounts. It's marvelous! God is brilliant. The atonement is brilliant. His plan is brilliant!
Service is beautiful, scriptures are key, and love is the antidote to everything. (Really. It is. Not even in the cliche way. Because if we love ourselves, and if we love God... we understand the rest that has the power to help heal pain, avoid traps, and navigate life. Love IS the answer!)
Basically I just had to get that little bit of what I like to call, "On top of the World" syndrome out of my system. :p
Goodnight all, Have a phenomenal day! (No, no. Let's just go all out here. Have a phenomenal week!)
Service is beautiful, scriptures are key, and love is the antidote to everything. (Really. It is. Not even in the cliche way. Because if we love ourselves, and if we love God... we understand the rest that has the power to help heal pain, avoid traps, and navigate life. Love IS the answer!)
Basically I just had to get that little bit of what I like to call, "On top of the World" syndrome out of my system. :p
Goodnight all, Have a phenomenal day! (No, no. Let's just go all out here. Have a phenomenal week!)
Monday, November 01, 2010
Well if this doesn't put you to bed with a smile...
Idk what would
Holy blasted best Halloween costume thingy I've ever in my whole entire existence seen.
(P.S. Naaaachooooooooooh...... :D)
Holy blasted best Halloween costume thingy I've ever in my whole entire existence seen.
(P.S. Naaaachooooooooooh...... :D)
Well. Hallow's Eve is finished.
AND I'M ALREADY EXCITED FOR CHRISTMAS! What in the world is wrong with me. You'd think Christmas was joyful and triumphant or something at the rate I'm goin.
Saturday I went to Provo with Ryan (who is also cute. Like Cute Tyler and Cute Mike... Cute everybody.) to go winter coat/shoe shopping. Pretty much spur of the moment, but SO much fun! On the drive up we had a singing in the car episode... we should go pro on those Disney songs haha. Once we hit Provo he called his sister in law to see if she knew any good places to look for cute, cheap, warm coats. She was in Vegas though and didn't answer... which is OK because when she got back to him we'd already checked everywhere she had to suggest. Which means we pretty much can hold our own, right? :p
The mall was PACKED with a combination of hilariously cute, and hideously disturbing costumes. There were so many little kids! Seriously, minus all the freak shows, that was the best time to be at the mall! A couple bajillion little iron men, tons of princesses, some Alice in Wonderland characters, and a family dressed up as UP!! The dad was the grumpy old man (complete with a little house tied to balloons), the mom was Kevin the bird, and the little boy was... well, the little boy. :) And since I didn't take my camera (terribly shameful of me, I know.) I'm stealing some cute/funny pictures just to illustrate the fun of being at the mall:
Hahahahahaha I'd like to point out that I didn't actually witness and Napoleon Dynamites or Pedro's. Which is a shame considering that's quite hilarious. Also, isn't that chubby snowman possibly the cutest snowbaby you've ever in your whole entire life ever seen?? Yeah. Thought so.
After going to far too many stores and finding (brace yourself) the most comfy warm fuzzy inside nice white cute adorable coat for ONLY TWENTY DOLLARS, and a warm brownish jacket for 25ish (discount for giving my loudest bestest Halloween scream. No joke. I screamed in a store. And they knocked off some mula. Nice? I think yes.) and some warmish boots, plus two pairs of shoes for Ryan, we went to his abode in South Jordan so he could pick up some stuff to take back. He has a cute house, and his mother has a genius color scheme. Yeah, there's lots of purple and green and red... and it's marvelous. She has a purple wall. Not to mention she's really sweet and cute. His parents decided to take us to dinner before we left so we went to an Italian place that starts with a C, but whose name I can't remember, and his oldest brother met us there to eat with us. It was so delicious! They had fresh bread set out to dip in this olive oil and garlic, and it was seriously heaven. ("Aaaaahhh!!!" As in angelic singing "Ah" not like the holy crap the world's ending and I'm gonna cry "Ah". Just translating.) Delicious food and hugs later, we hit the road, Jack, who is much nicer than the road, Fred. It was fun to visit and drive and shop and stuff.
Last night we watched "Emma Smith, My story", which is still one of my all time favorite movies ever. She is my hero. Still. :) Ryan's roommates are fun, Brad brought out some church movies his dad has made, which I have to admit were slightly cheesy, as any good Mormon Movie is. :p Have you ever seen
? Because that's what we watched next. He's a funny guy, but it really was touching. Hooray for the gospel, and for converts!
Hooray for cute cousin missionaries!
Hooray for good friends and guys who love the church as much as I do!
Hooray for college,
and Hooray for life!
I get to go home to Cedar for the day! I'm so so excited! Family, here I come! :D
Saturday I went to Provo with Ryan (who is also cute. Like Cute Tyler and Cute Mike... Cute everybody.) to go winter coat/shoe shopping. Pretty much spur of the moment, but SO much fun! On the drive up we had a singing in the car episode... we should go pro on those Disney songs haha. Once we hit Provo he called his sister in law to see if she knew any good places to look for cute, cheap, warm coats. She was in Vegas though and didn't answer... which is OK because when she got back to him we'd already checked everywhere she had to suggest. Which means we pretty much can hold our own, right? :p
The mall was PACKED with a combination of hilariously cute, and hideously disturbing costumes. There were so many little kids! Seriously, minus all the freak shows, that was the best time to be at the mall! A couple bajillion little iron men, tons of princesses, some Alice in Wonderland characters, and a family dressed up as UP!! The dad was the grumpy old man (complete with a little house tied to balloons), the mom was Kevin the bird, and the little boy was... well, the little boy. :) And since I didn't take my camera (terribly shameful of me, I know.) I'm stealing some cute/funny pictures just to illustrate the fun of being at the mall:
Hahahahahaha I'd like to point out that I didn't actually witness and Napoleon Dynamites or Pedro's. Which is a shame considering that's quite hilarious. Also, isn't that chubby snowman possibly the cutest snowbaby you've ever in your whole entire life ever seen?? Yeah. Thought so.
After going to far too many stores and finding (brace yourself) the most comfy warm fuzzy inside nice white cute adorable coat for ONLY TWENTY DOLLARS, and a warm brownish jacket for 25ish (discount for giving my loudest bestest Halloween scream. No joke. I screamed in a store. And they knocked off some mula. Nice? I think yes.) and some warmish boots, plus two pairs of shoes for Ryan, we went to his abode in South Jordan so he could pick up some stuff to take back. He has a cute house, and his mother has a genius color scheme. Yeah, there's lots of purple and green and red... and it's marvelous. She has a purple wall. Not to mention she's really sweet and cute. His parents decided to take us to dinner before we left so we went to an Italian place that starts with a C, but whose name I can't remember, and his oldest brother met us there to eat with us. It was so delicious! They had fresh bread set out to dip in this olive oil and garlic, and it was seriously heaven. ("Aaaaahhh!!!" As in angelic singing "Ah" not like the holy crap the world's ending and I'm gonna cry "Ah". Just translating.) Delicious food and hugs later, we hit the road, Jack, who is much nicer than the road, Fred. It was fun to visit and drive and shop and stuff.
Last night we watched "Emma Smith, My story", which is still one of my all time favorite movies ever. She is my hero. Still. :) Ryan's roommates are fun, Brad brought out some church movies his dad has made, which I have to admit were slightly cheesy, as any good Mormon Movie is. :p Have you ever seen
? Because that's what we watched next. He's a funny guy, but it really was touching. Hooray for the gospel, and for converts!
Hooray for cute cousin missionaries!
Hooray for good friends and guys who love the church as much as I do!
Hooray for college,
and Hooray for life!
I get to go home to Cedar for the day! I'm so so excited! Family, here I come! :D
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