Wow, I haven't posted anything in a month on here.
Here's a few things that have happened (good things only) since I posted last
-Got my YW medallion/certificate
-got my first calling as Nursery chorister
-was asked to play "homeward bound" in sacrament meeting on January 22nd I can't wait for that!
-went on a date with my ex boyfriend daniel. It was awkward, but fun. We went to a restaurant in portland, OR in the pearl district and then went to see the new Sherlock Holmes movie, which was phenomenal!
-hung out with my friend Brett at Beacock's
-registered for actual private piano lessons which will start on January 6th.
-tried out for the high school's musical (The Secret Garden) auditioned with the song "I see the light" from tangled (lantern scene) got a callback for 2 characters, didn't get the part but made the chorus. I am really excited to be in a musical again
-got the understudy for a solo in a ukrainian christmas carol called Schedrik (Carol of the bells) didn't get to perform it, but it felt good to audition for the solo.
-sang at the grotto, beautiful spiritual place.
-my family recieved a secret santa thing from a really rich millionaire here in our town (we don't know who it is, of course our town is full of millionaires) with oodles and oodles of amazing things.
-I went into aeropostle for the first time and actually bought clothes there.
-I got an awesome hair curler that doubles as my straightener :) HALLELUJAH! I CAN FINALLY MAKE MY HAIR LOOK NOT-FRUMPY! :D
-I had a cheescake yesterday, it was great :)
-I bought feather earrings yesterday, yes I conformed to fashion. I don't care. They were two dollars at fuego and I love them :)
Hm, I'm sure there was a ton of other good stuff but I can't think of it. I'm too interested in finding some good food :]
Dec 28, 2011
Nov 28, 2011
Senior Project
One of the hardest things about the senior project is motivation. Sure, it is a subject I love and adore and something I want to do for the rest of my life... but it's hard! It is so difficult! I'm ashamed to admit I'm a little scared to call Beacocks about my piano lessons because I know it's going to be difficult since I learned in a way that is not necessarily correct.
Sometimes I feel like giving up. But there's a few things that keep me motivated:
1.) What would *my best friend* think of me quitting?
I put *my best friend* and refrained from using their name on the internet for the sake of safety. There are weird people on the web.
Anyway, I don't think I would be able to take knowing that this person is disappointed in me. I have upset this person a lot and even probably irritated them and driven them to insanity at times. But I know they are always there for me. This person knows I love music as much as I do. I've quit before and I just know that if I quit they'll be disappointed.
2.) Senior Project grade and graduation
I want to graduate. It's as simple as that. Second senior year is no fun and I know it will be hard to explain to my kids in the future if I have to do it a third time.
3.) Success is the courage to try. Every time I want to quit I picture my choir teacher saying this. Because usually when a mistake is made in choir or when I'm practicing after school, it's what he says. And, as the above mentioned friend once told me - when you tell yourself something enough or you think it enough, you'll believe it.
So... I'm not quitting. It's difficult. Es MUY dificil. But, I have to keep going. Have to. I always quit things. Track. quit. Science Olympiad. quit. Basketball. quit after the first two practices. Even art, I quit for a long time because I didn't think my art was good enough.
Success is the courage to try. I'm going to haul trousers (my mom created that phrase) and work like crazy.
Sometimes I feel like giving up. But there's a few things that keep me motivated:
1.) What would *my best friend* think of me quitting?
I put *my best friend* and refrained from using their name on the internet for the sake of safety. There are weird people on the web.
Anyway, I don't think I would be able to take knowing that this person is disappointed in me. I have upset this person a lot and even probably irritated them and driven them to insanity at times. But I know they are always there for me. This person knows I love music as much as I do. I've quit before and I just know that if I quit they'll be disappointed.
2.) Senior Project grade and graduation
I want to graduate. It's as simple as that. Second senior year is no fun and I know it will be hard to explain to my kids in the future if I have to do it a third time.
3.) Success is the courage to try. Every time I want to quit I picture my choir teacher saying this. Because usually when a mistake is made in choir or when I'm practicing after school, it's what he says. And, as the above mentioned friend once told me - when you tell yourself something enough or you think it enough, you'll believe it.
So... I'm not quitting. It's difficult. Es MUY dificil. But, I have to keep going. Have to. I always quit things. Track. quit. Science Olympiad. quit. Basketball. quit after the first two practices. Even art, I quit for a long time because I didn't think my art was good enough.
Success is the courage to try. I'm going to haul trousers (my mom created that phrase) and work like crazy.
Nov 27, 2011
Nov 25, 2011
I don't think I need anymore food for a few days.
I am still stuffed from last night's thanksgiving dinner. This year we had stuffed turkey breast (stuffed with mushrooms and pancheta) mashed potatoes with a little mayo and Parmesan cheese mixed in, salad with home made blue cheese dressing stuff and bacon, rolls, cornbread and andouille stuffing and for dessert, pumpkin pie :)
It was a pretty good thanksgiving. I liked the turkey more this year than last year. My dad does the turkey different every year. I guess it's kind of a tradition. I think last year he fried it. One year he barbequed it. One or two years I think he baked it like most people do. But this year was my favorite. I don't remember the thanksgiving from when we lived in monroe, but my dad insists that was the best turkey year.
Today is black friday and I'm not doing anything :) I dare not venture into the wild abyss that is shopping. If you are or did, I admire your courage.
I'll just stay home and clean my room and paint. Maybe study some SAT book.
Yeah.
Forever alone. Haha
:)
It was a pretty good thanksgiving. I liked the turkey more this year than last year. My dad does the turkey different every year. I guess it's kind of a tradition. I think last year he fried it. One year he barbequed it. One or two years I think he baked it like most people do. But this year was my favorite. I don't remember the thanksgiving from when we lived in monroe, but my dad insists that was the best turkey year.
Today is black friday and I'm not doing anything :) I dare not venture into the wild abyss that is shopping. If you are or did, I admire your courage.
I'll just stay home and clean my room and paint. Maybe study some SAT book.
Yeah.
Forever alone. Haha
:)
Nov 24, 2011
Happy Thanksgiving!
one of the testimonies I received at my baptism 9 months ago. Cute little kid in my old ward.
Getting my medallion this sunday :)
Already way involved in Relief Society.
BYU interview with bishop done.
things are looking up :)
I would kind of love to be in primary, this paper is one of the reasons why :)
Nov 22, 2011
BREAK! :D
I am so happy it's thanksgiving break now. No homework, no rude people at school, no sitting at school for 5 days! So... I'm playing world of warcraft and drinking hot chocolate. What can I say? I'm a pro at vacationing :) Now, if only there was some snow...
Nov 21, 2011
Books
agh! This book is so amazing! I don't want it to end! I'm on page 374 of Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins. This series has been amazing. It's been absolutely riveting. I almost don't want it to end, but it is just so freaking amazing! On the page previous to the one I just read, I jumped up and yelled "WHAT??????" I don't want to post any spoilers on here though because I hate when I am reading a good book and someone ruins the end. I must get there myself so I will respect other fellow readers who must as well.
Anyway, there's only one more chapter left... now what do I read? I don't have the fourth Eragon book... :( Sad Ashleigh.
This was such an amazing series, I really recommend it to anyone! It was fantastic. Absolutely stunning. Really.
Hm... now what to read....
I really like the idea of this site... maybe I'll start using it more! :) Because I really honestly have no idea what to read next. Try it and tell me what you think.
http://www.whatshouldireadnext.com/
Anyway, there's only one more chapter left... now what do I read? I don't have the fourth Eragon book... :( Sad Ashleigh.
This was such an amazing series, I really recommend it to anyone! It was fantastic. Absolutely stunning. Really.
Hm... now what to read....
I really like the idea of this site... maybe I'll start using it more! :) Because I really honestly have no idea what to read next. Try it and tell me what you think.
http://www.whatshouldireadnext.com/
Nov 16, 2011
No such thing
There is no such thing
no such word as perfection
on this earth we know
maybe there's a place,
but that place I don't yet know-
where there will be some.
For now I'll just wait
and carry on with my life
living best I can.
no such word as perfection
on this earth we know
maybe there's a place,
but that place I don't yet know-
where there will be some.
For now I'll just wait
and carry on with my life
living best I can.
Nov 11, 2011
Gonna go back to wearing ribbons in my hair.
It's kind of my style. I used to be known for wearing ribbons in my hair. I used to show them off to my best friend. "Hey Ashleigh, you look really pretty today" "I KNOW RIGHT? IT'S BECAUSE OF MY NEW RED RIBBON! LOOK! LOOK!" I love ribbons. And pinning my hair up with boatloads of bobby pins or having it super curly and pinned in some places.
Ever since I stopped wearing my ribbons, I haven't felt the same. I think admittedly I sort of miss them :)
Gonna go to wal mart tomorrow. Buy a new curling iron and some ribbon. Red ribbon, because that's my favorite :]
I love this song by the way, I found it from a friend on Deviantart (a NEW FRIEND by the way! :D) and I adore it. The lyrics are gorgeous and the violin at the end is amazing. Love love love it.
Can't stop listening to it :)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=quwJvKT8HWc&feature=related
Ever since I stopped wearing my ribbons, I haven't felt the same. I think admittedly I sort of miss them :)
Gonna go to wal mart tomorrow. Buy a new curling iron and some ribbon. Red ribbon, because that's my favorite :]
I love this song by the way, I found it from a friend on Deviantart (a NEW FRIEND by the way! :D) and I adore it. The lyrics are gorgeous and the violin at the end is amazing. Love love love it.
Can't stop listening to it :)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=quwJvKT8HWc&feature=related
Nov 8, 2011
mmmm peanut butter granola bars (Random post)
listening to Adele while munching on some peanut butter and chocolate chip granola bars. There are a few things on my mind. Finished a BYU scholarship application. Finished my homework. Now... sleep? I was way too tired today. I don't know why? Maybe I need to drink more water.
That's my answer to every health problem I come across.
Hm. I wonder what initiatories are? I know the relief society women do them in the temple... I just don't know what they are.
And then there's this boy here in lil ole washington. Well, I'll pass on boring you with my silly girlish weirdness. Frankly, if I were reading this post I would already be a little bored.
It's just one of those days. I worked really hard all day. I'm very proud of the work I've done. But I'm just really tired. I miss my friends, but not in the weird clingy way it used to be. I've made some new friends this quarter. But, still.
I miss the Parp? crew. Whenever I wear my parp shirt (now, only for PJs or running)- I think of them. :)
Hm, I wonder if I can get a dress for church for really cheap by this sunday. I need a change. A little bored with my church wardrobe. But then again, I shouldn't really worry about fickle things like boys and clothes. But I guess I kinda deserve a little break after scholarship and college applications today.
I don't know where this post is going. Sooo....
...
...
...
yeah. Love you guys. :)
And Adele. And peanut butter.
yeah.
...
That's my answer to every health problem I come across.
Hm. I wonder what initiatories are? I know the relief society women do them in the temple... I just don't know what they are.
And then there's this boy here in lil ole washington. Well, I'll pass on boring you with my silly girlish weirdness. Frankly, if I were reading this post I would already be a little bored.
It's just one of those days. I worked really hard all day. I'm very proud of the work I've done. But I'm just really tired. I miss my friends, but not in the weird clingy way it used to be. I've made some new friends this quarter. But, still.
I miss the Parp? crew. Whenever I wear my parp shirt (now, only for PJs or running)- I think of them. :)
Hm, I wonder if I can get a dress for church for really cheap by this sunday. I need a change. A little bored with my church wardrobe. But then again, I shouldn't really worry about fickle things like boys and clothes. But I guess I kinda deserve a little break after scholarship and college applications today.
I don't know where this post is going. Sooo....
...
...
...
yeah. Love you guys. :)
And Adele. And peanut butter.
yeah.
...
Nov 7, 2011
Yep. It's official. I'm ghetto.
I just printed my sheet music onto graph paper because I couldn't find any printer paper. However, I found "I saw three ships" that Jon Schmidt arranged so I am VICTORIOUS! HA! :D
Nov 5, 2011
Passed all my classes this quarter
I am so happy I did. I had quite a bit of catching up to do in Algebra 2 on thursday. I stayed after school and got my grade up. Over the course of 2 and a half hours after school that day, my grade went from an F (57%) to a B! Of course Spanish: A English: A and Advo: B. I'm so happy I passed all my classes! The only credits I need to make up to graduate from high school now are: .5 occupational ed credit, and 1.5 history credits (.5 sophomore history and 1.0 senior history)
And then I'm eligible for graduation. But, those classes will be spread out through the year. This quarter I have .5 credit for Algebra 2, .5 credit for Spanish 1, .5 credit for CWI, I'm not sure if Advocacy earns you a credit...
we'll see. But, I'm getting on track to graduate this year!!!
And then I'm eligible for graduation. But, those classes will be spread out through the year. This quarter I have .5 credit for Algebra 2, .5 credit for Spanish 1, .5 credit for CWI, I'm not sure if Advocacy earns you a credit...
we'll see. But, I'm getting on track to graduate this year!!!
Oct 25, 2011
I've had a really bad day
By bad, I mean semi-traumatizing. I really want high school to be over. Really badly. I'm going upstairs to finish my algebra 2 homework and then finish Hunger Games. How can people be so bloody ignorant? It just blows my mind. What happened from the beginning of fourth period to 109 minutes later after school was absolutely horrendous and sent me on the bus to the regular high school in tears. I was still shaking when I got to the high school. I'm so tired. I just want to graduate. Why do people have to use violence to get their way? It's so horrible.
Love. Seriously.
Going upstairs now. I need to drown out the day with my books. I wish my best friend was here. I could really use just a hug from him. Although a 12 (ish) hour drive here and back just to hug someone is really not worth it.
No seminary until I get my Algebra 2 grade back to where it was. Maybe the extra sleep will help this week get a little better. Maybe.
Love. Seriously.
Going upstairs now. I need to drown out the day with my books. I wish my best friend was here. I could really use just a hug from him. Although a 12 (ish) hour drive here and back just to hug someone is really not worth it.
No seminary until I get my Algebra 2 grade back to where it was. Maybe the extra sleep will help this week get a little better. Maybe.
Oct 24, 2011
mmm. Bacon.
My mom bought the awesome costco bacon that comes in an enormous bag. Judging by the amount of meat I eat, an outside perspective probably would never say that I was ever a vegetarian in my life. Heck, I can't believe it either. But I was. For 2 years. I did have a couple weak spots. One time, my family had turkey meatballs. I sneakily ate one while no one was looking and then got mad at my mom when she caught me and called me out on it.
Hm, yeah. I'm a good eater. My friend's mom told me about a friend of hers from when she was in High School who was on her softball team. She always ate a snickers bar and a soda for lunch or something like that and was really really skinny and then it caught up to her. I'm pretty sure if I don't learn how to eat like a normal human person soon, that's going to happen to me too. Although... I take seconds and even thirds almost everyday at dinner... well, I used to.
Anyway, maybe I should eat healthier. At least I'm not eating a snickers bar and soda for lunch everyday... that's something... right???
Hm, yeah. I'm a good eater. My friend's mom told me about a friend of hers from when she was in High School who was on her softball team. She always ate a snickers bar and a soda for lunch or something like that and was really really skinny and then it caught up to her. I'm pretty sure if I don't learn how to eat like a normal human person soon, that's going to happen to me too. Although... I take seconds and even thirds almost everyday at dinner... well, I used to.
Anyway, maybe I should eat healthier. At least I'm not eating a snickers bar and soda for lunch everyday... that's something... right???
Oct 22, 2011
I miss Jacob.
It's been so long since I've written to him or heard from him. I know he's probably doing really well on his mission, I still have the letters from him and I read them often because they help me with my faith. Here's his testimony from the last letter I got. He wrote it in portuguese, which I do not speak... so I used google translator. I'm glad he was getting the language so well, but it is kind of hard to understand.
This week I read and I like Jacob when Jacob explains the importance of the prophets. For example, in Jacob 4:4. Many people here do not understand that we need a prophet today and do not understand what a prophet is. But I know we have prophets again, that as God called prophets in ancient times that Joseph Smith was called to be a prophet, and now we have a prophet named Thomas S. Monson. We have prophets, therefore we can dare to be led this life and be happy and know what God wants us to do. This work is hard sometimes, but as is said in Jarom 1:3, that much work needs to happen here.
Maybe I'll finally get some stamps so I can write to him again. I think I will. I want to hear how things are going for him and the people in his mission.
This week I read and I like Jacob when Jacob explains the importance of the prophets. For example, in Jacob 4:4. Many people here do not understand that we need a prophet today and do not understand what a prophet is. But I know we have prophets again, that as God called prophets in ancient times that Joseph Smith was called to be a prophet, and now we have a prophet named Thomas S. Monson. We have prophets, therefore we can dare to be led this life and be happy and know what God wants us to do. This work is hard sometimes, but as is said in Jarom 1:3, that much work needs to happen here.
Maybe I'll finally get some stamps so I can write to him again. I think I will. I want to hear how things are going for him and the people in his mission.
Oct 15, 2011
Someone like you
This is pretty much my favorite song right now. It's just so incredibly amazing. Although it doesn't really apply to me all that much because I'm only 17 and I don't have to worry about meeting back up with the man of my dreams only to find out that he is married... yeah. If i had to worry about that I would have some issues that would definitely need to be addressed.
Anyway I love this song. I just always have it stuck in my head and I always sing it to myself. I found tabs for it somewhere and I just play around with the notes too. I just love the piano and the song altogether. It's definitely a song that I want to sing in front of a ton of people wearing a beautiful black dress with all kinds of shiny jewelery and sing while someone plays the piano behind me. Sometimes I pretend that's what I'm doing but in reality, i'm in front of a mirror with my hair curler hitting high notes that are so high that my cat comes in with this look like "Please stop, you're killing me." While she meows incessantly until I stop singing. I'm really not a bad singer, I just sing loud actually I kinda like my voice. I'm just really scared of singing in front of people. When my choir teacher asked me to do a demonstration of homeward bound when you only use one breath for like 10 measures (ok not that much, I'm obviously exaggerating, I'm a stick I don't think my body can even hold that much air) anyway I was really freaked out. I don't do solos, mainly because I get so scared that when I do go to sing I sound like this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gRw-lfXy_tQ&feature=relmfu
But that's really honestly not my actual voice when I sing. I promise I'm actually a good singer, I just don't have a lot of confidence yet. YET! I will though.
Anyway I love this song. I just always have it stuck in my head and I always sing it to myself. I found tabs for it somewhere and I just play around with the notes too. I just love the piano and the song altogether. It's definitely a song that I want to sing in front of a ton of people wearing a beautiful black dress with all kinds of shiny jewelery and sing while someone plays the piano behind me. Sometimes I pretend that's what I'm doing but in reality, i'm in front of a mirror with my hair curler hitting high notes that are so high that my cat comes in with this look like "Please stop, you're killing me." While she meows incessantly until I stop singing. I'm really not a bad singer, I just sing loud actually I kinda like my voice. I'm just really scared of singing in front of people. When my choir teacher asked me to do a demonstration of homeward bound when you only use one breath for like 10 measures (ok not that much, I'm obviously exaggerating, I'm a stick I don't think my body can even hold that much air) anyway I was really freaked out. I don't do solos, mainly because I get so scared that when I do go to sing I sound like this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gRw-lfXy_tQ&feature=relmfu
But that's really honestly not my actual voice when I sing. I promise I'm actually a good singer, I just don't have a lot of confidence yet. YET! I will though.
Oct 14, 2011
where in the world are my friends?
Lately about a million of my friends have been opening their mission calls. I even have some already on missions, here's where my friends are serving or will be serving so far:
-Sao Paolo, Brazil (2 people)
-Rio Dejanaro, Brazil
-somewhere else in brazil (forgot the name)
-Chile
-Jacksonville, Florida (2 people)
It's pretty exciting to know that so many of the guys I know have been called all over the world! :)
Also have 3 more friends who will be submitting their papers within the next few months. One of them being my best friend. Very exciting.
-Sao Paolo, Brazil (2 people)
-Rio Dejanaro, Brazil
-somewhere else in brazil (forgot the name)
-Chile
-Jacksonville, Florida (2 people)
It's pretty exciting to know that so many of the guys I know have been called all over the world! :)
Also have 3 more friends who will be submitting their papers within the next few months. One of them being my best friend. Very exciting.
Mi encanta musica! :D
I love music, and I love my senior project. It's really stretching my brain and my musical ability. I even find myself curving my fingers while I type these blog posts like you're supposed to when you play the piano. I've been practicing so much that I live and breathe this song. I've always got it stuck in my head and when I listen to other songs I find myself tapping to the beat. Like right now, I'm listening to someone like you by Adele (The good version where she does it live in her home, not the crappy auto tune version where they make her voice go all high. I love that she sings low, it's just so beautiful and soulful). I'm trying to spend as much time as I can practicing "couldn't hear nobody pray" with my keyboard's built in metronome. I want to get it 100% this Wednesday when I show my choir teacher/mentor what I've been practicing. There is also quite a bit of praying to get it right too. I'm learning how to develop patience with myself very slowly but surely. Playing the same song over and over definitely helps me with that.
On the 21st, in the morning when we usually have seminary, we're going to have a morning fireside thing with a guest speaker (I don't know what it's going to be about or who is speaking.) All I know is when my seminary teacher said our senior class was asked to do the music, she asked who wants to play the piano? I found myself raising my hand and she asked if I would and I said yes I'd love to. She asked me to do a prelude too. I was so happy and excited (I still am...) but I realized that I have never played an entire hymnal with all four parts, or any other song for that matter, in front of a crowd of more than 20 people. I'm really nervous but I'm also really excited. I've chosen the hymn (and just in case there's more time) hymn for the prelude, but the guy who is doing chorister hasn't decided which song he wants to do... I really need to know soon because I need to practice it. I'm so nervous. I'm going to be practicing a lot of music this week. It would be so embarrassing to mess up at the morning side on Friday morning. However, it is at 6 in the morning so maybe everyone will just be too tired to notice???
On the 21st, in the morning when we usually have seminary, we're going to have a morning fireside thing with a guest speaker (I don't know what it's going to be about or who is speaking.) All I know is when my seminary teacher said our senior class was asked to do the music, she asked who wants to play the piano? I found myself raising my hand and she asked if I would and I said yes I'd love to. She asked me to do a prelude too. I was so happy and excited (I still am...) but I realized that I have never played an entire hymnal with all four parts, or any other song for that matter, in front of a crowd of more than 20 people. I'm really nervous but I'm also really excited. I've chosen the hymn (and just in case there's more time) hymn for the prelude, but the guy who is doing chorister hasn't decided which song he wants to do... I really need to know soon because I need to practice it. I'm so nervous. I'm going to be practicing a lot of music this week. It would be so embarrassing to mess up at the morning side on Friday morning. However, it is at 6 in the morning so maybe everyone will just be too tired to notice???
Oct 13, 2011
pageviews! :D I'm so flipping excited
And insanely bored all at the same time! school needs to be done right nowwww. And it needs to snow. I liek snow.
United States 667
Malaysia 27
Germany 10
Russia 9
Spain 2
United Kingdom 2
Hong Kong 1
Indonesia 1
Lithuania 1
Netherlands 1
United States 667
Malaysia 27
Germany 10
Russia 9
Spain 2
United Kingdom 2
Hong Kong 1
Indonesia 1
Lithuania 1
Netherlands 1
Orchestra... or choir?
i'm torn between becoming a choir teacher and becoming an orchestra teacher. i don't know which one to choose! I'm glad my college major is a broad one (music education) because there is more than just one career choice that can come out of it. If i was torn between becoming a doctor or a lawyer. That would be a more difficult decision.
Hm, maybe I can teach both. Hm. i wish i was doing orchestra stuff along with the choir stuff i'm doing for my senior project. I so wish I had a cello to play. I still have all my sheet music from elementary school to 7th grade. It would make learning "couldn't hear nobody pray" on the piano a lot easier. i love learning all this stuff don't get me wrong. It's just difficult. I would like to be able to do some kind of music i know I excel at without a lot of practicing and furrowing of my eyebrow in frustration.
brb gonna go type my senior paper now and leave to go home soon. This school day is feeling way too long.
Hm, maybe I can teach both. Hm. i wish i was doing orchestra stuff along with the choir stuff i'm doing for my senior project. I so wish I had a cello to play. I still have all my sheet music from elementary school to 7th grade. It would make learning "couldn't hear nobody pray" on the piano a lot easier. i love learning all this stuff don't get me wrong. It's just difficult. I would like to be able to do some kind of music i know I excel at without a lot of practicing and furrowing of my eyebrow in frustration.
brb gonna go type my senior paper now and leave to go home soon. This school day is feeling way too long.
I don't understand
Why people want to be alone when they're sad. It just doesn't make sense to me. When they're going through something and they just don't want to have anyone help them. Whenever something bad happens to me, I always want a hug at least. I always want to be around someone who I know will make me feel better. Like this morning on the bus on the way from the high school where I take choir to the smaller high school where I spend the rest of the day... I started crying because I realized I still like someone, not because he told me he wanted to be alone. Yesterday I sent him an email saying that I didn't like him anymore well, I mentioned it in the email. Because I thought he wasn't replying to emails and texts or answering my calls or calling me back because he doesn't like me anymore or something. I don't know. Weird girl stuff. Anyway, I told him that I didn't like it and I meant it 100% last night. I've spent weeks trying to get over this crush because we both have lives and we need to move forward. Having a crush on someone for this long only weighs me down. But I realized that I do still like him. I feel confident putting this on my blog because I know he doesn't read it. And I'm not saying his name.
Anyway, I'm at lunch at school now and I'm just feeling really weighed down today. I'm not sad or anything, it just feels like I'm dragging myself from class to class. I definitely failed my algebra 2 test today and I'm kinda mad at myself for that because I've been working so hard to keep that grade up and going. I just want to go home and drown my thoughts by studying SAT stuff and doing personal progress. I always feel so much better when I do those two things.
On saturday I have the PSAT. I hope I do really well on it because it will help me be a little more prepared for the SAT, which I take in december. My mom bought me a HUGE SAT study book from Princeton Review. It's amazingly terrifying to see just how enormous this thing really is. It's bigger than my algebra 2 textbook. I have only 2 ish months until the test and I'm going to be studying like crazy. In my spare time I'm going to practice "couldn't hear nobody pray" to my keyboard's metronome so that I finally get it 100% right next wednesday when I meet with my mentor again. It's hard learning how to keep a constant beat because its a lot easier on cello because you just hold out the note with your bow until the conductor moves on. Cello is kind of one of those instruments where when you're reading the music, as long as you get the notes right and look up and follow the conductor, you're pretty much golden. I miss playing the cello. My senior project is difficult and yesterday after school, I spent about 40 ish minutes with an internet metronome going at a constant beat trying to get the first few lines of couldn't hear nobody pray absolutely perfectly.
Well, class is starting up again. I'll try to make the rest of the day a better one. Hope yours is better than mine :)
Anyway, I'm at lunch at school now and I'm just feeling really weighed down today. I'm not sad or anything, it just feels like I'm dragging myself from class to class. I definitely failed my algebra 2 test today and I'm kinda mad at myself for that because I've been working so hard to keep that grade up and going. I just want to go home and drown my thoughts by studying SAT stuff and doing personal progress. I always feel so much better when I do those two things.
On saturday I have the PSAT. I hope I do really well on it because it will help me be a little more prepared for the SAT, which I take in december. My mom bought me a HUGE SAT study book from Princeton Review. It's amazingly terrifying to see just how enormous this thing really is. It's bigger than my algebra 2 textbook. I have only 2 ish months until the test and I'm going to be studying like crazy. In my spare time I'm going to practice "couldn't hear nobody pray" to my keyboard's metronome so that I finally get it 100% right next wednesday when I meet with my mentor again. It's hard learning how to keep a constant beat because its a lot easier on cello because you just hold out the note with your bow until the conductor moves on. Cello is kind of one of those instruments where when you're reading the music, as long as you get the notes right and look up and follow the conductor, you're pretty much golden. I miss playing the cello. My senior project is difficult and yesterday after school, I spent about 40 ish minutes with an internet metronome going at a constant beat trying to get the first few lines of couldn't hear nobody pray absolutely perfectly.
Well, class is starting up again. I'll try to make the rest of the day a better one. Hope yours is better than mine :)
Oct 10, 2011
Lalala rain... it's that time of year
It's cold and rainy today! But it's fall and the leaves are sort of in some places starting to change, which is amazing. I always love fall. It's my favorite because of the colors of the leaves. It's gorgeous.
This past sunday I got 2 new scripture ribbons for personal progress. First, good works and second, individual worth. Yellow and red (when I was up there in YW explaining the projects I did to my friends, the whole time I kept thinking, ketchup and mustard ribbons! :D) what can I say? I have a low attention span :)
So now I have four scripture ribbons. :D Almost done with personal progress. I set the goal in April or May to be done with it by October 22nd. That is quickly approaching... but I still believe in myself and I'll do as much of it as I can. I'm not going to hurry through it and miss something valuable that I could learn. If it takes me longer than my goal, that's okay. But considering I finished all this so quickly and I only really have a couple value experiences and 4 more projects to do, I think I can do it :)
However, Algebra 2 and PSAT come first this week. Tomorrow I'm going to the temple and that will be my relaxation and spiritual rejuvenation before I continue to prepare and study for the PSAT this saturday. I'm taking the SAT in december, so this PSAT will help me get ready for december. Algebra 2 is still difficult, but it's okay. I'm a little behind but this evening I'm going to get all caught up on the work I missed and all the concepts I don't understand. It will be fine.
Christmas choir last night at the stake center was amazing! The spirit when we sang our songs was so beautiful and calming. The songs we're singing aren't very commonly known and we won't be singing the Hallelujah chorus this year even though its tradition :( I was looking forward to it, but I know I'll get the opportunity to do it sometime in the future, so it will be ok.
Hm, what else? I'm cleaning my room up. I have so many papers all over and just not a lot of time to clean it, or not a lot of energy I guess is the better way to say that.
Right now I should get back to cleaning my room so I can do my algebra 2. That will make my temple trip even more calming tomorrow. I am so excited for the temple :) This will be my second time ever being inside the temple to do baptisms for the dead. My friend was just baptized on saturday and she's coming too! It's going to be such a great experience for her and I am so happy that she gets to experience it. It's gorgeous in the temple I absolutely love it, there's nothing else like the feeling of being in the font in the baptistry :)
I'll write about my second time... probably tomorrow but more likely thursday.
This past sunday I got 2 new scripture ribbons for personal progress. First, good works and second, individual worth. Yellow and red (when I was up there in YW explaining the projects I did to my friends, the whole time I kept thinking, ketchup and mustard ribbons! :D) what can I say? I have a low attention span :)
So now I have four scripture ribbons. :D Almost done with personal progress. I set the goal in April or May to be done with it by October 22nd. That is quickly approaching... but I still believe in myself and I'll do as much of it as I can. I'm not going to hurry through it and miss something valuable that I could learn. If it takes me longer than my goal, that's okay. But considering I finished all this so quickly and I only really have a couple value experiences and 4 more projects to do, I think I can do it :)
However, Algebra 2 and PSAT come first this week. Tomorrow I'm going to the temple and that will be my relaxation and spiritual rejuvenation before I continue to prepare and study for the PSAT this saturday. I'm taking the SAT in december, so this PSAT will help me get ready for december. Algebra 2 is still difficult, but it's okay. I'm a little behind but this evening I'm going to get all caught up on the work I missed and all the concepts I don't understand. It will be fine.
Christmas choir last night at the stake center was amazing! The spirit when we sang our songs was so beautiful and calming. The songs we're singing aren't very commonly known and we won't be singing the Hallelujah chorus this year even though its tradition :( I was looking forward to it, but I know I'll get the opportunity to do it sometime in the future, so it will be ok.
Hm, what else? I'm cleaning my room up. I have so many papers all over and just not a lot of time to clean it, or not a lot of energy I guess is the better way to say that.
Right now I should get back to cleaning my room so I can do my algebra 2. That will make my temple trip even more calming tomorrow. I am so excited for the temple :) This will be my second time ever being inside the temple to do baptisms for the dead. My friend was just baptized on saturday and she's coming too! It's going to be such a great experience for her and I am so happy that she gets to experience it. It's gorgeous in the temple I absolutely love it, there's nothing else like the feeling of being in the font in the baptistry :)
I'll write about my second time... probably tomorrow but more likely thursday.
Oct 7, 2011
Hm :/
Still not completely satisfied with my new blog look... plus I'm almost done with personal progress. PLUS I'm turning 18 in about 21 ish days.
Big changes are coming :) And they will happen all at once. Trying to make my blog AWESOME :)
Big changes are coming :) And they will happen all at once. Trying to make my blog AWESOME :)
Tangled
I love the movie tangled. It's just such a beautiful movie. It's funny and sweet. One scene that particularly gets me is the lanterns when they are in the boat. I cry every time. It reminds me of last year at a choir concert at the grotto. It was just so pretty and well... there was something else that made it special, or rather someone. It was just such a beautiful concert. I love tangled. I can't wait for that concert this year because I get to direct the music (or most of it). I am so excited.
Tomorrow i get to go to my friend Brittany's baptism. I am so excited for her. She also gets to come with us to the temple this wednesday, it will only be my second time doing baptisms for the dead, but I loved it the first time I went. I am so excited for her. She is a beautiful spirit. On sunday I also get to start 2 new choirs. Ward and stake christmas choir :) On sunday I also get my third personal progress ribbon. **excited*** this weekend is going to be amazing and wonderful and so pumped with the spirit.
Just wanted to put this out there too: I don't know if he reads my blog, I don't think he does, but I just wanted to tell a certain friend how incredibly amazing he is. I can't wait to see you again! You'll have to tell me all about college. I haven't verbally communicated with him in 2 months and I miss him, but I know he's busy and stressed. Anyway, you are loved my friend. Try to see the glass half full as much as you can, I understand things will be difficult. Have a great weekend everyone, I know I will!
<3 Ash
Tomorrow i get to go to my friend Brittany's baptism. I am so excited for her. She also gets to come with us to the temple this wednesday, it will only be my second time doing baptisms for the dead, but I loved it the first time I went. I am so excited for her. She is a beautiful spirit. On sunday I also get to start 2 new choirs. Ward and stake christmas choir :) On sunday I also get my third personal progress ribbon. **excited*** this weekend is going to be amazing and wonderful and so pumped with the spirit.
Just wanted to put this out there too: I don't know if he reads my blog, I don't think he does, but I just wanted to tell a certain friend how incredibly amazing he is. I can't wait to see you again! You'll have to tell me all about college. I haven't verbally communicated with him in 2 months and I miss him, but I know he's busy and stressed. Anyway, you are loved my friend. Try to see the glass half full as much as you can, I understand things will be difficult. Have a great weekend everyone, I know I will!
<3 Ash
Oct 4, 2011
Had a dream...
Last night I had a dream that a friend of mine- whom I am very close to- left on his mission. I remember dreaming that I was racing to the airport (or wherever it was) to say goodbye to him. I remember that I was not able to give him a hug, but I was able to shake his hand and wish him farewell. It was an emotional dream because of the person who left on the mission, but i remember also dreaming that someone asked why only boys get to go on missions in the church. I replied saying girls can go too, in fact I'm going on a mission in a couple years.
It's weird to think that my friends are all leaving on missions soon. Another friend who I dated for about 8-10 months (I don't remember exactly how long) just got his mission call on friday night to Sao Paolo, Brazil. Which incidentally is where another good friend of mine is serving. I write to this friend a lot and it sounds like he is really learning a lot from his mission. I am so excited for my friends and to see the brilliant young men they have become since I met them in our sophomore year of high school is a great blessing. (Was it really 4 years ago???)
They will all make fine missionaries and learn a lot about themselves and the gospel and they will grow closer to our heavenly Father. They have such kind spirits and good hearts, I know they will bless the lives of those in their missions. :)
It's weird to think that my friends are all leaving on missions soon. Another friend who I dated for about 8-10 months (I don't remember exactly how long) just got his mission call on friday night to Sao Paolo, Brazil. Which incidentally is where another good friend of mine is serving. I write to this friend a lot and it sounds like he is really learning a lot from his mission. I am so excited for my friends and to see the brilliant young men they have become since I met them in our sophomore year of high school is a great blessing. (Was it really 4 years ago???)
They will all make fine missionaries and learn a lot about themselves and the gospel and they will grow closer to our heavenly Father. They have such kind spirits and good hearts, I know they will bless the lives of those in their missions. :)
Oct 3, 2011
ouch
Today was the first time that I've been running in about 2 months. I am tired. And I only ran 1 mile. (And not in a very good time compared to what I have done). I'm soooo tired. Today was a great day. I'll try to run as often as I can when I get the time. Right now I'm going to flop on the couch and drink water and stuff in my warm hoodie :)
woohoo!!!
My senior project is approved!!! Just got my senior project proposal back about half an hour ago and I am so PUMPED! Those little initials on the 'approved' line made me feel so much joy it's unbelievable. Seriously. I know, I'm odd. :)
And, I know I've said this a bunch of times but I am so so so so SOOOOO close to being done with personal progress. It's so exciting. I wake up each day and kind of smile (although I don't get up much quicker... the snooze button still works it's magic ;) anyway I wake up with a smile because I'm on my way to living the dream!
The dream of course being that I go to college and become a music teacher. I'm taking the SAT in december and studying like crazy for it. My GPA is unimaginably high at last. Algebra 2 is rough but I am actually understanding it after the excessive hours and hours of studying. I dislike studying math so much and I often feel like giving up and I often do and stop and then come back to it later because I feel bad and stressed. Hopefully I can find some way to encourage myself even more.
Anyway, I reached another milestone :) I also got an incredibly sweet note from a really good friend of mine. She's such a darling girl. I asked her to do something for me for a value Experience in Individual worth and she did and it made me feel so great. It was a fantastic start to my day. I have to say that I am so glad to have a friend like her. She is so amazing :)
And, I know I've said this a bunch of times but I am so so so so SOOOOO close to being done with personal progress. It's so exciting. I wake up each day and kind of smile (although I don't get up much quicker... the snooze button still works it's magic ;) anyway I wake up with a smile because I'm on my way to living the dream!
The dream of course being that I go to college and become a music teacher. I'm taking the SAT in december and studying like crazy for it. My GPA is unimaginably high at last. Algebra 2 is rough but I am actually understanding it after the excessive hours and hours of studying. I dislike studying math so much and I often feel like giving up and I often do and stop and then come back to it later because I feel bad and stressed. Hopefully I can find some way to encourage myself even more.
Anyway, I reached another milestone :) I also got an incredibly sweet note from a really good friend of mine. She's such a darling girl. I asked her to do something for me for a value Experience in Individual worth and she did and it made me feel so great. It was a fantastic start to my day. I have to say that I am so glad to have a friend like her. She is so amazing :)
Sep 30, 2011
school
ugh. :( This is the first time I've ever been upset with myself this school year. My grade in Algebra 2 is down to a C. Even though all my other classes are at an A (except english which is at A- for some reason...) anyway now my GPA is down from a 4.0 to a 3.5. I am so upset with myself for not handing in those assignments. Luckily, I can make up work because I was sick and those assignments I'm missing are the ones I missed when I was sick. So tonight I guess I won't be going to the football game either that or I'll bring my algebra 2 with me... woo! I am a party animal :/
I am just so proud of myself for having a 4.0 for this long! That has NEVER happened. In 7th grade the best GPA I had was 3.25 or something like that and I was on the honor roll. This is my best GPA streak ever! It's been so long that I've had GOOD GRADES! That's not about to stop now! I'm going to bring that C up to an A by monday and bring that A- in english up to an A by the end of next week!
I am so excited to take the SAT too, because I've been doing the practice and practice test online and I asked for the study book for this years test for my birthday which is in less than a month and I'm taking the test sometime in December. I think on the 3rd.
SEMINARY GRADE IS BAD TOO! D: I haven't passed any scripture mastery off yet at all! Plus, since I've been sick so many times, my attendance is down to 65%. That'll change from makeup work this weekend. I'm really striving to keep my grades in school up though, so seminary will have to come second to high school until the grades go up.
I'm very proud of the progress I've made this year. I am going to graduate!!! :)
I am just so proud of myself for having a 4.0 for this long! That has NEVER happened. In 7th grade the best GPA I had was 3.25 or something like that and I was on the honor roll. This is my best GPA streak ever! It's been so long that I've had GOOD GRADES! That's not about to stop now! I'm going to bring that C up to an A by monday and bring that A- in english up to an A by the end of next week!
I am so excited to take the SAT too, because I've been doing the practice and practice test online and I asked for the study book for this years test for my birthday which is in less than a month and I'm taking the test sometime in December. I think on the 3rd.
SEMINARY GRADE IS BAD TOO! D: I haven't passed any scripture mastery off yet at all! Plus, since I've been sick so many times, my attendance is down to 65%. That'll change from makeup work this weekend. I'm really striving to keep my grades in school up though, so seminary will have to come second to high school until the grades go up.
I'm very proud of the progress I've made this year. I am going to graduate!!! :)
Sep 24, 2011
Art
I have to be honest. Other than my painting for divine nature, I really haven't done anything artsy at all. I stopped drawing a while back because I thought I wasn't good at it anymore. But, today I feel like I want to start back up again. I know I'm not going to be as great as I used to be right away, but it's so sad that I just stopped because I thought I wasn't the best.
I love art and art history is pretty much one of the only things about history (besides church history and my family history) that doesn't completely bore me.
Soooo here we go. I'll try again. Let's see what I can do this time :)
I love art and art history is pretty much one of the only things about history (besides church history and my family history) that doesn't completely bore me.
Soooo here we go. I'll try again. Let's see what I can do this time :)
Sep 20, 2011
Finished Divine Nature!
Hey look at what I got this last sunday! :)
I finished Divine Nature all the way through :) I am almost completely done with Personal Progress! I'm trying to beat my goal of finishing personal progress by October 18th.
Sep 17, 2011
Oh, happy day :)
Tomorrow I have my second ever talk in sacrament meeting. I'm pretty excited about it. I get to talk to the congregation in my new ward! I really like this ward a lot. There are some extremely nice people and I'm making so many more new friends of all ages.
I'm a little nervous because I put the talk together kind of at the last minute. Ever since last school year I really dislike putting things off like that. But I think it's going to be a pretty good one. I'm going to go over it tonight a few times and make sure it says everything I want it to say and all that jazz. I'm pretty happy today. I talked to a really good friend of mine for an hour on the phone. We only recently got back in touch with each other and I am so happy we did. I missed talking to her about everything and nothing at the same time and laughing about the most random things. It's good to have a female friend to talk to.
There's only 41 more days until I turn 18 and I am so excited! I was going to spend the rest of this High School year in Young Women's but I am almost done with personal progress and I really want to move on to relief society. I think it's going to be a fun and interesting transition. It will be different since I came in to young women's only about 9 ish months ago. I am going to a "craft and chat" with the relief society in october. I am really excited about it. Only 6 more sundays in Young Womens.
Life is good. I have nothing bad to say. There's a cold sore on my lip and I don't even care! Usually I would be freaking out and annoyed because of it. But today I just don't have anything to complain about. I am blessed and I am happy.
I'm a little nervous because I put the talk together kind of at the last minute. Ever since last school year I really dislike putting things off like that. But I think it's going to be a pretty good one. I'm going to go over it tonight a few times and make sure it says everything I want it to say and all that jazz. I'm pretty happy today. I talked to a really good friend of mine for an hour on the phone. We only recently got back in touch with each other and I am so happy we did. I missed talking to her about everything and nothing at the same time and laughing about the most random things. It's good to have a female friend to talk to.
There's only 41 more days until I turn 18 and I am so excited! I was going to spend the rest of this High School year in Young Women's but I am almost done with personal progress and I really want to move on to relief society. I think it's going to be a fun and interesting transition. It will be different since I came in to young women's only about 9 ish months ago. I am going to a "craft and chat" with the relief society in october. I am really excited about it. Only 6 more sundays in Young Womens.
Life is good. I have nothing bad to say. There's a cold sore on my lip and I don't even care! Usually I would be freaking out and annoyed because of it. But today I just don't have anything to complain about. I am blessed and I am happy.
Sep 14, 2011
hmmm
I learned that I need to take it easy on the studying all the time. I went a little extreme, but so far I have great grades and I am really motivated to keep doing well.
Anyway I have a talk this sunday and it's a pretty broad topic... well, not broad... not as broad as the book of mormon. That was an interesting topic for my first talk.
Should've seen this coming when I told my new bishop that I love to talk in front of people at church and share my ideas and testimony of the gospel. But I'm not complaining, actually I am kind of a freak. I love talking in front of people and leading people, etc. I used to be so terrified to speak in front of people, let alone share my personal beliefs or a testimony of those beliefs.
I feel like I've grown a lot :) Can't wait for sunday! Hopefully people love my talk... I haven't started it yet. Just got the topic yesterday. Starting with something now though. It'll get there :)
Anyway I have a talk this sunday and it's a pretty broad topic... well, not broad... not as broad as the book of mormon. That was an interesting topic for my first talk.
Should've seen this coming when I told my new bishop that I love to talk in front of people at church and share my ideas and testimony of the gospel. But I'm not complaining, actually I am kind of a freak. I love talking in front of people and leading people, etc. I used to be so terrified to speak in front of people, let alone share my personal beliefs or a testimony of those beliefs.
I feel like I've grown a lot :) Can't wait for sunday! Hopefully people love my talk... I haven't started it yet. Just got the topic yesterday. Starting with something now though. It'll get there :)
Sep 11, 2011
interesting experiences today
1.) stake conference. Sat alone but really enjoyed the conference.
2.) missionary (attempted) experience. Opened up my eyes and sort of prepared me for the future.
3.) talked to my college friends about their new wards and college life. I miss them.
4.) hopped into a huge truck wearing a pencil skirt (that, my friends was a challenge)
5.) emailed an old friend. I really pray that she reads it.
6.) class tonight at the stake center.
:/ I haven't even gotten a response back from my friend and I already feel like I have failed. I really hope she reads it. I would've liked to have talked to her in person but that's the only way I have to contact her is email.
Well, we shall see. Hopefully I'm not as much of a failure as I feel like I am right now. I can't change the past so I guess I should just pray and look to the future.
2.) missionary (attempted) experience. Opened up my eyes and sort of prepared me for the future.
3.) talked to my college friends about their new wards and college life. I miss them.
4.) hopped into a huge truck wearing a pencil skirt (that, my friends was a challenge)
5.) emailed an old friend. I really pray that she reads it.
6.) class tonight at the stake center.
:/ I haven't even gotten a response back from my friend and I already feel like I have failed. I really hope she reads it. I would've liked to have talked to her in person but that's the only way I have to contact her is email.
Well, we shall see. Hopefully I'm not as much of a failure as I feel like I am right now. I can't change the past so I guess I should just pray and look to the future.
Sep 10, 2011
worldwide views!
It makes me so happy to read the stats on my blog! In the stats it shows me where all my readers live. So far there are readers from 9 different countries!
United States 532
Malaysia 26
Germany 9
Spain 2
United Kingdom 2
Hong Kong 1
Indonesia 1
Lithuania 1
Sweden 1
Thank you to all my readers! I love that my blog helps you all. Maybe I'll enable comments... if I do, please comment! Thank you so much, I love you all!
<3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3
United States 532
Malaysia 26
Germany 9
Spain 2
United Kingdom 2
Hong Kong 1
Indonesia 1
Lithuania 1
Sweden 1
Thank you to all my readers! I love that my blog helps you all. Maybe I'll enable comments... if I do, please comment! Thank you so much, I love you all!
<3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3
So tired.
This week was the first day of school and seminary. I am just so completely wiped out from getting up so early. Here's my schedule this last week:
4:15 am: wake up and shower. eat breakfast. Do hair, get dressed etc.
5:25 am: walk to seminary.
6:00 am: Seminary starts.
6:50: first bus from seminary to High School
7:45: choir
8:35: second bus from High School to continuation school
8:45: Algebra 2
9:50: Spanish/ASL
11:35: lunch
12:05: advocacy
1:35: English 12
2:15: third bus back to High School.
2:40: fourth bus at High School to home
Ay Carumba.
Then when I get home I study ASL and spanish for a while and make sure I absolutely know everything. Then I read my scriptures and do some scripture study. Then I have to sweep the floor and this week when it was my dishes week. By the time all that comes around and done, it's about 7:00 in the evening. On tuesday I went to mutual and by the time I got home and had free time it was 8:30. So I just went to bed. I am now elated to get to bed early.
But I want to make sure you know that I'm not complaining. I love having a hectic schedule. I'm just really tired. With all my studying and hard work in seminary and doing my chores at home I feel really accomplished at the end of the day. Every time someone asks me how i'm doing i say tired. Yesterday in English, my teacher asked "How are you" and I said "tired." as usual. She replied "Do you always have such a huge grin on your face when you're tired." I didn't even realize it, but I was smiling a huge smile. It made me laugh when she said that. My friend laughed too and said "she's always happy and cheerful no matter what." It's sort of true I guess. When I'm at school I smile every second. I don't know why. I really don't like my school and I'm so tired I have to take 10 minutes applying makeup in the morning to conceal the bags under my eyes. On top of that, everything in our house is falling apart. I mean, everything. So far (since last saturday, September 3rd keep in mind.) the air conditioner broke, the garbage disposal broke, the garage door is still broken, the dishwasher broke this morning, the floor under the hardwood is rotting, the washing machine is only working part of the time, there are a few cupboard doors that have broken. So they have to redo all the hardwood floors and fix whatever else needs to be fixed.
There. I've vented all the worrisome things. Now I'll get back to the happy.
I have a talk on the 18th (invitational sunday), just sang at a cute little kids baptism this morning, have my missionary prep class tomorrow at the stake center, meeting an inactive girl in our ward tomorrow. There's something else but I forgot. I know there's something else....
I can't remember.
I'm gonna go play video games in my hoodie and sweats and then nap. :)
I've been thinking a lot about the hymn "Be still, my soul" this week. I think it's because I've been trying my very best to be patient about going to a school where I am feeling pretty alone and like a sore thumb. Every day since sunday I've been wearing my YW torch necklace. I did it to remind myself to make good choices and stand for truth and righteousness while I'm at school. There's a lot of people, almost everyone who makes really bad choices there. Don't get me wrong, they have good hearts. I have met most of my graduating class (of 20 people, maximum) and I have seen that they all have good hearts. They are just making a lot of bad choices. So I wore it to make myself remember to not be pressured into making the same choices. On thursday in spanish class I learned a phrase that I really like.
La constancia hace milagros.
It translates to "Constance brings miracles" It means that when you are patient and when you are determined and consistent that miracles will happen. Just something to think about.
4:15 am: wake up and shower. eat breakfast. Do hair, get dressed etc.
5:25 am: walk to seminary.
6:00 am: Seminary starts.
6:50: first bus from seminary to High School
7:45: choir
8:35: second bus from High School to continuation school
8:45: Algebra 2
9:50: Spanish/ASL
11:35: lunch
12:05: advocacy
1:35: English 12
2:15: third bus back to High School.
2:40: fourth bus at High School to home
Ay Carumba.
Then when I get home I study ASL and spanish for a while and make sure I absolutely know everything. Then I read my scriptures and do some scripture study. Then I have to sweep the floor and this week when it was my dishes week. By the time all that comes around and done, it's about 7:00 in the evening. On tuesday I went to mutual and by the time I got home and had free time it was 8:30. So I just went to bed. I am now elated to get to bed early.
But I want to make sure you know that I'm not complaining. I love having a hectic schedule. I'm just really tired. With all my studying and hard work in seminary and doing my chores at home I feel really accomplished at the end of the day. Every time someone asks me how i'm doing i say tired. Yesterday in English, my teacher asked "How are you" and I said "tired." as usual. She replied "Do you always have such a huge grin on your face when you're tired." I didn't even realize it, but I was smiling a huge smile. It made me laugh when she said that. My friend laughed too and said "she's always happy and cheerful no matter what." It's sort of true I guess. When I'm at school I smile every second. I don't know why. I really don't like my school and I'm so tired I have to take 10 minutes applying makeup in the morning to conceal the bags under my eyes. On top of that, everything in our house is falling apart. I mean, everything. So far (since last saturday, September 3rd keep in mind.) the air conditioner broke, the garbage disposal broke, the garage door is still broken, the dishwasher broke this morning, the floor under the hardwood is rotting, the washing machine is only working part of the time, there are a few cupboard doors that have broken. So they have to redo all the hardwood floors and fix whatever else needs to be fixed.
There. I've vented all the worrisome things. Now I'll get back to the happy.
I have a talk on the 18th (invitational sunday), just sang at a cute little kids baptism this morning, have my missionary prep class tomorrow at the stake center, meeting an inactive girl in our ward tomorrow. There's something else but I forgot. I know there's something else....
I can't remember.
I'm gonna go play video games in my hoodie and sweats and then nap. :)
I've been thinking a lot about the hymn "Be still, my soul" this week. I think it's because I've been trying my very best to be patient about going to a school where I am feeling pretty alone and like a sore thumb. Every day since sunday I've been wearing my YW torch necklace. I did it to remind myself to make good choices and stand for truth and righteousness while I'm at school. There's a lot of people, almost everyone who makes really bad choices there. Don't get me wrong, they have good hearts. I have met most of my graduating class (of 20 people, maximum) and I have seen that they all have good hearts. They are just making a lot of bad choices. So I wore it to make myself remember to not be pressured into making the same choices. On thursday in spanish class I learned a phrase that I really like.
La constancia hace milagros.
It translates to "Constance brings miracles" It means that when you are patient and when you are determined and consistent that miracles will happen. Just something to think about.
Sep 4, 2011
finished divine nature today
I completely finished divine nature today. Project and all. I get my scripture ribbon next sunday. I'm really excited for tuesday because we're having a food fight type activity. Then on Saturday I am going to sing at a little kids baptism (with 4 other girls. There's no way I would do a solo). And on sunday I'm going to the missionary prep thing at the stake center. They said all 17 year olds planning on serving a mission can come. I want to serve a mission. I'm only 17 now so maybe by the time I turn 21 I won't want to or maybe I just won't be looking to go on a mission, but for now I really want to and I'm really excited.
Also, today I stayed after church to practice piano in the chapel and talked to my new Bishop. He is really nice and we talked about my Baptism and my joining the church. He also asked me if I would like to speak at invitational sunday. I love to speak at church and talk about the gospel! I am always so nervous about talking in front of people. I've always kind of had a hard time looking people in they eyes or looking out and seeing large crowds (thats why I don't do solos) and it's really helping me a lot to learn how to face my fear by going up in front of people and talking. Which means I have to put off visiting the ward in washougal another 2 weeks :( I miss them already.
I don't know what the topic is that I'll be given but I am really excited to put together a talk for invitation sunday. Maybe I'll even bring my friend Nick along again! He came with me last sunday and i think it went pretty well. The next time I see him I'm going to give him a Book of Mormon.
It was really funny, today when I asked our Bishop for a Book of Mormon, they had hardcover and softcover and they had a bunch of them. Here's the conversation:
Bishop: Brother L, we have a budding young missionary here who would like a Book of Mormon to give to her friend.
Brother L: Well, we've got hardcover and softcover. Which one do you want?
Me: Softcover is fine, and just the one I guess.
Bishop: Oh no! Give her two! Give her a soft copy and a hard copy! One to give to her friend and an extra just in case.
So, yeah. I have no idea who that second Book of Mormon will be for, but I took it anyway. I'll give Nick the softcover one and save the hardcover.
Hm what else? Nothing really. I tried to see my friend before he leaves for college on wednesday. But he had meetings today, I understand. I'm just disappointed. I wish I would've said this in person sooner.
"friend" if you're reading this (you know who you are)
Remember how at my baptism you said "you did it!" and I just started crying? I was just so full of emotions I wasn't used to feeling and the spirit was really strong. I forgot to say Thank you. I wanted to give you the biggest hug out of everyone there. But it didn't cross my mind. That's one of the biggest mistakes I've made. I've caused problems and made mistakes and I've gotten mad at you for things you didn't do. I may have thanked you once or twice but not sincerely as you deserve to be thanked. Today, I just wanted to give you a big huge hug and say "thank you." I still want to because I feel like it's something that should be done in person instead of over text message or email or because you read this blog post.
And, I'm tired. It was really hot and uncomfortable in church today and I have kind of a headache. One more day of summer and then school starts on tuesday. Seminary starts monday. I'm going to graduate this year. I'm so excited.
Also, today I stayed after church to practice piano in the chapel and talked to my new Bishop. He is really nice and we talked about my Baptism and my joining the church. He also asked me if I would like to speak at invitational sunday. I love to speak at church and talk about the gospel! I am always so nervous about talking in front of people. I've always kind of had a hard time looking people in they eyes or looking out and seeing large crowds (thats why I don't do solos) and it's really helping me a lot to learn how to face my fear by going up in front of people and talking. Which means I have to put off visiting the ward in washougal another 2 weeks :( I miss them already.
I don't know what the topic is that I'll be given but I am really excited to put together a talk for invitation sunday. Maybe I'll even bring my friend Nick along again! He came with me last sunday and i think it went pretty well. The next time I see him I'm going to give him a Book of Mormon.
It was really funny, today when I asked our Bishop for a Book of Mormon, they had hardcover and softcover and they had a bunch of them. Here's the conversation:
Bishop: Brother L, we have a budding young missionary here who would like a Book of Mormon to give to her friend.
Brother L: Well, we've got hardcover and softcover. Which one do you want?
Me: Softcover is fine, and just the one I guess.
Bishop: Oh no! Give her two! Give her a soft copy and a hard copy! One to give to her friend and an extra just in case.
So, yeah. I have no idea who that second Book of Mormon will be for, but I took it anyway. I'll give Nick the softcover one and save the hardcover.
Hm what else? Nothing really. I tried to see my friend before he leaves for college on wednesday. But he had meetings today, I understand. I'm just disappointed. I wish I would've said this in person sooner.
"friend" if you're reading this (you know who you are)
Remember how at my baptism you said "you did it!" and I just started crying? I was just so full of emotions I wasn't used to feeling and the spirit was really strong. I forgot to say Thank you. I wanted to give you the biggest hug out of everyone there. But it didn't cross my mind. That's one of the biggest mistakes I've made. I've caused problems and made mistakes and I've gotten mad at you for things you didn't do. I may have thanked you once or twice but not sincerely as you deserve to be thanked. Today, I just wanted to give you a big huge hug and say "thank you." I still want to because I feel like it's something that should be done in person instead of over text message or email or because you read this blog post.
And, I'm tired. It was really hot and uncomfortable in church today and I have kind of a headache. One more day of summer and then school starts on tuesday. Seminary starts monday. I'm going to graduate this year. I'm so excited.
Sep 2, 2011
GETTIN BUFF!!! :)
For knowledge, I've finished all of the erquired value experiences and now all I have to do is upload them to the online thing to turn in to my leaders and get them passed off. However, I have already chosen a project! Gettin buff. :) I'm making my own fitness and eating plan and I'm calling it "run and not be weary" in reference to the revelation given by Joseph Smith in section 89 of the doctrine and covenants (aka the word of wisdom). I'm writing out the program and I've already started implementing it! I'll include my fitness plan for 2 weeks and a journal on what I eat each day and goals for the week, etc. It's going to be really cool. I'll start that program officially on Monday because I have to write the packet for my project still. In addition, since this is my personal progress blog, I'll post my project in it's entirety so you can follow my progress. Oh, and you may ask "Ashleigh, why do you title your posts on fitness as 'gettin buff?'" Well, good people let me tell you. One time I was doing squats in the weight room fourth period because I had weight training that period. I was on 5 out of 10 of the reps I was going to do when I heard to boys behind me on the benches. One was benching and the other was spotting the guy. The spotter was yelling at the guy benching. "WHAT DO YOU THINK YOU'RE DOING?!" and each time the other guy brought the bar up he would shout back "GETTIN' BUFF!!!" It cracked me up so much that I had to put the weight back on the rack otherwise I would've tipped over. My spotter was laughing too hard to help me too. Anyway, it just made me giggle.
I'll find a creative way of posting my project on here and I'll do that by monday morning.
So far today I have done tricep extensions, yoga poses, and a bunch of other things. Hm, maybe I should post instructions on how to do these exercises so that you get the picture of just exactly what I'm doing... hm... :)
I'll find a creative way of posting my project on here and I'll do that by monday morning.
So far today I have done tricep extensions, yoga poses, and a bunch of other things. Hm, maybe I should post instructions on how to do these exercises so that you get the picture of just exactly what I'm doing... hm... :)
Aug 29, 2011
getting a job and school
The only real job I've ever had is babysitting. I've been trying to get a job lately and it's not really working in my favor so far. I'm still trying to get one, I'm just more than a little frustrated because I've been applying and following up and still no job. I know I have to be patient and keep trying.
Planning for school isn't going well either. I have no idea what's going to happen. I called the continuation school this morning and set up an appointment with the principal for tomorrow at 1. The idea is to do choir at the regular high school first period and then there's a bus that takes the continuation school kids to school from the regular high school. Hopefully they have room for me. Otherwise, it's online high school for me. That's the plan B here. I just want to graduate already. I don't care if I walk or not, I just want a high school diploma. Not a GED.
All this could've been avoided, had I actually done my work and remembered to turn in assignments. I know the material. I just forget or I don't do it and get distracted.
I'm not feeling well today either. Emotionally a little bit, but my stomach hurts and my head does a little bit too. I'm going up in my room to read scriptures now. Maybe that will make me feel better.
Planning for school isn't going well either. I have no idea what's going to happen. I called the continuation school this morning and set up an appointment with the principal for tomorrow at 1. The idea is to do choir at the regular high school first period and then there's a bus that takes the continuation school kids to school from the regular high school. Hopefully they have room for me. Otherwise, it's online high school for me. That's the plan B here. I just want to graduate already. I don't care if I walk or not, I just want a high school diploma. Not a GED.
All this could've been avoided, had I actually done my work and remembered to turn in assignments. I know the material. I just forget or I don't do it and get distracted.
I'm not feeling well today either. Emotionally a little bit, but my stomach hurts and my head does a little bit too. I'm going up in my room to read scriptures now. Maybe that will make me feel better.
Aug 22, 2011
gettin' buff: episode one
so, under one of the experiences in... knowledge? I think? It says to develop healthy eating habits and an exercise plan and to go about that plan for a certain amount of time. Here's my problem: since I've been out of school, I don't have weight training anymore (thank goodness, there are only so many vulgar, sexist, and mormon jokes I can take from male football players!) anyway since I don't have that anymore, I don't really exercise regularly. I run occassionally and maybe get the motivation to do some sit ups or push ups. I used to be able to run a 6:12 mile no problem. At one time this year, I benched 105 lbs (26 less than I weigh!) and I had great upper body strength. Now, my arms are flabby, I am out of breath easier when I run and my abs have now melded into one. I'm not fat, I'm just out of shape!
So here's the deal. I'm gettin' buff. I mean it. I decided to set a goal to run the susan g komen race for the cure next month with my moms team. I want to run as much as I can in it! So, I downloaded a workout that the people from the army advise to get in shape before basic training. I'll take it a little slower but I will push myself to be better. My goal is a 6:00 mile by race day. I don't know what it is now, but I know it's not 6 minutes.
And, the eating part. I am a bit known for making a pig out of myself. I am cutting back and only eating 3 meals normal size. I am limiting myself to 2 desserts a week (gasp!) and making sure I drink a lot of water every day.
Tonight I start with the push ups and sit ups before bed. So here we go. Wish me luck! Even though I'll be missing church for the race, I will be doing this purely for my mom and I will keep that motivation in my head while I train. So, 27 days until race day! Pray for me :)
So here's the deal. I'm gettin' buff. I mean it. I decided to set a goal to run the susan g komen race for the cure next month with my moms team. I want to run as much as I can in it! So, I downloaded a workout that the people from the army advise to get in shape before basic training. I'll take it a little slower but I will push myself to be better. My goal is a 6:00 mile by race day. I don't know what it is now, but I know it's not 6 minutes.
And, the eating part. I am a bit known for making a pig out of myself. I am cutting back and only eating 3 meals normal size. I am limiting myself to 2 desserts a week (gasp!) and making sure I drink a lot of water every day.
Tonight I start with the push ups and sit ups before bed. So here we go. Wish me luck! Even though I'll be missing church for the race, I will be doing this purely for my mom and I will keep that motivation in my head while I train. So, 27 days until race day! Pray for me :)
Aug 11, 2011
Just keep swimming!!! :)
There it is. My dory doll, courtesy of the wonderful, wonderful, fantastically amazing, friends I have. Have you ever seen anything quite so glorious in all your life? Answer: no.
Yesterday I was making my bed and put the Dory doll on my bed and last night I woke up after a nightmare and I was holding Dory. Granted, it was slightly creepy to wake up from a nightmare to see a giant fish in my arms... but Dory is my absolute favorite character from my absolute favorite movie of all time. Finding Nemo is the bomb.com. Don't try to tell me otherwise because people have tried and I have remained faithful to my innocent favoritism over Pixar movies.
Anyway I am almost done with personal progress. I have literally 25 things to pass off this sunday. I am so excited! I'm also getting my patriarchal blessing on sunday and one of my absolutely amazing and fantastic YW leaders/ friends is going to take me there!!!! I am so jazzed about getting this blessing. I've been praying about it since I learned what it was!
Last night I got pretty upset before I went to sleep because I'm really trying to let go of this silly crush I have had on someone for a long time. It's hard because I... well.. it's just hard. And I don't really know why. It frusterates me because I don't understand why. Anyway I went to bed smiling because I prayed and recieved comfort from the Holy Ghost. I know I'll get over it with time... maybe. But I have faith that good will come and happen when I am patient. SO I'm going to continue trying my best to be patient. :) It is a stretch for me but since I got my first special blessing from a good friend of mine, and he admonished me to be patient... I have recieved a feeling of comfort because I know that I will have a happier outlook on life as well as a happier life if I just keep being patient.
So far nothing bad has come from being patient. Just taking things day by day.
Jul 31, 2011
investigator? HA! More like interrogator!
I was just thinking about investigators I've seen come and go in the church and in our ward. Then I started thinking about when I was an "investigator" and I thought about my poor poor friend. I asked so many questions and a lot of really difficult ones too. I feel like I was more an interrogator than an investigator. I asked so many questions. The last time I asked him a question I felt really bad because for some reason it didn't get to him until 11:30. I sent it at 10:00. I felt horrible and angry when he sent me a text at 11:30. I was like "WHO IS WAKING ME UP!!!" I had been asleep for an hour. My question was about whether or not we have a Heavenly Mother...
Anyway I feel really bad because I don't much like excessive texting. But, I have proven myself to be a hypocrite because I bugged him so much with my texting. I am so angry at myself because I constantly demanded attention from him and I think that's part of the reason we're not as close friends as we used to be. I feel really bad because I put him through so much crud and texted him mercilessly until he answered. I was impatient and stubborn and rude. I feel so bad. I told him I wouldn't text him anymore because he said he didn't like texting anymore. That was like a week ago I think. And I've had to stop myself several times because I need to grow up and restrain my childish ways. I need to be more patient and I've been doing that lately. I feel a lot more mature. But I still feel guilty that I irritated him and made him so mad. I know he's forgiving but I feel like I've taken advantage of that way too much and that was very childish of me.
I'm venting can you tell?
I'm getting my patriarchal blessing in two weeks. Since the night I scheduled it, I have been a lot better about being more mature. I've learned a lot and met a ton of people, including women from relief society whom I've befriended who are more than 30 years older than I. I still have problems. Everyone does, and I feel like the problems I still do possess will be cleared up in 2 weeks. Or maybe at least a resolution to my problems will show itself a little.
It's really hard not to text him. Considering I used to do it everyday, pretty much on an hourly basis and then I quit it all of a sudden. It's addicting and that kind of scares me. I got so involved in something that means so little. Texting is so impersonal and I don't really like it.
I told him I would stop and I have and will continue to not text him. But I asked him if he would just call once in a while and maybe even just say hi or something. I don't get to see him very often and he's a good friend of mine. Pretty much like a big brother.
Growing up is tough and I feel like it's not gonna get any easier. But lately it's been happening more and I feel like it is happening for a reason. I don't believe in coincidences.
Anyway I feel really bad because I don't much like excessive texting. But, I have proven myself to be a hypocrite because I bugged him so much with my texting. I am so angry at myself because I constantly demanded attention from him and I think that's part of the reason we're not as close friends as we used to be. I feel really bad because I put him through so much crud and texted him mercilessly until he answered. I was impatient and stubborn and rude. I feel so bad. I told him I wouldn't text him anymore because he said he didn't like texting anymore. That was like a week ago I think. And I've had to stop myself several times because I need to grow up and restrain my childish ways. I need to be more patient and I've been doing that lately. I feel a lot more mature. But I still feel guilty that I irritated him and made him so mad. I know he's forgiving but I feel like I've taken advantage of that way too much and that was very childish of me.
I'm venting can you tell?
I'm getting my patriarchal blessing in two weeks. Since the night I scheduled it, I have been a lot better about being more mature. I've learned a lot and met a ton of people, including women from relief society whom I've befriended who are more than 30 years older than I. I still have problems. Everyone does, and I feel like the problems I still do possess will be cleared up in 2 weeks. Or maybe at least a resolution to my problems will show itself a little.
It's really hard not to text him. Considering I used to do it everyday, pretty much on an hourly basis and then I quit it all of a sudden. It's addicting and that kind of scares me. I got so involved in something that means so little. Texting is so impersonal and I don't really like it.
I told him I would stop and I have and will continue to not text him. But I asked him if he would just call once in a while and maybe even just say hi or something. I don't get to see him very often and he's a good friend of mine. Pretty much like a big brother.
Growing up is tough and I feel like it's not gonna get any easier. But lately it's been happening more and I feel like it is happening for a reason. I don't believe in coincidences.
fix you
I absolutely love this song. It beats Fireflies. It is absolutely my favorite song. Coldplay is just plain amazing. If someone were to take me to a coldplay concert I would be the happiest person in the world.
This song made me cry the first time i heard it. It's called "fix you" and as always, the music video is spectacular. Coldplay always does fantastic music videos.
Here it is, just copy and paste the url or follow the link.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JI-o25K6B-E&ob=av2e
This song made me cry the first time i heard it. It's called "fix you" and as always, the music video is spectacular. Coldplay always does fantastic music videos.
Here it is, just copy and paste the url or follow the link.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JI-o25K6B-E&ob=av2e
Jul 23, 2011
memorizing
I know that in this church, you do a LOT of memorizing. Especially during the year in seminary for scripture mastery. During the couple months I was in seminary, I memorized all of the scripture mastery but 4. I've memorized the 13th article of faith for personal progress (Knowledge required value experience #3) and I know in Knowledge under the elective value experiences there is one choice to memorize 2 of your favorite hymns, which I am working on. In Faith, you can memorize and recite "The Living Christ" which sounds like a challenge, so I want to do that too. There are a ton of other things to memorize in personal progress as well.
I am really good at memorization because I like to go over and over and over things in my mind. I have also found an easier way of memorization. Since you have a lot of memorizing ahead of you in seminary, personal progress, and in preparation for a mission should you choose to go on one... I'll share it with you.
Yesterday I was memorizing the 13th article of faith. That is this year's mutual theme. It's also a required value experience under Knowledge. (#3) Here's what I did to memorize:
WBIBHTCBVAIDGTAMIWMSWFTAOPWBATWHATWHEMTAHTEATITIAVLOGROPWSATT
That is the first letter of each word in the article. It's sort of a cheat sheet that will help pave the way in memorization. I found that once I mastered this, I was able to recite the article without the "cheat sheet" much more quickly than if I hadn't made it.
Now, I just took a few months of the Doctrine and Covenants course in seminary. So I know there are quite a few REALLY REALLY long scripture mastery scriptures. (Like, Joseph Smith History. Which I passed off. woot woot :) For these, just use the first letter of each word as I showed you above and highlight small chunks of the scripture mastery at a time until you've memorized that chunk. Then move on to the next chunk when you feel confident, adding the part you've already learned.
I hope this helps! I know it really helped for me.
I don't know exactly where I am in personal progress just yet, but it looks like I'll be finishing by the end of August. Craziness!
In other news, I've been writing to a missionary who is currently in Sao Paolo, Brazil. (Portugese speaking mission) He is having the time of his life. He loves Sao Paolo. He's already had some challenges with members and inactive members but he says he is just so happy to help them. He is a really great example to me. He is a great example of honoring his priesthood and doing good unto all men. He's been writing to me and updating me on several people he's spoken to or whatever. It's really cool. He's a great missionary. I can't wait until he comes back but I am so glad that he has this experience right now. It is just so valuable to him and the brothers and sisters around him. This is how he closed the last time he wrote me:
Esta semana eu li Jacó e eu gosto de quando Jacó explica a importância dos profetas. Por exemplo, em versiculos Jacó 4:4. Muitas pessoas aqui não entendem que nós precisamos um profeta hoje e não entendem o que um profeta é. Mas eu sei que nós temos profetas denovo, que como Deus chamou profetas nos tempos antigos que José Smith foi chamado a ser um profeta, e AGORA nós temos um profeta chamado Thomas S. Monson. Nós temos profetas então nós podemos ser guiados atrevés esta vida e ter felicidade e saber o que Deus quer que nós fazemos. Esta obra é dificil as vezes, mas como é diz em Jarom 1:3, que muito obra precisa acontecer aqui.
[This week I read and I like Jacob when Jacob explains the importance of the prophets. For example, in verses 4:4 Jacob. Many people here do not understand that we need a prophet today and do not understand what a prophet is. But I know we have prophets again, that as God called prophets in ancient times that Joseph Smith was called to be a prophet, and now we have a prophet named Thomas S. Monson. We have prophets, then we can dare to be led this life and be happy and know what God wants us to do. This work is hard sometimes, but as is said in Jarom 1:3, that much work needs to happen here.]
Thank goodness for google translator! :)
I am really good at memorization because I like to go over and over and over things in my mind. I have also found an easier way of memorization. Since you have a lot of memorizing ahead of you in seminary, personal progress, and in preparation for a mission should you choose to go on one... I'll share it with you.
Yesterday I was memorizing the 13th article of faith. That is this year's mutual theme. It's also a required value experience under Knowledge. (#3) Here's what I did to memorize:
WBIBHTCBVAIDGTAMIWMSWFTAOPWBATWHATWHEMTAHTEATITIAVLOGROPWSATT
That is the first letter of each word in the article. It's sort of a cheat sheet that will help pave the way in memorization. I found that once I mastered this, I was able to recite the article without the "cheat sheet" much more quickly than if I hadn't made it.
Now, I just took a few months of the Doctrine and Covenants course in seminary. So I know there are quite a few REALLY REALLY long scripture mastery scriptures. (Like, Joseph Smith History. Which I passed off. woot woot :) For these, just use the first letter of each word as I showed you above and highlight small chunks of the scripture mastery at a time until you've memorized that chunk. Then move on to the next chunk when you feel confident, adding the part you've already learned.
I hope this helps! I know it really helped for me.
I don't know exactly where I am in personal progress just yet, but it looks like I'll be finishing by the end of August. Craziness!
In other news, I've been writing to a missionary who is currently in Sao Paolo, Brazil. (Portugese speaking mission) He is having the time of his life. He loves Sao Paolo. He's already had some challenges with members and inactive members but he says he is just so happy to help them. He is a really great example to me. He is a great example of honoring his priesthood and doing good unto all men. He's been writing to me and updating me on several people he's spoken to or whatever. It's really cool. He's a great missionary. I can't wait until he comes back but I am so glad that he has this experience right now. It is just so valuable to him and the brothers and sisters around him. This is how he closed the last time he wrote me:
Esta semana eu li Jacó e eu gosto de quando Jacó explica a importância dos profetas. Por exemplo, em versiculos Jacó 4:4. Muitas pessoas aqui não entendem que nós precisamos um profeta hoje e não entendem o que um profeta é. Mas eu sei que nós temos profetas denovo, que como Deus chamou profetas nos tempos antigos que José Smith foi chamado a ser um profeta, e AGORA nós temos um profeta chamado Thomas S. Monson. Nós temos profetas então nós podemos ser guiados atrevés esta vida e ter felicidade e saber o que Deus quer que nós fazemos. Esta obra é dificil as vezes, mas como é diz em Jarom 1:3, que muito obra precisa acontecer aqui.
[This week I read and I like Jacob when Jacob explains the importance of the prophets. For example, in verses 4:4 Jacob. Many people here do not understand that we need a prophet today and do not understand what a prophet is. But I know we have prophets again, that as God called prophets in ancient times that Joseph Smith was called to be a prophet, and now we have a prophet named Thomas S. Monson. We have prophets, then we can dare to be led this life and be happy and know what God wants us to do. This work is hard sometimes, but as is said in Jarom 1:3, that much work needs to happen here.]
Thank goodness for google translator! :)
Jul 20, 2011
Today is a great day. I'm so happy to have to gospel in my life. My mom will come home this evening from her procedure and we picked her some flowers :) I'm writing to a missionary who is in Brazil right now. He is really enjoying it and he's really getting a hang of portuguese. He writes half of the letters in portuguese and I have to use google translator for most of it. It's really cool though. I miss him a lot, but he's doing really well. Can't wait until he gets home though.
Anyway, I'm going tubing with my YW group in a combined group with the Young Men. Down the columbia river! I am really excited. Its sunny and nice outside too.
I'll write more soon. I have lots to say.
Anyway, I'm going tubing with my YW group in a combined group with the Young Men. Down the columbia river! I am really excited. Its sunny and nice outside too.
I'll write more soon. I have lots to say.
Jul 16, 2011
art blog
my new art blog! Hopefully im better about uploading things onto this one than I am about it on Deviantart. haha probably not.
http://heypianoman.blogspot.com/
check it out!
http://heypianoman.blogspot.com/
check it out!
Jun 30, 2011
sigh.
I miss my family. Even though we had a huge blowout and I don't get along with one of them at all, I really miss them. It's weird to go home to visit. It's weird to go home to visit and see that my dad can't walk around and my mom hurts and aches and I am not there to help. I wish I was. I wish we hadn't fought. I really do. If I could go back in time, that would be the only thing I would change. The one night things got bad. I have been praying every night about what to do but I don't feel like I know what to do. The Holy Ghost has helped me when I asked for help about whether or not I should actually go to a therapist, about joining the ward choir, helping out my friends in young womens, showing everyone that I love them no matter what. I think my biggest mistake was not throwing out my pride. I wish I had swallowed my pride long ago. It's been over 9 years since I've hugged a certain one of my sisters. Literally. I haven't hugged her since she was in first grade. No. Actually, I haven't hugged her since kindergarten. Do you know how much I regret that right now? No, you probably don't. Considering you're just reading my words. If you were sitting next to me, you would see a girl crying on the couch on a laptop wrapped up in a blanket.
People ask me all the time "Why do you pray?" or "Why doesn't God answer prayers?" I have to be completely honest with you. We pray to Heavenly Father because we believe that He knows what is best for us. We don't just believe. We know. I know. Praying has helped me in the past. It has helped me out of my trials and my sad times. It has brought good times and happy days. Prayers aren't always answered right away. Sometimes this is a test of our faith. I know right now I have been praying for about a month every morning and every night about reconciliation with my entire family and I still don't know what I can do to fulfill that. I want to be home with my family because I love them so much and I miss them. But you know what? I'm not going to give up. This IS a test of my faith and I am going to show everyone how faithful I am. I am not going to give up. Heavenly Father does answer prayers. He will help us. He will help me because I will keep praying with a broken heart and contrite spirit and He will help you.
I don't necessarily know who you are, but I know one thing for sure. Heavenly Father loves you and has set up a plan for you. He wants you to come back to Him in heaven. He will answer your prayers brothers and sisters, he is always listening for you. I just know and I can truly testify that He loves you so much. You know how I know? He sacrificed His son Jesus Christ for us. His only begotten son. Now, I know my parents love me. I know without the shadow of a doubt that they do. Even though I have made so many mistakes they love me. And I love them dearly. Think of that bond. A parent and a son or daughter. Now imagine, if that parent sacrificed their only child for the good of all mankind. That is a huge sacrifice. And it was all for you. To me, that is just the coolest thing in the world. I know my parents would do anything for me. It's been shown these last couple months and I see it. You weren't on Earth, and neither was I for that matter, when Jesus Christ was crucified. We didn't see with our eyes, that true atoning sacrifice. How do we know it's true? How do we know some random person didn't just make it all up? Faith. Oftentimes seeing helps us believe; but more often than not seeing with your eyes is believing which is seeing.
He wants us to come back to Him. All we need to do when we go through trials is ask for His help.
I'm not telling you or asking you to believe this. I'm only showing you what I believe. I hope with all my heart you'll have faith in my testimony and investigate. Any questions or comments please email me. A.robyn.1@gmail.com.
I love you mom.
I love you dad.
Yes, I do love you sister (I won't put your name on here, for safety reasons)
I love you other sister (safety reasons)
I love you brother.
I'm going to bed now. Tomorrow's a new day and I am currently emotionally drained.
-ashleigh
People ask me all the time "Why do you pray?" or "Why doesn't God answer prayers?" I have to be completely honest with you. We pray to Heavenly Father because we believe that He knows what is best for us. We don't just believe. We know. I know. Praying has helped me in the past. It has helped me out of my trials and my sad times. It has brought good times and happy days. Prayers aren't always answered right away. Sometimes this is a test of our faith. I know right now I have been praying for about a month every morning and every night about reconciliation with my entire family and I still don't know what I can do to fulfill that. I want to be home with my family because I love them so much and I miss them. But you know what? I'm not going to give up. This IS a test of my faith and I am going to show everyone how faithful I am. I am not going to give up. Heavenly Father does answer prayers. He will help us. He will help me because I will keep praying with a broken heart and contrite spirit and He will help you.
I don't necessarily know who you are, but I know one thing for sure. Heavenly Father loves you and has set up a plan for you. He wants you to come back to Him in heaven. He will answer your prayers brothers and sisters, he is always listening for you. I just know and I can truly testify that He loves you so much. You know how I know? He sacrificed His son Jesus Christ for us. His only begotten son. Now, I know my parents love me. I know without the shadow of a doubt that they do. Even though I have made so many mistakes they love me. And I love them dearly. Think of that bond. A parent and a son or daughter. Now imagine, if that parent sacrificed their only child for the good of all mankind. That is a huge sacrifice. And it was all for you. To me, that is just the coolest thing in the world. I know my parents would do anything for me. It's been shown these last couple months and I see it. You weren't on Earth, and neither was I for that matter, when Jesus Christ was crucified. We didn't see with our eyes, that true atoning sacrifice. How do we know it's true? How do we know some random person didn't just make it all up? Faith. Oftentimes seeing helps us believe; but more often than not seeing with your eyes is believing which is seeing.
He wants us to come back to Him. All we need to do when we go through trials is ask for His help.
I'm not telling you or asking you to believe this. I'm only showing you what I believe. I hope with all my heart you'll have faith in my testimony and investigate. Any questions or comments please email me. A.robyn.1@gmail.com.
I love you mom.
I love you dad.
Yes, I do love you sister (I won't put your name on here, for safety reasons)
I love you other sister (safety reasons)
I love you brother.
I'm going to bed now. Tomorrow's a new day and I am currently emotionally drained.
-ashleigh
Jun 28, 2011
correction
I'm learning all of them, but the one I am working the most on is Renaissance Hymn. An arrangement also done by Jon Schmidt. There are two hymns mixed together in this piece. Let Zion in Her Beauty Rise and Saints Behold How Great Jehovah. I think it's funny because in the book which I bought at deseret book, there is a typo in the title of the song. When it says Let Zion in Her Beauty Rise, "beauty" is spelled "beuaty".
Anyway enjoy Renaissance Hymn. One of my favorites to play.
Anyway enjoy Renaissance Hymn. One of my favorites to play.
For the beauty of the earth
I have the sheet music for the song "For the beauty of the Earth". The sheet music is a piano instrumental arrangement done by Jon Schmidt. My 2nd favorite pianist in the world. First being my best friend :)
Anyway I've been practicing quite a bit today and now I'm listening to it on youtube to make sure I'm getting it right. I really love this song. It's beautiful and it just makes me smile when I play it.
I've also been learning the piano instrumental version he arranged of "A poor wayfaring man of grief" which is my favorite hymn.
Check out Jon Schmidt. He is really amazing. I love the music and love his story.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pKqm9qrDcMs
Anyway I've been practicing quite a bit today and now I'm listening to it on youtube to make sure I'm getting it right. I really love this song. It's beautiful and it just makes me smile when I play it.
I've also been learning the piano instrumental version he arranged of "A poor wayfaring man of grief" which is my favorite hymn.
Check out Jon Schmidt. He is really amazing. I love the music and love his story.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pKqm9qrDcMs
Jun 25, 2011
last day in utah
Today is my last full day in utah. Tomorrow we head home. I really loved this vacation. So many firsts and new places. Last night i went on a date with a wonderful gentleman named Ryan. I had a great time. I really like him, he's funny and we like a lot of the same music. I think he and i got along really well. Today the family and i are going to lagoon. I heard it's a fun place. I'll be sad to leave utah, but i had fun. :) definitely one of the best vacations i've ever been on.
Jun 23, 2011
utah trip day 4
I'm almost done with the 4th fablehaven book! It's really good so far. A friend lent me the 4th and 5th books to read on the trip because it's a 13 hour drive. Anyway I woke up this morning and Brandi said "hey did you know you talk in your sleep?" -_- i'm embarassed. I'm a bad sleepwalker and talker.
I'm really excited for the rodeo tonight and our date tomorrow :) I really like Ryan so far. I hope the date goes well tomorrow, i have no idea what we're doing but i should probably ask so i know what to wear.
So far i've gotten some color from the sun. I have a little pink on my nose but the rest is pretty even. My goal is to not look like a vampire anymore.
It's really pretty today as usual :)
I'm really excited for the rodeo tonight and our date tomorrow :) I really like Ryan so far. I hope the date goes well tomorrow, i have no idea what we're doing but i should probably ask so i know what to wear.
So far i've gotten some color from the sun. I have a little pink on my nose but the rest is pretty even. My goal is to not look like a vampire anymore.
It's really pretty today as usual :)
Jun 22, 2011
utah so far
Well the drive was long. But so far it has been totally worth 13 hours in a car. Tuesday we went to the copper mine and that was totally awesome. I loved it! Yesterday we also went to the great salt lake. It smelled disgusting but it was so beautiful. We also went to deseret book, which i really thought was awesome. Today we went into salt lake city and went to temple square. I absolutely loved it! Then we went to a wedding for holden and his new wife. When the bride tossed the bouquet, i caught it!!! It was a beautiful wedding and i had so much fun today. The whole time i've been here its been sunny and warm. I have a little pink on my nose but i am actually getting kind of a tan. I absolutely love it here in utah. I love it so much it's just so incredible here! It's beautiful. I'll post pics when i get home on monday.
utah so far
Well the drive was long. But so far it has been totally worth 13 hours in a car. Tuesday we went to the copper mine and that was totally awesome. I loved it! Yesterday we also went to the great salt lake. It smelled disgusting but it was so beautiful. We also went to deseret book, which i really thought was awesome. Today we went into salt lake city and went to temple square. I absolutely loved it! Then we went to a wedding for holden and his new wife. When the bride tossed the bouquet, i caught it!!! It was a beautiful wedding and i had so much fun today. The whole time i've been here its been sunny and warm. I have a little pink on my nose but i am actually getting kind of a tan. I absolutely love it here in utah. I love it so much it's just so incredible here! It's beautiful. I'll post pics when i get home on monday.
utah so far
Well the drive was long. But so far it has been totally worth 13 hours in a car. Tuesday we went to the copper mine and that was totally awesome. I loved it! Yesterday we also went to the great salt lake. It smelled disgusting but it was so beautiful. We also went to deseret book, which i really thought was awesome. Today we went into salt lake city and went to temple square. I absolutely loved it! Then we went to a wedding for holden and his new wife. When the bride tossed the bouquet, i caught it!!! It was a beautiful wedding and i had so much fun today. The whole time i've been here its been sunny and warm. I have a little pink on my nose but i am actually getting kind of a tan. I absolutely love it here in utah. I love it so much it's just so incredible here! It's beautiful. I'll post pics when i get home on monday.
Jun 14, 2011
Gardening
I just got inside from my first official legitamate gardening experience. I've got to say it was a lot of fun. Sure, I have done yard work before. I've pulled up plants and taken bulbs out of the ground. But I've never really actually planted something before. I planted peas in a red plastic cup once after eighth grade but I don't know what happened to them. Anyway gardening was a lot of fun. I planted peas today in the backyard and I really liked it. I want to see what happens to my peas :) I hope I have more of a green thumb than my mom or dad. My dad was given a mini bonsai tree once and didn't water it for a really really long time. My mom just doesn't really do well with plants either.
Today was a pretty great day :) It will be cool to see how the peas grow!
Wow, just rereading this post makes me really look like a simpleton... oh well. At least I'm now an OPTIMISTIC simpleton :D
Today was a pretty great day :) It will be cool to see how the peas grow!
Wow, just rereading this post makes me really look like a simpleton... oh well. At least I'm now an OPTIMISTIC simpleton :D
Patriarchal Blessing!
Coming soon! I got my reccomend! I am so excited. I prayed and know who I should bring and everything. I don't know what day it is exactly yet, but I am so excited. :D
Jun 7, 2011
Happily Ever After
I made this handout on Macromedia Fireworks 8. It comes from a talk given by Dieter F. Uchtdorf who is the second counselor in the first presidency. He gave this talk in the (I think) April 2010 YW General Broadcast.
Here's the talk online: http://lds.org/general-conference/2010/04/your-happily-ever-after?lang=eng&query=Happily+ever+after
Enjoy the talk and the handout :) This talk is one of my favorites!
expanding views!
I just checked my stats on my blog again to see which countries are seeing my blog. So far the United States (353), Malaysia (13), Germany (2), United Kingdom (2), Spain (1), Indonesia (1), and Sweden (1) are all the countries where my blog has been read! It feels so awesome to know that I have gotten readers from all over the world! This makes me want to share the Gospel in my life even more!
I feel like I'm really getting a lot of people interested because I check the pageviews each day and they are going up the same amount each day. So, either I have 6-8 readers who visit my blog daily or on a regular basis, or people just randomly read it. Either way I feel like I'm under some pressure here to show my brothers and sisters around the world what I know and believe.
So, if you read this blog there is a little button on here that says "Follow my blog". Click that little button to see when I update on your email. If you have a gmail account that makes it easier to access.
Here's my email if you don't understand how that works or you have ideas, thoughts, devotionals, pictures, etc.
A.robyn.1@gmail.com
I feel like I'm really getting a lot of people interested because I check the pageviews each day and they are going up the same amount each day. So, either I have 6-8 readers who visit my blog daily or on a regular basis, or people just randomly read it. Either way I feel like I'm under some pressure here to show my brothers and sisters around the world what I know and believe.
So, if you read this blog there is a little button on here that says "Follow my blog". Click that little button to see when I update on your email. If you have a gmail account that makes it easier to access.
Here's my email if you don't understand how that works or you have ideas, thoughts, devotionals, pictures, etc.
A.robyn.1@gmail.com
Jun 6, 2011
May 31, 2011
Wow
There's this really cool application on blogger that shows you where your readers live. It doesn't tell you who reads it and who they are but it shows the different places your readers are. My readers come from The United States, United Kingdom, and Malaysia. When I saw the Malaysia one had 3 different people, I was a little surprised. That's pretty cool. I'll start posting messages on here now again and hopefully you are uplifted :)
love,
Ash
love,
Ash
May 26, 2011
Busy busy busy
I am so busy right now, it's been a while since I last posted.
Right now I am finishing my Senior Project. I am putting the final touches on my actual project. I have literally one more thing to do. Then I have to finish proofreading my paper and make a final copy. Then I need to finish my slideshow for my speech. That's all.
Well, I'm not graduating with my class in June. I won't be able to walk in two weeks with my class. But I'm not going to let that get me down. I'm playing and singing at the Senior Baccalaureate... I know I spelled that wrong... I'm going to summer school at a different High School to get the credits I need to get a diploma. I only have 2 credits max.
I'm going to continue with school and get my diploma. Definitely not going to drop out or get my GED.
So yeah, that's mostly what's been happening in school lately.
Just a small update. I'll update again soon.
-Ash
Right now I am finishing my Senior Project. I am putting the final touches on my actual project. I have literally one more thing to do. Then I have to finish proofreading my paper and make a final copy. Then I need to finish my slideshow for my speech. That's all.
Well, I'm not graduating with my class in June. I won't be able to walk in two weeks with my class. But I'm not going to let that get me down. I'm playing and singing at the Senior Baccalaureate... I know I spelled that wrong... I'm going to summer school at a different High School to get the credits I need to get a diploma. I only have 2 credits max.
I'm going to continue with school and get my diploma. Definitely not going to drop out or get my GED.
So yeah, that's mostly what's been happening in school lately.
Just a small update. I'll update again soon.
-Ash
May 8, 2011
Do you ever feel incredibly lonely?
I know I do. I have been all week. I wish everything could be okay soon. Today I wrote some facebook statuses about how I've felt and deleted each one because I know I am being too negative...
I wrote something along the lines of "ouch. my throat hurts." "Only made it to sacrament meeting at a different church before I went home because I felt so horrible." "I wish I didn't feel so lonely"
I deleted every single one of those because I realized I am being way too negative. I'm letting Satan get a hold of me and that's not going to happen anymore. I realize I've been letting that happen a lot lately and that's probably why I feel I've been so horribly upset. I haven't taken the time to count my blessings and see all the good things going on in my life. I've only been looking on the bad. My friend tells me all the time that I'm beautiful. Yet I put myself down on a constant basis simply because two people outside of school say I'm not. My friend is someone whose opinion I should look to the most because he's a much better example than the two people.
I put myself down a lot and I did a lot today. I felt sick and lonely and I didn't even pray to Heavenly Father. That's where I made my mistake today. I woke up and didn't pray because I thought it's just one time. I'll pray later. Then my throat hurt and I began to feel sick and I was upset because it was another thing on top of all thats been going on lately. I didn't pray then either. There was mistake two. Then after sacrament, I came home and laid in my bed thinking about how lonely I felt. Something should have clicked there. I have been given the gift of the Holy Ghost! How ungrateful of me to not call upon that gift!
I know the Holy Ghost will bring me comfort when I go upstairs in a few minutes and kneel by my bed and pray. The Holy Ghost has brought me that comfort before and I know that I will not feel lonely when I pray.
Don't pass up the opportunity to pray. Ever. Even when you think "oh, I can do that later."
I'm passing off this scripture mastery tomorrow because of what I remembered and learned today:
"Pray always, that you may come off conqueror; yea, that you may conquer Satan, and that you may escape the hands of the servants of Satan that do uphold his work."
Doctrine and Covenants 10:5
In the name of Jesus Christ.
Amen.
I wrote something along the lines of "ouch. my throat hurts." "Only made it to sacrament meeting at a different church before I went home because I felt so horrible." "I wish I didn't feel so lonely"
I deleted every single one of those because I realized I am being way too negative. I'm letting Satan get a hold of me and that's not going to happen anymore. I realize I've been letting that happen a lot lately and that's probably why I feel I've been so horribly upset. I haven't taken the time to count my blessings and see all the good things going on in my life. I've only been looking on the bad. My friend tells me all the time that I'm beautiful. Yet I put myself down on a constant basis simply because two people outside of school say I'm not. My friend is someone whose opinion I should look to the most because he's a much better example than the two people.
I put myself down a lot and I did a lot today. I felt sick and lonely and I didn't even pray to Heavenly Father. That's where I made my mistake today. I woke up and didn't pray because I thought it's just one time. I'll pray later. Then my throat hurt and I began to feel sick and I was upset because it was another thing on top of all thats been going on lately. I didn't pray then either. There was mistake two. Then after sacrament, I came home and laid in my bed thinking about how lonely I felt. Something should have clicked there. I have been given the gift of the Holy Ghost! How ungrateful of me to not call upon that gift!
I know the Holy Ghost will bring me comfort when I go upstairs in a few minutes and kneel by my bed and pray. The Holy Ghost has brought me that comfort before and I know that I will not feel lonely when I pray.
Don't pass up the opportunity to pray. Ever. Even when you think "oh, I can do that later."
I'm passing off this scripture mastery tomorrow because of what I remembered and learned today:
"Pray always, that you may come off conqueror; yea, that you may conquer Satan, and that you may escape the hands of the servants of Satan that do uphold his work."
Doctrine and Covenants 10:5
In the name of Jesus Christ.
Amen.
May 6, 2011
I am a lighthouse
At our new beginnings, the theme was lighthouses. The stake YW President talked about this light house that had been built and fell apart and been rebuilt again. And now that it has a strong foundation, it is still there and strong.
I guess I feel like a lighthouse. Did you ever read that little children's book the little red lighthouse and the great grey bridge? I remember my mom reading it to me. It was about a little lighthouse who is a beacon of light to all the ships at sea. He is visited by an old man who turns on his light each evening for the boats. Soon the man stops coming and a huge, grey concrete bridge is built around him. Then there is a huge freight boat that can't see in the dark and in the really bad storm. Suddenly the old man shows up again and turns the little red light house's light on for the boat. The little red lighthouse is a hero and lives happily ever after.
I guess I hope I am a light house like one of those. In some ways I'm like the one our stake YW President talked about at new beginnings. I started out strong. A daughter of God sent here with a divine purpose. Then along the way I was broken down little by little and I needed repair. Probably emotionally and spiritually. In seventh grade I was helped a little and it was good help but it wasn't what I needed to be completely fixed all the way. It was only temporary and the damage started to show itself again once I reached high school. Sophomore year was the year it started to get bad for me. I was falling behind in school and my grandparents on my dad's side both passed away. Plus a friend of mine who I was close to. It hit hard. My (now) best friend who is a member of the church and was at the time, helped me very much and the repair that was done was better than the first time, but it still wasn't enough. Time led up to this year. Where I completely crumbled like that lighthouse she mentioned at new beginnings. I was shown the Gospel. There, my foundation was laid. It was strong and everyone knew it would endure all the wear and tear. It would keep the lighthouse (me?) strong and faithful. Up until now, only the foundation was there because I realized other people have helped me and built me up as much as they can by laying a firm foundation. Now I need to start building myself up on that firm foundation so that I can let my light shine.
I've been thinking a lot about light houses and light. I have also been thinking a lot about the verse in Matthew 5:16
"Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven."
Is it a coincidence that I've always been afraid of the dark? It's true. Can't sleep well unless my light is on, or my door is open. I don't know why. If someone else, such as a child I babysit or one of my siblings when they were little asked me "will you come in until I can fall asleep? I'm scared of the dark." I would go in and face my fear for them. But when I am afraid, I stay afraid and don't ask for help or tell myself everything is ok. Like in the little red lighthouse and the great grey bridge, when it's dark the lighthouse shows the way for all the other boats but when he is left without his light or when he is alone in the dark, he is afraid and does not let himself know that everything is ok or that it will be ok.
I want to learn how to not be afraid of the dark anymore. I feel like that way I will be more prepared to let my light shine when others need it to show them the way.
That felt really good to get out of my system. I don't know if it made sense to you, but I just wrote everything in my mind. I feel better now. I still feel lonely but I know that will pass. I hope I can find the strength to build myself up instead of letting the evil vectors in my life tear or beat me down.
**update**
someone from church gave me a link on facebook... the bridge from the book is an ACTUAL bridge! I never knew that! Check it out! This is so cool!
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Little_Red_Lighthouse
May 3, 2011
ch-ch-ch-changes!
I'm trying to be positive about this whole situation lately.
Life's been changing a lot and its for the better. I can't help but think of that song by David Bowie.
Anyway here's a talk I really love by Second Counselor Deiter F. Uchtdorf...
http://lds.org/general-conference/2010/04/your-happily-ever-after?lang=eng&query=Happily+Ever+after
enjoy. It's one of my favorites.
Today I'm walking to the bank to do my banking after work. When I walk home I'll stop off at a park somewhere and eat my dinner and read some scriptures :)
Have a good day everyone.
-Ash
Life's been changing a lot and its for the better. I can't help but think of that song by David Bowie.
Anyway here's a talk I really love by Second Counselor Deiter F. Uchtdorf...
http://lds.org/general-conference/2010/04/your-happily-ever-after?lang=eng&query=Happily+Ever+after
enjoy. It's one of my favorites.
Today I'm walking to the bank to do my banking after work. When I walk home I'll stop off at a park somewhere and eat my dinner and read some scriptures :)
Have a good day everyone.
-Ash
Apr 28, 2011
This really got me
About ten minutes ago when I was reading an old issue of the Ensign from May 2010, I was reading the talk "Mother told me" given by Elder Bradley D. Foster of the Seventy. The first thing you read under the title is a quote from it when he says "Perhaps the reason we respond so universally to our mothers' love is because it typifies the love of our Savior." I thought that was really interesting. Then when I got to the end this next quote I teared up a little. I was sitting at a table in the library with my highlighter just reading it and highlighting important lessons and quotes in the talk. The quote says "As in all things, the Savior set the perfect example in the love He showed for His earthly mother. In the final, most pivotal moment of His mortal life-- after the anguish of Gethsemane, the mock trial, the crown of thorns, the heavy cross to which He was brutally nailed -- Jesus looked down from the cross and saw His mother, Mary, who had come to be with her Son. His final act of love berore he died was to ensure that His mother would be cared for, saying to His disciple, "Behold they mother!" And from that point on the disciple took her unto his home. As the scriptures say, then Jesus knew that "all things were now accomplished," and He bowed His head and died (see John 19:27-28, 30)"
I started to cry when I read that. I didn't care what the other kids in the library thought, I was really moved by this. It really touched me.
I know there have been so many women in my life who have taught me things that mothers teach their children. I even consider one other female figure besides my biological mother, sort of my mom of the church. Since my mom is not a member, she doesn't know things of the Gospel to teach me. I am so grateful for the lessons my mom has taught me. I am also grateful for the things my "church mother" has taught me. She set a brilliant example of patience for me and I look up to her in that regard. She and her family have had all my missionary lessons except one in their home. She taught me and set a true shining example of faith and good works. I really look up to this woman and am so glad to have an example like that in my life.
Honor your mothers and the women who teach you. Love them because they love you.
In the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
I started to cry when I read that. I didn't care what the other kids in the library thought, I was really moved by this. It really touched me.
I know there have been so many women in my life who have taught me things that mothers teach their children. I even consider one other female figure besides my biological mother, sort of my mom of the church. Since my mom is not a member, she doesn't know things of the Gospel to teach me. I am so grateful for the lessons my mom has taught me. I am also grateful for the things my "church mother" has taught me. She set a brilliant example of patience for me and I look up to her in that regard. She and her family have had all my missionary lessons except one in their home. She taught me and set a true shining example of faith and good works. I really look up to this woman and am so glad to have an example like that in my life.
Honor your mothers and the women who teach you. Love them because they love you.
In the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
Apr 12, 2011
Prom tomorrow
I am very excited for prom tomorrow. I am so glad that I'm going to an LDS prom as opposed to school prom. I went to the school homecoming freshman year and this year (this year with a date) and there was a lot of inappropriate music and behavior there. I can only imagine what a prom would be like for school. Anyway I went to the LDS prom last year with my friend Matt. It was a lot of fun. There was no inappropriate music, no bad behavior or bad language at all. Everyone wore modest attire and looked beautiful/ handsome. I can't wait for tomorrow. My friend and I are going to prom together and we'll be in a small group with a really close friend of ours and his date (whom I have never met before). We're all going to red lobster for dinner. I am just so dang excited.
Update on my mom:
She's home now! She is still in a lot of pain and on some meds for that and for recovery from surgery. Next is radiation and one more surgery and we'll be done.
I am so grateful she is home.
---
Today was our all day festival field trip for choir. We performed very well and I had a great time despite the blasting headache I got before lunch.
On the bus ride to the high school where we sang, I read some parts of an old issue of Ensign. My best friends mom gives their old ones to me. I love reading the articles and stories. I read a talk in a 2009 issue that I thought was really cool. There were two I read actually that I really liked a lot. The first one was called "That your burdens may be light" by Elder L. Whitney Clayton. The second one was "Teaching helps save lives". I liked the second one a lot. I love to tell people about the Gospel and to answer questions. I also really love reading about things and then doing a talk/ testimony on the subject. I've only ever done a talk once so far but I really love it and it was such a great experience for me. I hope I can do it again soon because I loved it so much.
In this he talks about teachers in his life and he says
"These great teachers have inspired me to ask questions about my own teaching:
1. As a teacher, do I view myself as a messenger from God?
2. Do I prepare and then teach in ways that can help save lives?
3. Do I focus on a key doctrine of the Restoration?
4. Can those I teach feel the love I have for them and for my Heavenly Father and the Savior?
5. When inspiration comes, do I close the manual and open their eyes and their ears and their hearts to the glory of God?
6. Do I invite them to do the work that God has for them to do?
7. Do I express so much confidence in them that they find the invitation hard to refuse?
8. Do I help them recognize promised blessings that come from living the doctrine I am teaching?"
I think that this is a really good list of questions to ask yourself. Not only if you are a sunday school teacher, a home teacher, a missionary, as a parent, or even if you're just teaching yourself. I really love teaching people things and I love talking about the Gospel.
I'll end with these two quotes from Gordon B. Hinckley:
“I believe in the pursuit of education. What is education? Reduced to its most simplistic definition it is the training of the mind and the body. . . . It is something that need never stop—no matter how old we grow we can acquire knowledge and use it. We can gather wisdom and profit from it.”
—Teachings of Gordon B. Hinckley (1997), 170
“Read. Read. Read. Read the word of God in sacred books of scripture. Read from the great literature of the ages. Read what is being said in our day and time and what will be said in the future.”
—“A Three-point Challenge,” BYU Commencement Address, April 27, 1995
These two quotes I think go together well. By reading the scriptures, we will learn more and be able to live better on the earth so we can return to Heavenly Father in the Celestial Kingdom. A very important lesson I learned from a friend of mine (My best friends mom) is that "Knowledge is power". With more knowledge you will be better prepared to live in the world and teach and be a parent.
Update on my mom:
She's home now! She is still in a lot of pain and on some meds for that and for recovery from surgery. Next is radiation and one more surgery and we'll be done.
I am so grateful she is home.
---
Today was our all day festival field trip for choir. We performed very well and I had a great time despite the blasting headache I got before lunch.
On the bus ride to the high school where we sang, I read some parts of an old issue of Ensign. My best friends mom gives their old ones to me. I love reading the articles and stories. I read a talk in a 2009 issue that I thought was really cool. There were two I read actually that I really liked a lot. The first one was called "That your burdens may be light" by Elder L. Whitney Clayton. The second one was "Teaching helps save lives". I liked the second one a lot. I love to tell people about the Gospel and to answer questions. I also really love reading about things and then doing a talk/ testimony on the subject. I've only ever done a talk once so far but I really love it and it was such a great experience for me. I hope I can do it again soon because I loved it so much.
In this he talks about teachers in his life and he says
"These great teachers have inspired me to ask questions about my own teaching:
1. As a teacher, do I view myself as a messenger from God?
2. Do I prepare and then teach in ways that can help save lives?
3. Do I focus on a key doctrine of the Restoration?
4. Can those I teach feel the love I have for them and for my Heavenly Father and the Savior?
5. When inspiration comes, do I close the manual and open their eyes and their ears and their hearts to the glory of God?
6. Do I invite them to do the work that God has for them to do?
7. Do I express so much confidence in them that they find the invitation hard to refuse?
8. Do I help them recognize promised blessings that come from living the doctrine I am teaching?"
I think that this is a really good list of questions to ask yourself. Not only if you are a sunday school teacher, a home teacher, a missionary, as a parent, or even if you're just teaching yourself. I really love teaching people things and I love talking about the Gospel.
I'll end with these two quotes from Gordon B. Hinckley:
“I believe in the pursuit of education. What is education? Reduced to its most simplistic definition it is the training of the mind and the body. . . . It is something that need never stop—no matter how old we grow we can acquire knowledge and use it. We can gather wisdom and profit from it.”
—Teachings of Gordon B. Hinckley (1997), 170
“Read. Read. Read. Read the word of God in sacred books of scripture. Read from the great literature of the ages. Read what is being said in our day and time and what will be said in the future.”
—“A Three-point Challenge,” BYU Commencement Address, April 27, 1995
These two quotes I think go together well. By reading the scriptures, we will learn more and be able to live better on the earth so we can return to Heavenly Father in the Celestial Kingdom. A very important lesson I learned from a friend of mine (My best friends mom) is that "Knowledge is power". With more knowledge you will be better prepared to live in the world and teach and be a parent.
Apr 10, 2011
I did it!!!
I FINALLY cooked something without burning it!!! All by myself! My family is all still at my sister's basketball tournament and I made them dinner even though they won't be home for a few hours. I can't believe I finally made a whole mean without burning it! I have photographic evidence above. I made orange chicken and broccoli and cauliflower. And here's the monumental part: I didn't microwave ANY of it! I am so excited right now.
Apr 8, 2011
"I've missed you"
The Temple was breathtaking. I started to tear up a little bit just when we pulled in. Even when Peter pointed out the top of the spire where you could see Moroni. In the chapel I started sobbing uncontrollably. It was silent sobbing though.
Then when I waited to be Baptized, I heard the voices of the people in my mind saying "thank you." It was a beautiful experience. After being Baptized for those 5 people, I started walking toward the door where I could go in to change and sobbed uncontrollably again. Then after that I couldn't stop smiling. Through all the 9 confirmations I did I smiled. I felt so much peace and happiness. I have never felt that much peace anywhere. It was serene and I felt warm and happy the whole time. I felt the Holy Ghost. I am so happy that I was able to do this today. I am so happy I was able to. It was such a blessing and I know that I will remain chaste, pure, and virtuous so that I can go to the Temple again many more times. I loved it.
The gardens and the fountain and all the surroundings outside the temple reminded me of my Grandpa Root Beer (Grandpa Bono) and Grandma Dolly's backyard. There were beautifully kept flowers everywhere. The trees were in blossom... it was all so beautiful.
I heard and felt people who passed away and I was glad for their company. I felt and heard the Holy Ghost and was shown an image of my future that I will always remember and strive to make come true.
I hope everyone gets the chance to go to a Temple somewhere in the world. It was so worth it. It was just exactly what I needed and more. I can say I will be happy for a long time. It was life changing.
Then when I waited to be Baptized, I heard the voices of the people in my mind saying "thank you." It was a beautiful experience. After being Baptized for those 5 people, I started walking toward the door where I could go in to change and sobbed uncontrollably again. Then after that I couldn't stop smiling. Through all the 9 confirmations I did I smiled. I felt so much peace and happiness. I have never felt that much peace anywhere. It was serene and I felt warm and happy the whole time. I felt the Holy Ghost. I am so happy that I was able to do this today. I am so happy I was able to. It was such a blessing and I know that I will remain chaste, pure, and virtuous so that I can go to the Temple again many more times. I loved it.
The gardens and the fountain and all the surroundings outside the temple reminded me of my Grandpa Root Beer (Grandpa Bono) and Grandma Dolly's backyard. There were beautifully kept flowers everywhere. The trees were in blossom... it was all so beautiful.
I heard and felt people who passed away and I was glad for their company. I felt and heard the Holy Ghost and was shown an image of my future that I will always remember and strive to make come true.
I hope everyone gets the chance to go to a Temple somewhere in the world. It was so worth it. It was just exactly what I needed and more. I can say I will be happy for a long time. It was life changing.
The testimony
I love hearing people's testimonies because I know those are words coming from their heart. A friend of mine from church and I have been texting back and forth a lot today and he said I should look up this guys testimony from one of his favorite bands called "For today" The guys name is Mattie Montgomery. My friend said "I can't get to it right now but will you look it up? It really inspired be cause for today is amazing its just him talking and i feel the spirit around me" I watched this video and I really liked it. I thought I would share it with you.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1sFRoWIC92I
He also said I should look up this song by them. He said that when his mom heard it, she cried. And I have to admit... I'm listening to it right now and it's making me tear up too. The lyrics are so well written. I love the music and the lyrics, but if you don't like the music at least look up the lyrics. They really speak to you. This song is amazing.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4tOLCDYyOvM
A few more hours until the Temple :) Today started out bad and I am sort of sad still but I think everything will be ok.
"[2] And now I, Nephi, write more of the words of Isaiah, for my soul delighteth in his words. For I will liken his words unto my people, and I will send them forth unto all my children, for he verily saw my Redeemer, even as I have seen him.
[3] And my brother, Jacob, also has seen him as I have seen him; wherefore, I will send their words forth unto my children to prove unto them that my words are true. Wherefore, by the words of three, God hath said, I will establish my word. Nevertheless, God sendeth more witnesses, and he proveth all his words."
2 Nephi 11:2-3
Nephi and Jacob both saw the Savior and knew he was real. They wanted everyone to know this too. Nephi liked Isaiah's words and quoted him and made a "testimony of three" which fulfilled the prophecy that Heavenly Father would establish His word through three witnesses. I leave this with you in the sacred name of my savior Jesus Christ.
-Amen
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1sFRoWIC92I
He also said I should look up this song by them. He said that when his mom heard it, she cried. And I have to admit... I'm listening to it right now and it's making me tear up too. The lyrics are so well written. I love the music and the lyrics, but if you don't like the music at least look up the lyrics. They really speak to you. This song is amazing.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4tOLCDYyOvM
A few more hours until the Temple :) Today started out bad and I am sort of sad still but I think everything will be ok.
"[2] And now I, Nephi, write more of the words of Isaiah, for my soul delighteth in his words. For I will liken his words unto my people, and I will send them forth unto all my children, for he verily saw my Redeemer, even as I have seen him.
[3] And my brother, Jacob, also has seen him as I have seen him; wherefore, I will send their words forth unto my children to prove unto them that my words are true. Wherefore, by the words of three, God hath said, I will establish my word. Nevertheless, God sendeth more witnesses, and he proveth all his words."
2 Nephi 11:2-3
Nephi and Jacob both saw the Savior and knew he was real. They wanted everyone to know this too. Nephi liked Isaiah's words and quoted him and made a "testimony of three" which fulfilled the prophecy that Heavenly Father would establish His word through three witnesses. I leave this with you in the sacred name of my savior Jesus Christ.
-Amen
Apr 6, 2011
Gifts for my Savior
I have kept a small box in my room on my windowsill marked "Gifts for my Savior". In it, I put little pieces of paper with the things I did for my Savior, Jesus Christ. For example, "February 19th, 2011 - Baptism by immersion in water" It doesn't have to be something big like that. It can be something like praying everyday in the name of the Savior, bearing your testimony in his name, etc. But after the first time I went to Church in December, I learned a lot about traditions and a church leader told us about how her family put a little box under the tree for gifts for the Savior. I decided I was going to start that in January but for April. Today is of course, April 6th which is when Jesus Christ was born.
So one more thought for the day: What do you do everyday for your Savior? What can you do to be more like him? Make some goals for the future (Baptism if you're not yet a member, make a commitment to daily prayer/ scripture study, etc.)
So one more thought for the day: What do you do everyday for your Savior? What can you do to be more like him? Make some goals for the future (Baptism if you're not yet a member, make a commitment to daily prayer/ scripture study, etc.)
I was getting ready to go out for a run. I haven't gone running in 2 weeks but I want to be in shape again, although I was dreading it and grumbling about having to go out into the cold. I had a thought in my head that I am never going to be as in shape as I was in January and February. I've had that thought etched in my mind for a few weeks now about a lot of things.
Anyway, I was in the bathroom and had all my running garb on and I was gathering my hair into a bun and just as I had gathered all my hair into a small knot at the back of my head and I grabbed a hairtie, I thought back to one email a friend who I am currently very close to sent a year or two ago. I don't remember what the situation was I think it was when my grandpa and grandma died... anyway he sent me an email with this video and this song on it. I haven't stopped listening to the song all morning. I had to find the video and share it with you. Unfortunately I deleted that email a long time ago, but this is the exact video my friend sent to me:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X5dgJwEvhrA&feature=fvwrel
It is quite a bit pixelated but the message is still the same and it's still a fantastic motivator. I'll never complain again about going out and running.
"The Lord will give strength unto his people; the Lord will bless his people with peace." -Psalms 29:11
Anyway, I was in the bathroom and had all my running garb on and I was gathering my hair into a bun and just as I had gathered all my hair into a small knot at the back of my head and I grabbed a hairtie, I thought back to one email a friend who I am currently very close to sent a year or two ago. I don't remember what the situation was I think it was when my grandpa and grandma died... anyway he sent me an email with this video and this song on it. I haven't stopped listening to the song all morning. I had to find the video and share it with you. Unfortunately I deleted that email a long time ago, but this is the exact video my friend sent to me:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X5dgJwEvhrA&feature=fvwrel
It is quite a bit pixelated but the message is still the same and it's still a fantastic motivator. I'll never complain again about going out and running.
"The Lord will give strength unto his people; the Lord will bless his people with peace." -Psalms 29:11
Apr 2, 2011
Rebekah
http://www.lifewithoutlimbs.org/rebekah-just-one-life
I am just going to say right now that I love this girl with all of my heart. She graduated last year. She was a first soprano with me in our High School's Treble choir (all girls choir). She taught me so much and she was always such a beautiful girl to have around. It always brightened my day to get a hug from Rebekah. She is the most beautiful girl and the sweetest person. I love her so much and I miss seeing her everyday in choir. I went this guys website Life without limbs and saw a video on the very first home page that said Just one Life: Rebekah and my heart stopped when I saw that picture of her skydiving.
I feel sad that I lost touch with her and I am going to find a way to get back in touch with her again because I SO SO SO love this girl. Please watch the video and read the story. She is truly an inspiration and a beautiful girl.
I love you Rebekah and I won't turn off this computer tonight until I find your email or your facebook! I miss you girly!
Love,
Ashleigh
I am just going to say right now that I love this girl with all of my heart. She graduated last year. She was a first soprano with me in our High School's Treble choir (all girls choir). She taught me so much and she was always such a beautiful girl to have around. It always brightened my day to get a hug from Rebekah. She is the most beautiful girl and the sweetest person. I love her so much and I miss seeing her everyday in choir. I went this guys website Life without limbs and saw a video on the very first home page that said Just one Life: Rebekah and my heart stopped when I saw that picture of her skydiving.
I feel sad that I lost touch with her and I am going to find a way to get back in touch with her again because I SO SO SO love this girl. Please watch the video and read the story. She is truly an inspiration and a beautiful girl.
I love you Rebekah and I won't turn off this computer tonight until I find your email or your facebook! I miss you girly!
Love,
Ashleigh
My first talk
Last sunday I gave a talk (My first talk for the church) at our church's invitational sunday. I was asked to give a talk on the Book of Mormon (Another Testament of Jesus Christ). I got a lot of compliments for this talk and it raised my self esteem because people asked if I had ever taken a public speaking class and if I did stuff like this often because it was really good. So I guess that inspired me to put my first talk on here for everyone to read and ponder. (hm... foreshadowing? ;) I designed this blog to write mini non-verbal talks/ stories/ testimonies from the life of a Young woman convert/ Latter-Day Saint/ sister/ student. I hope these encourage my brothers and sisters to share the Gospel and to learn and study the scriptures daily.
Read, ponder, pray
Before I attended church for the first time, I always thought that the Book of Mormon was the "Mormon Bible". I get asked all the time if the Book of Mormon is the mormon bible. Well I'm here to tell you, no it's not.
We believe in and teach from the Bible, and we also believe in and teach from the Book of Mormon. What is the Book of Mormon? It's a testament to everyone that Jesus is the Christ and that Jesus is the Living Christ. It tells stories of Christ and his dealings with the people. It shows the reality of his perfect life, love, and power. There are accounts in the Book of Mormon written by people who personally saw Christ. There were also many, many people around during Jesus Christ's ministry among the Nephites. In 3rd Nephi chapter 12 verse 2 (3 Ne. 12:2) we read-
"And again, more blessed are they who shall believe in your words because that ye shall testify that ye have seen me, and that ye know that I am. Yea, blessed are they who shall believe in your words, and come down into the depths of humility and be baptized, for they shall be visited with fire and with the Holy Ghost, and shall recieve a remission of their sins."
In this verse, Christ is speaking to the people and one verse previous he was telling them to heed the words of the 12 apostles and be Baptized by them.
In the verse I read, he is telling them that their brethren and all those they come across who will listen to their testimonies of the Savior Jesus Christ and all those who believe those testimonies will be blessed. If they will hear, pray, and accept and be Baptized by water will be blessed and given the gift of the Holy Ghost to guide them.
By reading the Book of Mormon, Heavenly Father sees your potential and is thrilled because you show the interest in learning how to come back to Him someday. He has a plan for us. The Book of Mormon is a guide He sent to us through the prophet Joseph Smith. Through the power of God, Joseph Smith was able to translate these records for all of God's children from the plates that were buried in the Earth.
By reading the Book of Mormon, blessings will come. In Doctrine and Covenants, section 1, verse 37 (D&C 1:37) we read-
"Search these commandments, for they are true and faithful, and the prophecies and promises which are in them shall all be fulfilled."
Some of these commandments are given to us in the Book of Mormon and reading and pondering and praying about these commandments and the rest of the scriptures in the Book of Mormon will bring the blessings which are promised in the scriptures. We can know of the truths of the scriptures if we read, ponder, and pray.
In one of my favorite scriptures in Alma chapter 37, verse 8 (Alma 37:8) of the Book of Mormon, Alma is telling the people that the plates must be handed down from generation to generation. He says of his words-
"Now ye may suppose this is foolishness in me; but behold I say unto you, that by small and simple means are great things brought to pass; and small means in many instances doth counfound the wise."
Reading the Book of Mormon may seem like a small or simple mean to us, but to our Father, which is in Heaven, he sees it as us getting one step closer to living with Him again in the Celestial Kingdom.
The Book of Mormon brings comfort into people's lives when they realize that Heavenly Father wants us to read and ponder and live according to its teachings.
(**In this next part, I held up my first Book of Mormon which was given to me by my Best Friend. It's just a simple little blue paperback copy that a lot of converts or investigators recieve. My eyes started to burn with tears when I held up the Book and said "I have..."**)
I have here, my first Book of Mormon. In November 2010, my Best Friend knew I was going through many trials and hard times. He asked if I would like one. I read it and thought about it every time I possibly could. The things written in here comforted me when I was sad, and I saw that. So I prayed and asked if it was true.
I would not be standing up here today if I did not believe with all my heart that this volume of scripture is true. I invite you all to read this book. I know that when you do you will feel comfort. It's never too early or too late to read the Book of Mormon, whether you're here at Church for the first time and have never read it or whether you're here or at home and you haven't read it in over 20 years. Read it, ponder, and pray.
(For this next part, I had to improvise because my brother drew on my notes. It was the testimony so I just said what I felt and knew. I was trying my best to not cry so I don't remember my exact words. I'll improvise here too :)
It would appear that my little brother drew on my notes so this next part is coming from my heart:
I am so thankful that I have a best friend who cared about the Gospel, Heavenly Father, The Savior, and I to have given me this book. I know that Joseph Smith translated the Book of Mormon through the great power of God. And I know that the Holy Ghost will confirm the truths of the Gospel if we only read and ponder and pray.
Of this I testify in the sacred name of Jesus Christ,
Amen.
Read, ponder, pray
Before I attended church for the first time, I always thought that the Book of Mormon was the "Mormon Bible". I get asked all the time if the Book of Mormon is the mormon bible. Well I'm here to tell you, no it's not.
We believe in and teach from the Bible, and we also believe in and teach from the Book of Mormon. What is the Book of Mormon? It's a testament to everyone that Jesus is the Christ and that Jesus is the Living Christ. It tells stories of Christ and his dealings with the people. It shows the reality of his perfect life, love, and power. There are accounts in the Book of Mormon written by people who personally saw Christ. There were also many, many people around during Jesus Christ's ministry among the Nephites. In 3rd Nephi chapter 12 verse 2 (3 Ne. 12:2) we read-
"And again, more blessed are they who shall believe in your words because that ye shall testify that ye have seen me, and that ye know that I am. Yea, blessed are they who shall believe in your words, and come down into the depths of humility and be baptized, for they shall be visited with fire and with the Holy Ghost, and shall recieve a remission of their sins."
In this verse, Christ is speaking to the people and one verse previous he was telling them to heed the words of the 12 apostles and be Baptized by them.
In the verse I read, he is telling them that their brethren and all those they come across who will listen to their testimonies of the Savior Jesus Christ and all those who believe those testimonies will be blessed. If they will hear, pray, and accept and be Baptized by water will be blessed and given the gift of the Holy Ghost to guide them.
By reading the Book of Mormon, Heavenly Father sees your potential and is thrilled because you show the interest in learning how to come back to Him someday. He has a plan for us. The Book of Mormon is a guide He sent to us through the prophet Joseph Smith. Through the power of God, Joseph Smith was able to translate these records for all of God's children from the plates that were buried in the Earth.
By reading the Book of Mormon, blessings will come. In Doctrine and Covenants, section 1, verse 37 (D&C 1:37) we read-
"Search these commandments, for they are true and faithful, and the prophecies and promises which are in them shall all be fulfilled."
Some of these commandments are given to us in the Book of Mormon and reading and pondering and praying about these commandments and the rest of the scriptures in the Book of Mormon will bring the blessings which are promised in the scriptures. We can know of the truths of the scriptures if we read, ponder, and pray.
In one of my favorite scriptures in Alma chapter 37, verse 8 (Alma 37:8) of the Book of Mormon, Alma is telling the people that the plates must be handed down from generation to generation. He says of his words-
"Now ye may suppose this is foolishness in me; but behold I say unto you, that by small and simple means are great things brought to pass; and small means in many instances doth counfound the wise."
Reading the Book of Mormon may seem like a small or simple mean to us, but to our Father, which is in Heaven, he sees it as us getting one step closer to living with Him again in the Celestial Kingdom.
The Book of Mormon brings comfort into people's lives when they realize that Heavenly Father wants us to read and ponder and live according to its teachings.
(**In this next part, I held up my first Book of Mormon which was given to me by my Best Friend. It's just a simple little blue paperback copy that a lot of converts or investigators recieve. My eyes started to burn with tears when I held up the Book and said "I have..."**)
I have here, my first Book of Mormon. In November 2010, my Best Friend knew I was going through many trials and hard times. He asked if I would like one. I read it and thought about it every time I possibly could. The things written in here comforted me when I was sad, and I saw that. So I prayed and asked if it was true.
I would not be standing up here today if I did not believe with all my heart that this volume of scripture is true. I invite you all to read this book. I know that when you do you will feel comfort. It's never too early or too late to read the Book of Mormon, whether you're here at Church for the first time and have never read it or whether you're here or at home and you haven't read it in over 20 years. Read it, ponder, and pray.
(For this next part, I had to improvise because my brother drew on my notes. It was the testimony so I just said what I felt and knew. I was trying my best to not cry so I don't remember my exact words. I'll improvise here too :)
It would appear that my little brother drew on my notes so this next part is coming from my heart:
I am so thankful that I have a best friend who cared about the Gospel, Heavenly Father, The Savior, and I to have given me this book. I know that Joseph Smith translated the Book of Mormon through the great power of God. And I know that the Holy Ghost will confirm the truths of the Gospel if we only read and ponder and pray.
Of this I testify in the sacred name of Jesus Christ,
Amen.
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