Day 471 Way 471

Yesterday a friend reminded me that I hadn't been working on this blog at all in a long time. I didn't cry. Today I talked to my dad on skype, I didn't cry. Tonight, I looked at a picture of my parents in Japan, smiling with a group of young missionaries and Japanese young adults, and I cried. About a year and a half ago someone told me that it would take a few months, but eventually the crying would stop. I guess she was mostly right, because it isn't every time that I think about them that I cry, but I do still cry. It just takes something like this picture to make me realize how lucky the people in Japan are to have them around all the time. On a daily basis my mommy and daddy are smiling at people, and with people, and I can only imagine the feeling those people must feel when my parents smile. It could be one of my most favorite things to see on this earth. Their real genuine and sincere smiles are full of love for every Child of God. I pray that the people in Japan....missionaries, members, investigators and friends can feel that love.

Day 151, 152, 153, 154, 155, 156, 157, 158, 159, 160, 161, 162 - Way 151, 152, 153, 154, 155, 156, 157, 158, 159, 160, 161, 162

I must start this post by saying that the following days were very emotional for me. Many of the things that happened in these few days were very personal to me, so I will not go into much detail. I apologize for the short descriptions.

Thursday (151) Today I visited a couple doctors offices to try to get some understanding about why I have been sick the last three months. Although they were not able to answer all of my questions, I have faith that if I will put my trust in my Savior, I will find peace and comfort.

Friday (152) I got to spend a little time with a friend today for his birthday. I took him a birthday cake and that made him pretty happy! I also got to continue the tradition of volunteering at my high school with my brother as spotters for the home football games. I'm grateful that my parents taught us the importance of volunteerism.

Saturday (153) Thank heavens for the miracle of my BYU football team. Although my mommy and daddy weren't physically at the game, I felt like they were there in spirit. I also got to take a couple pictures with me to the game, as I will for all of the games. These pictures were taken at the very last home game that my parents went to before their mission. Although to some it may not make much sense, I feel so close to my parents when I am at these games, because my parents made sure that for MY ENTIRE LIFE, literally from the year I was born until now, I was able to go to ALL the BYU football home games. I am grateful for my parents for giving me this great tradition!


Sunday (154)In Sunday school today we learned about the things we must do to keep the spirit with us in our lives. Our Sunday School teacher asked us to contemplate the question: How safe am I? We were asked to think about the things that we do in our lives and decide if those things are helping us to grow or if they are harming us. I really liked that question How safe am I? I hope to ask myself that each day as I make decisions that will have an effect on my future.

Monday (155)Labor Day. I really could have made better use of this free day. Oops.

Tuesday (156)A new employee started at my office today. I got to train her on all the important things to remember in our office. It was a little bit bitter sweet to train her though, because I realized that meant I wouldn't be doing all the things that I was training her to do. I only cried once though, and luckily not in front of her! I am grateful that my Heavenly Father has given me the peace and comfort I needed to be able to accept this change in my life.

Wednesday (157)I trained our new employee some more today. I also got to go to a movie in the evening with my roommate Mandy. We saw Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 2. I really enjoyed the movie and want to read the books now. I was grateful to be able to spend time with Mandy. It really helped me and cheered me up after my day of farewells to more of my old job.

Thursday (158)Got a lot of reading done at work today. I feel more prepared to build the website for my work now. I am grateful for this opportunity because I know it will help me to develop my resume and help me to know what I want to do with my new skills!

Friday (159) I took the day off today. Didn't do really much of anything! In the evening I went with my friends to a German restaurant to celebrate Germany Day! Then I went to my friend Tim's house so he could show me pictures from his trip to Peru. It was really awesome to see the places he visited and the mountains he climbed. I would love to visit those places some day. He also brought me back a rock from the top of an active volcano that he climbed in Peru. It is really awesome!

Saturday (160) I went to my friends soccer game today, then my best friend Beezer and I got to get her wedding pictures printed for her wedding album. Then I went to the state fair with my roommmate Mandy. It was really fun to look at my brothers pictures and then we watched for a few minutes to listen to the comments of people that noticed his pictures. I love my brother and am proud of him for finding something he loves and working hard to develop his talents.

Sunday (161)We had a family get together this evening. Each month our extended family on my moms side gets together to have family home evening. This month the theme of the evening was "getting to know Robby" Robby is my cousin Erin's fiance. We were all so very excited to meet him and visit with him. I had not made a decision about how I felt about Erin marrying him, but after meeting with him and being able to talk with him for a while, I felt an instant connection with him. I know he is supposed to be the man my cousin marries. He is not anything like the guy I would have guessed she would eventually marry, but he is soooo perfect for her. I am so excited to have him as a cousin! Also at the family home evening, I brought along a man that blessed our families lives a few months ago. I asked that Jay, the Elder that baptized my brother-in-law Tony, come to meet our extended family. I know that he means a lot to this family, so I wanted to make sure that the family could get to know him better.

Monday (162) Today I mailed the tape of the BYU vs. Washington game to my parents. This game was really intense, down to the last second! Then I took Doug to the bank so he could cash a check and pay his rent. When I got home, I spent the afternoon typing this blog post! I am grateful for the opportunity I have to reflect on the blessings in my life each day.

Day 147, 148, 149, 150 - Way 147, 148, 149, 150

Sunday (147) Today I witnessed the miracle of the restored organization of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Today I was given a calling, which in this church means that I have been asked to fulfill a necessary role in establishing and improving the Lords kingdom on earth. The calling which I have been given, I believe is meant specifically for me at this time, because of faith and prayers and communication I have had with my Heavenly Father the last few weeks and months. I truly believe it to be an inspired call. Boyd K. Packer gave an address on callings. I have included it as a link within this post.

Monday (148) I was able to apply for and get a job today that will help me as I prepare to further my career. I believe it is the perfect job for me at this time and I am so excited to get started. I will be substitute teaching! YEAH!

Tuesday (149) I am grateful for family. Isn't it great! I think I've used this blessing at least 2 times a month, since I started this blog. But it is so true. I can't think of anything more perfect than that. I just love all of them and today I got to talk to each of them for a minute and that was great!

Wednesday (150) Can you believe it 150 days since my parents left! Just about 5 months ago! I do not know how time can fly so fast. Every day, has been a struggle, but every day I hope I have been growing stronger. I have learned to do a lot of things for myself that I wasn't expecting. I have also learned to take care of others in a way that I was not expecting. Today, for just a brief moment, I got to talk to a cousin whose parents served in the same mission that my parents are currently serving in. I asked her how she and her siblings did it. She (thankfully) admitted that it was HARD. That it took a toll on her family. Her sister especially. But they made it. She told me that she would have her sister call me once she gets out of the hospital! She just had a baby!!! I can't wait! Hopefully I can go visit with her and her new baby and chat about the stresses of having parents on a mission and the joys and blessings that inevitably come! I know that I have been blessed, and I am soooooo very grateful for Elder Ballard's challenge to share the gospel by "joining the conversation" about the church and the blessings we receive as we live faithful to the Lords commandments. Whether or not anyone ever reads these words, I will have a wonderful record of the blessings I receive from living faithful and allowing my parents the opportunity to go and serve the Lord and his children in Japan.

Day 145, 146 -Way 145, 146

Friday (145) Today I am again grateful for my friends in the geography department at the University of Utah. I am proud to say that I am a geography department Alum. I know that I learned so much there and I am grateful for everyone in the department that had some kind of influence on me. I went to our department fall picnic today and just felt so at home with everyone there. Throughout the picnic many people encouraged me to start grad school at the U, so now I've got that on my plate to consider!

Saturday (146) Good friends, good roommates, good uncles, good pets. I am grateful for all of them. I am also grateful for my parents and their encouragement and advice. I wish they could see my perspective more often, but I know there will always be a blur between what I see and what my parents see.

Day 143, 144 - Way 143, 144

Wednesday (143) Wow, I can't believe I am about to say this, but today I am grateful for the University of Utah. Let me quickly clarify. I am grateful for the University of Utah Geography Department. I feel like I am part of a family of geographers whenever I am around anyone from the department and I feel so blessed to be part of that family. Today I went shopping with the geography department secretary and the student president of geography club. There is a picnic in the park on Friday and I volunteered to go with them to do shopping for the picnic. It was a lot of fun and I was very happy to do it, even at 8:30 in the morning! I am also grateful for Beezer, Bryce, pirates and wheelchairs!

Thursday (144) I feel so blessed to have a safe and well built home to come home to. I got a sign at the thrift store yesterday that I put on the front door of my house. It reads "My house is clean enough to be healthy and dirty enough to be happy!" Although, it would be cool to have a room or two that look like Better Homes and Gardens rooms, I am so grateful that I don't feel pressure to make this house like that. I am grateful that my house can look and feel like a home! I am also grateful for prayers, humility, patience and forgiveness.

Day 141, 142 - Way 141, 142

Monday (141) I am grateful for inspiration. I wish I could be more in tune and listen more intently to the inspiration I receive, however. I want to be more aware of what the Lord would have me do and not do, so that I don't have to make mistakes to find out I was wrong.

Tuesday (142) Today more than ever, I am grateful for my roommate Mandy. She is in my house for a reason. She is a strong rock to hold me steady and remind me where my focus should be. I am grateful for our friendship. She has given me hope when I need it the most. She reminds me daily of the strength I can have and need to have to get through this life.

Day 138, 139 - Way 138, 139

Friday (138)
The most important and significant thing that happened today is the simple inspiration I received so that I could find my scriptures, which had been missing for a few months. I was just about to go buy new ones, but I prayed about it one last time, and immediately knew where to look to find them. I am grateful for that miracle in my life.

Saturday (139)
Today I was able to spend time with my roommates from college. I love these girls and their spouses and children. We will be friends forever, because we have been with each other through ups and downs. I am so glad we got to spend time together!

Sunday (140)
If I could rewind today, I probably would have made more of an effort to see that miracles could happen. As it was, I woke up very sick and stayed in bed late intot he morning. Then I sat at home for the remainder of the day doing things of little significance. I will try to sleep well tonight, so that I can go to work refreshed tomorrow.

Day 135, 136, 137 - Way 135, 136, 137

135 (Tuesday) Today I am grateful for family. I love my extended family and I am grateful to be a part of their lives.

136 (Wednesday) My parents are so great and I am grateful for their faith in me. They encourage me to be better and stronger. I know that I can be a great person, because of their trust in me.

137 (Thursday) Today I am grateful for home cooked meals. My sweet grandma spent the day helping me with some errands for my parents that they really needed me to do. Afterward, she offered to bring me dinner. She is one of those ladies that finds joy in feeding her family. She is wonderful!

Day 133 and 134 - Way 133 and 134

Day 133 (Sunday)

I find comfort in knowing that the organization of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was set up in such a way that we can lean on certain people for strength, because they have been given extra power and strength to help us in our times of weakness. I am grateful for a Father in Heaven that recognizes our needs and helps us if we will let him.

Day 134 (Monday)

I am grateful for friends in the gospel that are good examples to me of who I can become. I love knowing that there are people that understand the true principles of the gospel and embrace others and help them to see the light of Christ. I hope to be that kind of person!

Day 132 - Way 132

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It takes a village to raise a child.

Now obviously this is not a ploy to get you to buy Hillary Clinton's book (by the same title) instead, this is my attempt to report on the miracle I have discovered that is most valuable to all people around the world.
I would like to change the verbiage of this proverb slightly, to read:
It takes a relative, a friend, a neighbor, a village, a country, and the world to allow one human being to be their very best self.

I honestly believe that we are not in this thing alone and we are not meant to face any of it alone. I believe in a loving Father in Heaven that wants to be with all of his children always. Directing them, leading them, giving advice, protecting them, providing love and support to them. I also believe that in order for him to allow us to use our agency, he knew he couldn't be here face to face, telling us exactly what he expects us to do and exactly what will make us happy. So in his wisdom and love, he gave us family, neighbors, friends, villages and people around the globe to be his hands, his voice, his love. It is up to us to reach out for his help through those he has provided in our path that will lift us and strengthen us. John 14:18 I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.

In his love and mercy he has given us people, other human beings that struggle and have challenges and at times will need you for support, but will also be there for you to buoy you up and give you peace in your heart in your time of need. I am grateful that this week, I was able to realize that I am not in this alone. I can and must lean on the strength of those that love me to give me hope in times of weakness. For any of my friends or family or global readers, please lean on me when you need strength. I want to be His hands, His love.

Day 129, 130, 131 -Way 129, 130, 131

August 6(129)
I am grateful for hard work and the opportunity to grow as I develop skills at work.

August 7(130)
I have been so blessed to have a job that has allowed me to be flexible and do the things that I needed to do to finish school and travel and grow. Today, I had a rough day at work, but I was reminded that I have received so many blessings fro this job, that this one day cannot hold me down.

August 8(131)
The miracle of the Olympic Ideal, is one of the most amazing miracles I have ever heard of. I can not believe that people from all over the world can step aside from their worldly differences and embrace the humanity that is within us all. I am grateful that my parents taught me to love allpeople as they are all Gods children and my brothers and sisters.

Day 123, 124, 125, 126, 127, 128 - Way 123, 124, 125, 126, 127, 128

Day 123 (July 31) Time sure does fly when your friend gets a new job and leaves you! :( Today is the last day I will see my good friend Kelly at work. About a month ago, I helped him as he was applying for a job. Today, I threw a party for him to say goodbye. I am grateful for his friendship and I hope that it will continue even though he will be far away.

Day 124 (Aug 1) I am so grateful for the gospel and for the lessons I have learned about charity throughout my life. I feel like this life is one big opportunity to show our Heavenly Father just how much we care for all that he has given us. I hope that I spend enough time every day giving of myself to be worthy to return to my Heavenly Fathers presence.

Day 125 (Aug 2) Today I am grateful for the opportunities I have been given to be a missionary. In visiting the Mesa Arizona Temple Visitors Center today, I was given a strong witness of the truthfulness of the gospel message of eternal families. After receiving this witness, we were asked by a sister missionary if we knew of anyone that might be ready to hear the gospel message. I normally hesitate and usually don't put any names down. On this occasion however, I felt strongly that I should put down two names. These two people mean a lot to me and I hope that one day they will be receptive to the spirit as it bears witness of the truth. Although at times we may believe that people will be angry with us for giving their names and phone numbers to missionaries, I know that they will be more upset with me in Heaven if I decided they didn't deserve a chance to hear the messages of the restored gospel here on Earth.

Day 126 (Aug 3) This was a very long day. I started driving home from Phoenix at 9am Arizona time. We didn't arrive home until 11:30pm Arizona time. That's 14 1/2 hours for those that didn't want to count! You would think that I would have been absolutely exhausted, but I wasn't, in fact, I felt very alert and in control the entire day as I drove across the Arizona desert and through Las Vegas and up the majority of Utah. The miracle could easily be the fact that I stayed awake, but I would also like to point out the miracle of the sacred temples of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. After visiting the Mesa temple yesterday, I decided that I wanted to see the Las Vegas temple as well. The Las Vegas temple has become one of my most favorite places to stop, because I believe the spirit is so very strong there, even on the outside. Once we stopped there, I couldn't hold back the feeling that this was a sacred Sunday and so I wanted to make the most of the Sabbath, since I couldn't make it to church. So, I stopped at the St. George temple as well. After that, we had really made this trip much longer than it should have been, so I wasn't able to stop at the Provo, Mt. Timpanogos or Jordan River Temples, but I got to see the two in Utah county with their lights on as we drove by. I am grateful for the temple. I know that it is designed by our Heavenly Father as a place where we can strengthen our commitment to him and we can be the Lords hands in fulfilling his promise that all would be given a chance to return to live with him again.

Day 127 (Aug 4) I am grateful for the miracle of having a job that I love. I feel so blessed to be able to go to work and enjoy what I do.

Day 128 (Aug 5) I am grateful for creativity. I am grateful for opportunities to be creative in what I do, in order to be more efficient and more effective. I am grateful that my job is flexible enough that I was able to work a 14 hour day today, it really helps to make up for missing 2 weeks of work due to illness.

Day 122 - Way 122

Miracles can come in all shapes and sizes. Today the miracle is that my moms years of hard work at home and my dads years of play at work, to make sure that I got an education finally paid off big time. I took my very last test today and it is now official, I have graduated from the University of Utah with a bachelors degree in Geography.(OK, still technically not yet, cause I don't have the piece of paper to prove it)I know, I know a few of you out there are saying, wait she posted about graduating back in May. That is true, I did. But that is when I walked, cause the U only let's you walk once a year. I had 12 more credits I had to finish, but now I have finished them. So, in 3 months when the paper diploma comes, I will probably have to bring it up again, but for now, this is huge. I feel like I have made my daddy proud today. He always told us that getting his degree was so important, so to be the first of his kids to do it, I am a little (OK, a lot) proud of myself. But I have to say, it is not all on me. I know this took MANY amazing people to get me to this point, so today I wish to honor and celebrate them. I am full of gratitude for everyone that got me through this. Now, can I go to Disney World?

Day 121 - Way 121

It was a miracle to me today to get sooo much work done at work. I have been sick for a while, so I missed a lot of work. Well, today I was able to go to work and I worked for 10 hours! I got so much accomplished and I feel really good about what I did. I am grateful that the Lord knows how much I love my job and want to do well, so he helped me to stay focused and on task so that I could get so much done!

Day 120 - Way 120

Well, I don't know why but no one corrected me for the last ten or so years when I would say that Mark Monsens daughter married my cousin. A Monsen girl married my cousin, but her uncle is Mark, not her dad! Today I learned that so now I know.

Anyway, my miracle today is the clarity that comes from making the right decision about the path you will take in life. I know that when you are able to receive a confirmation from the spirit about your decision, that you are on the right path. Today I felt a strong witness that I should be making some important changes in my life and in my career/job decisions. I am now preparing myself to understand those changes more so when the time comes to make them I will be ready. I am grateful that the Lord is mindful of me and he knows that I need and want his help as I make important life decisions.

Day 117, 118, 119 - Way 117, 118, 119

117 (Friday) Today I am grateful for my mother and her dedication to her call to serve. I know it isn't always easy to do what you are called to do, because sometimes our callings are difficult for us to understand. But I testify that the Lord knows us on an individual basis and he would not ask my mother to serve in a capacity that she is not right for. I love her for working hard to be the best she possibly can be.

118 (Saturday) I am so thrilled that the Lord has given me so many blessings. I know that he blesses each of us as we strive to be obedient to his commands. I am very unworthy at times for the blessings he has in store for me, but the moment I decide to choose his path, the blessings flow. There is a scripture in Malachi (3:10) where the Lord speaks about paying tithing and how we will not have room enough to receive the blessings from doing as the Lord asks. Although he is specifically talking about tithing, I think he would also say something very similar about obedience to all his commands. If we will prove to him our faithfulness, we will not have room to receive the blessings he has in store.

119 (Sunday)Today the Lord worked mighty and powerful miracles. The voice of the Lord is not still. He continues to make revelations that bless our lives. First of all let me just say that I love and honor and sustain my Stake Presidency and the Stake Presidencies that serve in our area. Today they told us that the East Mill Creek 19th Ward of which we have been a part of would be divided in to 4 wards. This revelation came because the activity rate of Young Single Adults in the church is alarmingly low and it is important that there be more priesthood accountability and stewardship. I received confirmation of this revelation and feel so excited to be a part of this new change. Although I am terribly saddened that my uncle and his amazing counselors have been released from their callings, I am thrilled with our new bishopric. I know that they are called of God and that they have been chosen for this time and this ward. I am terrible at names, so I will have to post the other two names after our ward activity tomorrow, but the new Bishop is Bishop Steve Bowman and his first counselor is Brother Monson (who I like to call uncle Monsen, cause my cousin married his daughter!) I had a wonderful spiritual experience that allowed me to know that Bishop Bowman was the right person for the job and I am so happy that I was prepared to receive this witness. I really haven't been a good member of the church the last year or so and I know that it has not been easy for those that were stewards over me to see me faltering, but I want them to know that I am sorry and I am grateful that they are forgiving men that can understand that I would not have been able to handle the last few weeks and months without every single one of them. I know that the gospel of Jesus Christ is on the earth today in all of it's fullness. I know that the priesthood has been restored and I also know that the Lord has established a church whereby men and women may be edified together (Doctrine and Covenants 84:109-110) so that they may get through this probationary state and return to live with our Heavenly Father. I am grateful that I could be a part of this miraculous day.

Day 116 - Way 116

I am grateful for a loving Heavenly Father that knows me and knows when I need his help. I am grateful for priesthood blessings that I have received at various times in my life that have all reminded me of a sacred responsibility and capacity I have. I am grateful that the spirit can remind me, at my darkest hour, of the blessings that have been promised to me through my faith and obedience. I needed my Heavenly Father today, and he did not let me down, once I turned to him.

Day 115 - Way 115

My best friends give me so much support and strength. The prophets have counseled us to sorround ourselves with peoplw that help us to become better and set high standards ans examples. My best friends do just that. I am grateful for their unending love!

Day 114 - Way 114

I am grateful for my family. We are so awesome together. I think we absolutely picked each other in Heaven, cause we really are just too awesome together. I love the quirks that we each have and I love the honesty we can share with each other. I want my daddy, my mommy, my sister, my older married in but not the less special brother, my older younger brother and my younger brother to know that I sincerely love each and every one of them and could not do this life without all of them!

Day 112, 113 - Way 112, 113

(112) Sunday July 20- My opportunity today was to rely on the spirit. I didn't do the best I could have so I am praying to learn to rely on the spirit more. I know that I can be a righteous and worthy daughter of God, and I know that if I put my faith in my Saviour he will lead me down the right path for my life.

(113) Monday July 21- This sickness is really wearing on me now. I feel really good when I sit still or lie down. So, of course I make myself believe that I am much better and I stand up and try to do something. My energy is drained in seconds. I am grateful for my best friends mother today. She is a doctor and she convinced me that I need to just rest. I need to stop trying to do things that I don't have energy for and I need to just wait until I'm better before I do anything.