Sorry I didn't post the past couple days! On Friday friend Casey came from Oregon so we hung out the whole day and some of Saturday. It's so fun to see people who you haven't seen in such a long time. I never realized it at the time (well I did, but not in the same way) that I had such amazing high school friends. I was blessed to be around people who made me want to be a better person, and who were always loving and encouraging.
Anyway, in the morning (after class) I went to go pick up Casey in Salt Lake and then we came back down to Provo. That afternoon we got lunch at the Cannon Center, took Meihua to get a passport, hung out at Meihua's apartment, dropped off Kanai at the airport, ate at Olive Garden (we ate way too much food haha, but the breadsticks were amazing), and got a cazookie at the Chocolate. Overall, we didn't do anything too eventful, but the important part was that I was hanging out with one of my best friends. :)
How grateful I am to have such wonderful friends and family!
Tuesday, March 26, 2013
Thursday, March 21, 2013
Day 72
Last night I was watching an episode of a television show called "The West Wing." I must've talked about this show before because I absolutely love it! It is a fictional tv show about the daily happenings in the West Wing of the White House. Anyway, in this particular episode the President's youngest daughter is kidnapped, which causes him to invoke the 25th Amendment. The third section of the Twenty-Fifth Amendment says that whenever the President sends a written declaration to Congress declaring that he is unable to perform the duties of his office, the Vice President will take over until the President sends a second letter saying that he is ready to resume. Well, unfortunately they didn't have a vice president because he had resigned just before due to a scandal he was involved in. Therefore, the Speaker of the House took over the office of the President of the United States. When the Speaker was being sworn in, one of the phrases that stuck with me was, "That I shall thankfully execute the office of President of the United States." I have no idea exactly what that means, but the word thankfully caught me by surprise. Why would the Founding Fathers have wanted to use thankfully instead of faithfully or diligently? What is so special about the word "thankfully?"
According to the 1828 dictionary, thankfully is an adverb defined as, "with a grateful sense of favor or kindness received." Now, I may be completely wrong, but I think that thankfully could be replaced with humbly and gratefully. The President is our (the citizens of the United States) servant. We put him into office so that he could serve our interests to the best of his ability. When he accepts the call to become the President of the United States he should do it with gratitude and humility for the great honor which has been bestowed upon him. He is told to be a little like Christ when Christ said that whoever is greatest among you, let him be your servant, and also like Christ when he washed the feet of his disciples. The President of the United States is one of the most powerful men in the world, yet he should fulfill his duty thankfully.
There is a lot that I got out of this one phrase. I may not be right at all, but learning all of this makes me want to become more humble. If the President of the United States has sworn to execute his office (one of the most powerful and difficult jobs in the world) "with a grateful sense of favor or kindness received," then I can execute my roles with humility and gratitude as well.
According to the 1828 dictionary, thankfully is an adverb defined as, "with a grateful sense of favor or kindness received." Now, I may be completely wrong, but I think that thankfully could be replaced with humbly and gratefully. The President is our (the citizens of the United States) servant. We put him into office so that he could serve our interests to the best of his ability. When he accepts the call to become the President of the United States he should do it with gratitude and humility for the great honor which has been bestowed upon him. He is told to be a little like Christ when Christ said that whoever is greatest among you, let him be your servant, and also like Christ when he washed the feet of his disciples. The President of the United States is one of the most powerful men in the world, yet he should fulfill his duty thankfully.
There is a lot that I got out of this one phrase. I may not be right at all, but learning all of this makes me want to become more humble. If the President of the United States has sworn to execute his office (one of the most powerful and difficult jobs in the world) "with a grateful sense of favor or kindness received," then I can execute my roles with humility and gratitude as well.
Wednesday, March 20, 2013
Day 71
Recently, I've been doing well in every class in school except for economics. For some reason I just wasn't understanding. I'd study hard, go to class, and do my best on the test, but I just couldn't perform. So just before this last test I was seriously considering withdrawing from the class. It was a big decision for me because I need to take econ for my major, but I want to get a good grade in the class. I called my parents and my friends for advice on what to do and then I prayed to Heavenly Father. At the time I got no clear answer, but I decided that I would take the test and if I got an A on it, I would not withdraw. Well it turns out that I got a B+, which was quite shocking. I couldn't believe I had done so well, while at the same time I couldn't decide whether or not to continue in the course. However, after a bit of pondering I had an overwhelming confirmation that staying in the class would be the best thing for me. The confirmation came in a calm feeling that came over me despite all the anxiety I'd had over the decision. It was nice to know that I was doing the right thing.
I'm so grateful to have a Heavenly Father who loves me. A Heavenly Father who would never lead me astray and who is always there to guide, counsel, and protect me. I don't know what I'd do without his help.
I'm so grateful to have a Heavenly Father who loves me. A Heavenly Father who would never lead me astray and who is always there to guide, counsel, and protect me. I don't know what I'd do without his help.
Monday, March 18, 2013
Day 70
I want to make a difference in the world. I want to be an influence for good in the world. I want to be successful in my career and just do the very best that I can. I want to be one of the most hardworking, influential people of my generation. That seems like a lot to want (and there's even more to it), but it's what has always been my dream. Recently though, I've been feeling really discouraged and those dreams seem to be moving farther out of my grasp. I don't know exactly what I want to do anymore, and I have no sense of what career path I want to take and how I plan to go about it. So today I kind of broke down...ok I really broke down and called my parents. I was in tears and just couldn't understand why things seemed so crazy. I was talking to my dad about how I want so badly to be successful and have an influence in the world. What he said next humbled me.
He asked, "who has had the most influence on your life? Papa (my grandpa) right?" I couldn't deny it because Papa has probably has been one of the most influential people in my life; not the president or the secretary general of the UN, my grandfather. He left everything just to take care of me and my brother. He even lived away from my grandma for several years to take care of my brother while my dad was in residency in Utah. My papa is the most selfless man I know and he has been an incredible example for me. What my dad said helped me to recognize that it's not so much about the scope of your influence but rather the intensity (is that the right word?). I should focus on what I can control and love the people around me the best that I can. I'm so grateful for the wise counsel I often get from my parents.
He asked, "who has had the most influence on your life? Papa (my grandpa) right?" I couldn't deny it because Papa has probably has been one of the most influential people in my life; not the president or the secretary general of the UN, my grandfather. He left everything just to take care of me and my brother. He even lived away from my grandma for several years to take care of my brother while my dad was in residency in Utah. My papa is the most selfless man I know and he has been an incredible example for me. What my dad said helped me to recognize that it's not so much about the scope of your influence but rather the intensity (is that the right word?). I should focus on what I can control and love the people around me the best that I can. I'm so grateful for the wise counsel I often get from my parents.
Sunday, March 17, 2013
Day 69
The weirdest thing happened in Relief Society today! We were singing the closing hymn, "As Sisters In Zion," and while we were on the second verse I suddenly started tearing up to the point where I couldn't hold it in anymore. I honestly have no clue what occurred inside of me, but the music touched me. We as sisters bear such special gifts. We are literally daughters of a loving Heavenly Father who is always watching over us and wants so badly for us to realize our full potential.
I'm not quite sure what the errand of angels means, but this is what I've come up with. One of the definitions of errand according to dictionary.com is, "a special mission or function entrusted to a messenger; commission." As women we have the unique gift/mission of the errand of angels. We have been entrusted to do the work of angels. That seems like a daunting task, but it really isn't. As women, we naturally have qualities that make us much like angels. The last verse really makes everything clear to me. "As sisters in zion" there is so much work for us to do, and the way that we will accomplish everything that we need to is by the Spirit. "Oh, naught but the Spirit's divinest tuition/Can give us the wisdom to truly succeed." By following the example of Christ and the whisperings of the Spirit, we will succeed.
This is the perfect song for sister missionaries especially. This is our purpose, our mission, the reason why we're doing what we do! I'm not sure how this relates exactly, but speaking of missions, preparing for a mission hasn't been the easiest thing. Satan is working so hard to get me to give up because things seem a little too hard or too complicated. I've been getting anxious over the tiniest things, and I often feel as though I'm inadequate. I get scared of being separated from my family for 18 months, and the thought of possibly having to communicate the gospel to people in a language I don't know is quite intimidating. I'm not going to let that stop me from serving a mission though, and I've found strength as I've turned to Heavenly Father for help. However, Satan will be working full time against me and for others preparing for missions so it's not going to be easy. I'm just so grateful that I have a Heavenly Father and a Savior who know what I am going through and who will always be there to help me.
I'm not quite sure what the errand of angels means, but this is what I've come up with. One of the definitions of errand according to dictionary.com is, "a special mission or function entrusted to a messenger; commission." As women we have the unique gift/mission of the errand of angels. We have been entrusted to do the work of angels. That seems like a daunting task, but it really isn't. As women, we naturally have qualities that make us much like angels. The last verse really makes everything clear to me. "As sisters in zion" there is so much work for us to do, and the way that we will accomplish everything that we need to is by the Spirit. "Oh, naught but the Spirit's divinest tuition/Can give us the wisdom to truly succeed." By following the example of Christ and the whisperings of the Spirit, we will succeed.
This is the perfect song for sister missionaries especially. This is our purpose, our mission, the reason why we're doing what we do! I'm not sure how this relates exactly, but speaking of missions, preparing for a mission hasn't been the easiest thing. Satan is working so hard to get me to give up because things seem a little too hard or too complicated. I've been getting anxious over the tiniest things, and I often feel as though I'm inadequate. I get scared of being separated from my family for 18 months, and the thought of possibly having to communicate the gospel to people in a language I don't know is quite intimidating. I'm not going to let that stop me from serving a mission though, and I've found strength as I've turned to Heavenly Father for help. However, Satan will be working full time against me and for others preparing for missions so it's not going to be easy. I'm just so grateful that I have a Heavenly Father and a Savior who know what I am going through and who will always be there to help me.
Day 68
This weekend was amazing! I did so many fun things with my friends :) I've realized that happiness doesn't just come, you make it happen; you can choose to be happy and do exciting things or you can choose not to. Today, Brittany and I even hiked the Y! It was tough, but so worth it. The view at the top and the good work out that we got made up for everything else. The hike was a little more difficult than I expected it to be and I found myself getting tired pretty easily. The whole while, I was thinking about how I just wanted to get to the top so that we could see what was up there and come back down and go to Jamba Juice (Jamba is really what kept me motivated lol). Anyway, whenever I started to complain in my mind, a story that was told at General Conference kept coming into my mind (I forgot who it was by). Anyway, the gist of it is that they were on a hike and one person kept asking how far do we have to go, and the other answered by saying that instead of asking how much they had left, they should look how far we've come. Life isn't so much about reaching the end. The experiences that we have aren't just there to finish and get over with, they're there to help us grow so that whenever we look back on our lives we'll be able to see how much we've grown and how far we've come.
I hope that made sense, because it made sense in my mind! Anyway, have a wonderful day :)
I hope that made sense, because it made sense in my mind! Anyway, have a wonderful day :)
Friday, March 15, 2013
Day 67
Today I just want to express my gratitude for the wonderful weather that has come to Utah Valley!! Yesterday the temperature was up in the 70s and today it was in the 60s. I can't even explain how amazing it feels to walk outside and not have to wear ten billion layers and still freeze :) When the weather gets nice it seems like everyone is a lot more lively and happy. That is definitely the best part about the warm, sunny weather. It brings people together. People aren't confining themselves to the indoors but rather they're playing or hanging out outside.
This can be used as an analogy for a gospel topic! Whooo! When we go through trials it's like winter weather that can sometimes even go below zero; you're stuck in snow storms and the sun never seems to show itself. However, once the weather turns up even a little bit you are so much more grateful for the sunshine and warmth than if you hadn't gone through the winter. It's the same way with trials. Trials seem really difficult while we're going through them, but after we've gotten through them we become so much more appreciative of the things around us.
This can be used as an analogy for a gospel topic! Whooo! When we go through trials it's like winter weather that can sometimes even go below zero; you're stuck in snow storms and the sun never seems to show itself. However, once the weather turns up even a little bit you are so much more grateful for the sunshine and warmth than if you hadn't gone through the winter. It's the same way with trials. Trials seem really difficult while we're going through them, but after we've gotten through them we become so much more appreciative of the things around us.
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