Day 25

Today I had a class period that changed my life!  It was Book of Mormon class.  We had a "silent" class period where our teacher didn't say anything.  At first I was kind of confused, but it was the best class period ever and has made me view the Savior in an extremely different light.  Before this class I thought I had an understanding of the Savior and his atonement, but now I see it in an even more personal way.  My testimony has been strengthened in so many ways.

So there are two things that I want to share that I am grateful for today.  First is that I am grateful to be studying at a university where I am taught about the principles of the gospel in a classroom setting.  My understanding of the Book of Mormon has been expanded in ways I never thought possible.  Second, I am grateful for everything the Savior has done for me.

In class we were talking (actually we weren't talking haha) about Mosiah 14-16, which about Abinidi going before King Noah and testifying of the Savior.  I want to finish this post and share what I wrote in my journal after having gone through the videos, verses, and powerpoint slides during class:

I am so grateful for my Savior, Jesus Christ.  I don't know where I'd be without him.  I know that he lives and he knows me.  He knows my name, my circumstance, my insecurities, and the deepest desires of my heart.  He has felt my pains and sorrows of every kind, both physical and emotional.  There is no one in the whole world that knows me better than the Savior.  And what's most amazing about it is that he knows everyone else (who has ever lived and will live on this earth) in the exact same way he knows me.

Day 24

Today I got to talk to my sister-in-law on the phone for a little while.  She's so aweosme!  I'm not sure how it happened, but I am so blessed to have such a wonderful sister-in-law.  I only have one older brother, so my whole life I've wanted a sister.  I couldn't have asked for a better sister than Rose!  She is absolutely amazing.  My brother got married when I was going to go into the 6th grade, so they've been married for several years now.  I love Rose sooo much, and I feel like I can tell her anything.  There are times when I feel like she is the only one that can understand.  Maybe because she's closest to my age?  Or it is because she is so understanding and has the kindest heart.  (I'm not sure how my brother was lucky enough to find someone like her! Haha.)  Rose is such a wonderful example to me of someone who is a loving mother and a humble follower of Christ.  I hope that I can one day become at least a little like her.  I am grateful that Heavenly Father blessed our family with a truly incredible person.

Rose!

Day 23

A couple nights ago there was a tsunami warning in Hawaii because of the earthquake in Canada.  I couldn't believe that it was happening and that I wouldn't be able to be there with my family and friends.  Fortunately, the tsunami didn't actually happen and everything was fine back home.  I know that the Lord blessed all the people in Hawaii.  It is so comforting to know that all the people I know at home are still safe.  I don't know what I would've done if the tsunami had really hit Hawaii.  I am so grateful that the Lord blessed our islands and preserved them from damage.

Right now there's a huge storm hitting the east coast.  I hope that everyone I know over there is safe and protected.  I know the Lord will preserve all those who have faith in him.  I am also so grateful for the knowledge that as long as we keep the commandments and endure we don't need to be afraid of all the things of the world and the calamities that are happening.

The devastating tsunami that hit the Big Island in 1960

Day 22

Today the sister missionaries (at Temple Square) and I were supposed to conference call and teach a lesson to my friend who is in Oregon.  It's too bad, but my friend didn't pick up her phone.  Both the sisters and I have been preparing all week for this one day.  It was heartbreaking when she didn't answer because we had such a great message to share and I know that it would've impacted her life greatly, but I guess it just wasn't meant to happen today at this time.  After I hung up with the sister missionaries, I tried to think of what good came from this experience...and I realized that I learned so much from this.  I've had a taste of what it will be like to go on a mission, I've learned more about the gospel myself, and I've learned about all the prayer and work that is put into a single lesson.  The lesson that was to be taught was about God's Plan.  We were going to talk about what our purpose is in life and the importance of knowing who we are.  The sisters had asked me to study the lesson out with them and as I studied I found so many amazing talks and videos and quotes and scriptures.  I was so excited to share everything!  That's why I was so bummed when my friend didn't answer.  What is great about this though is that I have learned so much more about my own worth.  I always thought that I've had a sense of my purpose and worth, but it wasn't until studying this lesson that I really learned how important I am and how important each and every person on this earth is.  I know that even though God has so many children, he knows each of us.  Also, as a woman, I have a divine role and play a crucial part in his eternal plan.  I hope that I can live up to all the expectations the Lord has for me.  Knowing that I am a child of God, that I have a purpose, and that I am of worth helps me to know that I will never be alone.  I will always have someone to turn to with any problem, insecurity, or other issue in my life.  I want to finish this post with a quote by President Dieter F. Uchtdorf:

"Though it may seem you are alone, angels attend you.  Though you may feel that no one can understand the depth of your despair, our Savior, Jesus Christ, understands.  He suffered more than we can possibly imagine, and He did it for us.  He did it for you.  You are not alone."

This is my cousin when she serving a mission at Temple Square

Day 21

So...silly me.  Yesterday, I forgot to post...AGAIN! :( Oh well!  I'll post twice today. 

Yesterday our ward had the opportunity to go to Temple Square and the Haunted Village.  While my roommate was in line to buy dinner at City Creek Mall, I thought I saw someone that looked like my grandpa.  I kept looking and realized that IT WAS MY GRANDPA!  I was so excited :)  Grandpa is visiting my aunty who lives in Salt Lake City.  We went to dinner last week, but I haven't seen him since.  It was so nice to see him, my aunty, and my cousin.  I could not believe it.  What are the odds that we would be in the exact same place at the exact same time?!  I have no clue, but I am so grateful that it happened because I got to see my family.  (I'm pretty sure the Lord had a hand in it as well ;)

My grandpa's not a huge fan of taking pictures, but we caught him! 

Day 20

Today was a great day.  I don't want to discriminate and just share one thing I'm grateful for today, but instead I want to share how I am grateful for everything that happened today (so far...it's only 12 haha).  The beginning of the week was so stressful and I am so happy to have such a successful day.  So I'll be sharing with you my day in a nutshell.

This morning I woke up at 5:40 and went swimming at the pool.  I try to go swimming everyday, but this week has been really hard because of midterms and papers, so today was the first day in the whole week that I got to swim.  It felt so good to just jump in the water and do something that I think is fun.  It was hard work, but I loved it!  After swimming I had time to read my scriptures (which basically set a good tone for my whole day).  After that I had even more time to clean up my desk area and plan my entire calendar for next month.  By that time it was about 9 am.  So, I decided to go to go and mail out thank you letters that I had written last night.  With even more extra time before my 10 o'clock class, I went to the bookstore and bought Les Miserables.  I heard that it's a really good book/musical/soontobemovie, so I want to read it. :)  Classes were great.  In Japanese literature we got back our midterms and I was excited to find out that I did well!  It is truly a miracle, with all the things that have happened this week, that I was able to get a good grade.

Everything is amazing :)

Gotta love swimming! haha

Day 19

Today I want to write two things I'm grateful for!

First:  This morning it SNOWED!  I'm not even joking, it was really snowing!!!!!!!!!! Haha, there were four (me and 3 California girls) of us that were outside playing in it and taking pictures and just having fun.  This isn't my first time seeing snow, but it is my first time being around during the first snowfall of the year!  The snow made my day so much better.  I was happier and so excited about everything.  (Plus, winter clothes are so cute!)

Snow!

Second:  Today I had some extra time so I decided to go on Family Search and look up names from my grandpa's family.  What I didn't know until today is that my grandpa's dad died when my grandpa was very young.  My Papa is such an amazing man.  Right now he's suffering from many health issues, but he has always been an amazing example to me.  He is such a humble and loving man.  He is one of the most selfless people I know.  When my older brother, Richie, was younger he would always take care of him (me too, but that's beside the point).  So when my parents moved to Utah for my dad's medical residency, Papa came up with them and took care of my brother.  He left so much behind to help out my parents and my brother.  I haven't asked Papa too much about his past, but now I wish I did.  He can't talk too well now, so I'll have to do a lot of research on my own now.  (But I'm willing...family history is so awesome!)  My Papa has been through many hardships, but he endured and turned out to be a wonderful man.  :)

Me and Papa (2011)

Day 18

In my sophomore year of high school I was blessed to have a wonderful seminary teacher named Sister Chung.  I absolutely loved her class!  She is such a spiritual woman, has a strong testimony, and has helped me learn so much more about the Book of Mormon.  The reason this came to mind is because sometimes when I read my scriptures I'll come across little "glue-ins," as she called them, in between the pages.  They're basically post-it's with quotes and messages on them that we "glued" into our scriptures.  Today, I came across a glue in as I was flipping through my scriptures...it was glued in Alma 57:

"From my own experience with life's hardships I have learned that faith in God develops a personal love for Him which is reciprocated through his blessings to us in times of need...Do not fear the challenges of life, but approach them patiently, with faith in God.  He will reward your faith with power not only to endure, but also to overcome hardships, disappointments, trials, and struggles of daily living.  Through diligently striving to live the law of God and with faith in Him, we will not be diverted from our eternal course either by the ways or the praise of the world."  -Rex D. Pinegar

It is so comforting to know that as I have faith in God, I will be blessed.  This doesn't mean that I won't face challenges or be disappointed, but I will be able to overcome them.  There is no need to fear as long as I have faith in God.  Sometimes I get so caught up in all the stressors in my life that I forget that I have a God who is there to help me.  I do have faith in God and know that he's there, it's just a matter of remembering that he is always reaching out to me.  He will help me stay on the right track as I remember him and have faith in him.

I don't think Sister Chung ever realized that she would help me years after I was in her class.  However, the messages she taught and the spirit I felt have remained with me even when I'm thousands of miles away from home.  I am so grateful for my sophomore seminary teacher who has truly changed my life.

With Sister Chung at seminary graduation.  She gave me a lei of paper flowers with scripture mastery verses on them!  (So creative!)

Day 17

At devotional today, the speaker talked about forgiveness.  I am so grateful for forgiveness, especially that which comes through the atonement of Jesus Christ.  Were it not for Christ's atonement, we would be subjected to satisfy the demands of justice on our own.  Knowing that I'm not perfect, there is no way that I myself could take upon me all the eternal consequences of the things that I have done, but thankfully, through the atonement of Jesus Christ, all can be saved as long as we repent of our sins and wrongdoings.

In my scripture reading today, I had a little extra time (after finishing the required chapters for Book of Mormon class) so I decided to turn to a random page.  The chapter that I turned to was Mosiah 26.  Verse 30 and 31 read, "Yea, and as often as my people repent will I forgive them their trespasses against me.  And ye shall also forgive one another your trespasses for verily I say unto you, he that forgiveth not his neighbor's trespasses when he says that he repents, the same hath brought himself under condemnation."

If someone as great and powerful as the Lord can forgive people, I should most definitely be able to forgive others myself.  Forgiveness isn't easy, especially when someone may have hurt you or done wrong, but it is essential to our eternal salvation.  Also, when you think about it, if you have done something wrong, wouldn't you want the person(s) affected to forgive you?  I know I would, which makes me feel all the more obligated to forgive others myself.  It's like the golden rule that says to treat others as you would like to be treated.  

I am so grateful for the example of the Savior, who took upon himself all our sins, and for a merciful Heavenly Father who forgives us for all that we have done wrong.  I am also grateful for the example of Christ who has taught me to be more forgiving and loving towards everyone around me, regardless of circumstance or status.

His arms are always reaching out to us!  It's up to us to turn to him.

Day 16

During General Conference I had the opportunity of referring one of my friends to the sister missionaries at Temple Square.  I was a little nervous because I had no idea what she would think, and I didn't want it to ruin our friendship, but I had a strong feeling that I should refer her.  I kept praying and praying that things would work out when the sisters called her.  I love my friend so much and I just want her to have the blessings of the gospel in her life because I know that it would help her so so much to overcome all the trials that she faces.  Anyway, last night I got a call from the missionary I talked to at Temple Square.  She told me that she had talked to my friend and that she said she wanted to learn more.  I was SOOOOOOOOOOOOOO excited :)  I didn't even know what to say or think.  The sister even said that we could do a conference call all together as she taught a lesson to my friend.  We're planning to do that sometime next week.

Anyway, this morning I got a text from my friend saying this:

"Hey Sarah!  I got a call yesterday from Brittany [the sister missionary], and omg!  I have to tell you, it was the weirdest thing because right before she called I was talking to God about wanting to do something extraordinary in my life and that I needed to find a purpose in my life.  And then I get a call from your friend!  [the missionary]  Hahaha it must've been a sign or something...but idk what the sign is!"

I know that my friend was meant to get the call from the sister at the time she did.  The Lord knew what my friend needed and he answered her prayer.  The joy I felt at that exact moment was like no other :)  My prayers that my friend would at least accept the challenge to learn more were answered!  I am so grateful to have a Heavenly Father who truly knows me and those around me individually.  He loves everyone...each in a very personal, unique way.  If anyone ever feels lonely or confused, they should turn to the Lord.  I can testify that he truly answers all our prayers.

Water Polo Senior Night!  (Me and Nicki)

Day 15

At church today there was some discrepancy in who was supposed to teach the lesson, so no lesson had been prepared.  Luckily, we have an RA who is a returned missionary in our class and so he taught the lesson.  At the end there was time for testimonies.  A girl named Megan got up and bore her testimony. I am so grateful that she had the courage to go up and share it because it touched me very much.

I'm not too sure where to begin, but Megan is originally from Chicago and her family just moved to Utah (after she graduated).  When Megan heard about the change in the mission age for girls she was overwhelmed.  For a long time she had received revelation and knew that one day she would go on a mission, but she thought that it was a good 3 years off.  Now that she could potentially leave in a few months she had no idea what to do.  So, Megan decided to pray...and after she prayed she had a confirmation that a mission was the right thing to do once winter semester was over.  Later that day, when Megan was sitting downstairs in her home by herself, she started to question the revelation she received earlier in the day.  Thoughts of things she had done wrong and needed to fix, thoughts of inadequacy, and thoughts that she wasn't good enough to go on a mission flooded into her mind.  At that moment she felt so confused and had no idea what to do.

Now, let's backtrack.

When Megan was in seminary class she shared a story where she felt the same inadequacy that she felt now. After doing so, her teacher put her arm around Megan's shoulder and told her, "You know who that is right?  Telling you that you aren't good enough and can't possibly do anything about it?"  The teacher was alluding to Satan.  Satan often tries to tell us that we aren't good enough and that there's no way out, so we might as well give up.  The comment that Megan's seminary teacher said really stuck with her.  Now, later in the year, her teacher was in the Dominican Republic and had a bad fall and went into a coma.  After Megan moved to Utah, her teacher was still in a coma, but to a lesser degree.

Now, back to the present.

One day Megan decided to go to the temple and try to receive answers to what she had been going through regarding a mission.  As she was sitting there she could literally feel the arm of her teacher holding her, and the voice of her teacher saying, "You know you that is right?"  And Megan knew right then, that the person telling her that she wasn't good enough to go on a mission was Satan.  Megan decided from that point that she wasn't going to let Satan determine her decisions.  She would listen to the revelation that Heavenly Father had given her.

I loved Megan's testimony so much.  Heavenly Father truly loves everyone and will give us revelation if we just ask.  I know that he would never ever tell any of us that we are inadequate or that there is no way to fix our wrongdoings.  He wants us to return to him as much as we want to be with him.  He loves his children with all that he is.  I know that for a fact.

A picture of Christ, just because he's amazing :)

Day 14

I know that I already posted about how grateful I am for the scriptures, but this time I have a different reason for being grateful!

(This is from a journal entry I wrote...)

Today I re-read read the Book of Enos.  Enos is a very good example to me.  He wasn't perfect, and he made many mistakes.  Yet, he remembered all the good things that his father had taught him, which brought him to repentance. His soul literally hungered for the things of the Lord.  After Enos prayed and had a "wrestle" with God, the Lord forgave him and blessed him.  From this experience Enos felt that he needed to help all people, Nephites and Lamanites, have the same experience and reap the same blessings that he did.  So, he spent the rest of his days preaching the gospel and praying to the Lord.

Recently, I've been feeling a little like  Enos (at the beginning of the chapter).  I feel as though I've just been going through the motions.  I'm reading my scriptures, saying my prayers,  and basically doing the right things, but without much feeling behind it.  I honestly had no idea what to do.  I wanted that same spirit that was in my life before to come back, but I wasn't sure how to go about it.  My soul was hungering for that spirit that filled my soul so many times before.  I loved having that feeling, and I wanted it back so badly.  After reading this chapter, I  took Enos' experience to heart.  I decided that I needed to be like Enos and pray and ask God for forgiveness and to help me to have the same strength of the spirit I once felt.

After I prayed, I could feel the love of God come upon me.  I knew that everything would be fine and that even though things may not have been going well before, they would now.  I felt the spirit so strongly within me that I knew that Heavenly Father had heard my prayer and would help me and bless me in every way he could.  I am grateful for the scriptures, and that I could learn from the example of Enos.  Without the scriptures my life would not be the same at all!

Day 13

Fall is absolutely beautiful!!!  This is my first time experiencing an actual change in season from summer to fall.  Back home, it's green all the time.  I mean, that's beautiful too, but it's a different type.  It's so different to be here in Utah and to see the leaves changing into all different colors like red, yellow, and orange.  I absolutely love walking to class and taking in the beautiful new sights around me.  (I know that it's sad that the leaves on the trees are dying but it is such an incredible and wonderful process!)  Last night in particular, my friend and I were driving over to the BYU Timpanogos Lodge and the sights were absolutely amazing.  I couldn't believe how beautiful it was back there.  Before I used to think that nothing could compare to the beauty of Hawaii, but that view came pretty close!  I am so extremely grateful for all of Heavenly Father's beautiful creations.  I know he cares for every living thing, no matter how small, that lives on the earth.

Fall in Utah

Fall at Home (Hawaii)

Day 12

(Although it's 12:04am, I'm still going to consider this a post for day 12 :) because to me it's still thursday haha).

Today i went to the doctor because I have a skin rash.  I was literally freaking out inside because I thought it was infected and had already started spreading throughout my body.  I basically thought I was going to get really sick and have to be put in the hospital.  I'm not sure why I was so scared, but that was really my mindset.  I don't get sick or ill in any form very often, so a rash really frightened me. (Which still confuses me because I have two parents who are doctors!)  Anyway, I went to the doctor and found out that I won't be put into the hospital any time soon.  Yes, I do have a serious rash, but it hasn't spread and I won't die from it.  I am so grateful to have doctors who can help me figure out what is going on inside my body, and I'm grateful for modern medicine which helps to cure my illnesses.  By some miracle I am still here to write this post :)

My mommy and daddy (the doctors haha..but really!)

Day 11

So in my last post I wrote a little about my reading dilemma.  I had to read an entire 530 page book by today, and as of yesterday when I blogged I was only on page 50 something.  I thought that I would be able to finish the book easily that night.

I started reading at the library at about 4 pm.  I left the library at about 6:30 after completing 150 pages.  Immediately after eating dinner I started reading again at 8 pm.  Four hours passed and I wasn't even halfway done.  Finally by 2:50 am I finished 326 pages.  I decided that I should probably get some rest, so I went to bed and woke up at 8 the next morning.  Determined to at least try to finish, I sat in the HRCB and read up to page 390, but then I realized that I had to go to biology class.  All through biology class I read the book hoping to get to page 530 and finish the book, but unfortunately I only read up to page 410.  Unfortunately I wasn't able to finish the book and I assumed that I would fail the quiz.

To be honest, I was a little disappointed because I had prayed to Heavenly Father to help me finish the book so that I could do well on the quiz, but I wasn't able to finish the book (and therefore thought I would fail the quiz).  I realized, though, that it was my fault and that I could've started earlier because Heavenly Father only helps those who do their part.

When I got to class, however, and the teacher began passing out the quizzes something interesting happened.  As I read through the questions I realized that all of the questions except one came from the part of the reading that I actually read!  It was truly a miracle.  Even though Heavenly Father didn't give me the ability to read faster, he did help me when it came to the actual quiz.  I can't say how grateful I am that my prayer to do well on the quiz was answered.  I don't know exactly how things worked out, but they did, and I am so appreciative.  Today went well :)

The longest book ever! (not really though haha)

Day 10

Today I had the wonderful opportunity to go to the temple.  I love the temple so so much and it always helps to make my day better.  For some reason, however, I had trouble clearing out my mind while I was in the temple today.  Usually I am very focused on spiritual things, but today my mind was on homework.  You see, tomorrow we're supposed to finish a book called The Makioka Sisters for Japanese literature class.  The entire book is 530 pages and I'm on page 58.  I was so focused on stressing about how I was going to finish the book in time that I was not paying attention to the spirit as much as usual.  My heart felt very heavy because of the stress.  When I finally realized that something was wrong, I decided to just let all my problems go.  What was I going to do in the hour that I was at the temple? NOTHING!  So at that very moment I literally let all my stresses leave my mind.  After that my heart didn't feel so heavy.  To be honest it felt like a huge load was taken from my heart and the lightness continued to spread all over.  I felt the spirit so strongly from that point on.  I am so grateful that I have the opportunity to go to the temple.  The feelings that you get at the temple are like no other.  I'm so grateful to be in Provo and have a temple very close by.  Back home it wasn't so convenient to go to the temple, but now it's within walking distance!  :)

Day 9

Today I want to talk about how appreciative I am for the scriptures.  It is true when people say that whenever you are in need of inspiration and comfort you should turn to the scriptures.  I'm not sure why, but this morning I wasn't as happy as I usually am.  I'm not sure if it's due to stress or lack of sleep, but for some reason I wasn't my usual self.  I decided that I was going to try opening my scriptures and reading whatever verse I landed on.  I remember always hearing stories about how people have done that and they found the exact scripture that they needed.  Unfortunately, that didn't happen to me.  I turned to a chapter in Alma that had no relation to the way that I was feeling.  I didn't let that discourage me though, and I decided to look up references to happiness in the Topical Guide.  I kept looking and looking at scriptures, but only ones in the Book of Mormon.  For some reason I decided to look at a cross reference to James 4:10.  This verse says, "Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up."  I'm not sure why exactly, but this verse brought comfort to me.  I still can't exactly explain why the verse brought comfort, but all I know is that it did.  I guess it's comforting to know that the Lord can lift us up even when we're feeling down as long as we are humble.  I am so grateful to have been born into a wonderful family with parents who have raised me in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.  Because of this I am able to have the scriptures to lead me in the right direction and give me comfort when comfort is needed.

Seminary Graduation (Because we study the scriptures at seminary :))

Day 8

I am so grateful to live in a day where transportation has been advanced and developed in so many ways.  This came to mind because my parents are on a trip to Singapore to visit my aunt and uncle.  Advanced flight technology has allowed my dad to visit his brother and for me to make it here to Utah for college.  It makes it easier for people to travel all over the world.  I can't imagine not having airplanes as a form of getting from college to my family back home.  If planes didn't exist I'd probably be stuck in Utah for the next four years without seeing my family.  Sometimes I try to imagine living in a world without airplanes, and it just doesn't seem as great.  Now, we can visit family members around the world in a matter of hours (and money...but that's besides the point).  The Lord has blessed us to have this technology in our lives to advance and support his work around the world.  It is truly incredible!

 

Day 7

Today I saw an old man in a wheelchair being pushed by his son or grandson into the LaVelle Edwards Stadium before the BYU Homecoming game.  When I saw this man I imagined my older brother years and years from now having his son or grandson taking him to a BYU football game, even with his old age.  My brother, Richie, is a huge Cougar fan.  I honestly can't imagine anyone being more spirited than him.  When BYU came to Hawaii to play, he painted Y's on the faces of all his children!!!

I just want to say that I am so appreciative of my brother.  We may be 12 years apart, but he is a great example to me.  He has been such a righteous person all his life and has gone so far.  Right now he is a dentist in the army, has been married in the temple, and has three children.  I couldn't be any prouder!  This past year he really made an effort to come to all my events because he hasn't lived at home (year round) since I was in the 1st grade.  Even with his busy schedule, family, and other commitments he and his family made it to nearly every game, concert, and other important event during my senior year.  I can't thank him enough for everything :)  I love him soooo much!

(PS I also love Rose, Dana, Mason, and Hunter! <3)

At Seminary Graduation

Day 6

This sounds very random, but I am extremely grateful for my Japanese culture.  I'm 75% Japanese.  25% comes from my dad and 50% from my mom.  I guess I've been thinking a little bit about it because we went and ate sushi tonight (haha).  (FYI, the restaurant called Kyoto in Provo has a buy one get one free deal on sushi!)  Anyway, I've been blessed with many opportunities to go to Japan throughout my life.  Each time the country never ceases to amaze me.  There is such a contrast between the jam-packed cities and the ryokans in the countryside.  Also, the Japanese themselves are such honest, trustworthy, and humble people.  Take their language for instance.  People call upon others by adding -san to their name.  So, to someone else I would be Sarah-san.  However, if I were to talk about myself, I would never add the -san to my name because that would be honoring myself....which isn't being humble.  Also, I feel comfortable knowing that for the most part people in Japan are honest.  Rarely, if ever, do you have to worry about losing something and not being able to find it later.  There is a lot to be learned from the Japanese.  I am proud to say that I am, in essence, a part of that culture.

Kinkakuji, "The Golden Pavilion"  (years ago!)

Day 5

About a week ago I asked my dad's cousin to send me a few biographies he has on our ancestors.  I've only read a few so far, but I am so proud to have such courageous and faithful ancestors who are shining examples to me.  There was one story that has greatly influenced me as I have read these biographies.  It is of my great great grandfather:

"On May 9. 1916, I was hired by Beesley Marble and Granite Works to load a ton and a half rock onto a flat car at the Heber Depot. It was nine thirty in the morning and the two boys were with me. We had the rock almost loaded, when the chain broke, letting the rock bounce back crushing me between it and some sandstones behind me.  It seemed like the boys knew just what to do.  Walter stayed with me and hailed a passing auto, while Eddie ran home to tell-mother. I was never unconscious one moment from the time I was hit until I arrived home. There were no hospitals at that time in Heber, but Dr. Ray Hatch and Dr. Russell Wherritt both came. Both agreed it would just be a matter of hours:  my back was broken and nine ribs on either side of my spine. My face was mashed and the roof of my mouth quartered, one ankle broken and my chest badly crushed. Six men helped straighten by back. Sheriff Homer Fraughton (Stella's grandfather) was one of them.  I remember him saying, "This will be the end". When I regained consciousness I said to him, "No, Homer, I am not going to die. I may even live longer than you.”  And I did, by many years. For nine weeks I had nothing but liquids, foods strained through a thin cloth and given to me in a little bottle with a long neck. Sister Jane and Sarah Ann were in attendance constantly with my kind, faithful wife, who never left my side except for brief periods of rest forced on her by the girls. This ordeal was surely a test of faith and courage on the part of my dear wife and my family. Prayer was constant in the home and the Elders were called often. Our religion had always meant much to Lizzie and me, and doubly so now, for we knew that without God’s help, I would never live."

I am so grateful for the example of my great great grandfather, James Carlile, who continually had faith and trust in God even in his trials.  His trials were greater than many people will ever face, and yet he still found joy in life and the gospel.  James ended up being able to live for 30 years after the accident.  There is so much we can learn from the experiences of our ancestors!

  

Day 4

So, I completely forgot to write on here yesterday.  Therefore, I will write to posts today. :) YAY!

I am very grateful to have parents who are doctors!  Recently I did something very foolish.  Basically, I burned my hand with ice and salt.  (I was pressured to do it by my friends...they told it me it didn't hurt and that nothing would happen!)  Turns out, it was a very bad decision and it looks like I put dry ice on my hand.  Anyway, even though my parents are thousands of miles away, they still gave me advice on what to do so that it wouldn't get infected and how to minimize scarring.  I don't know what I would've done without their medical advice...oh and all their love too :)  My parents are incredible people who have dedicated their lives to serving others.  I can't think of people more smart, loving, and selfless than them (well besides Christ).  It is such a blessing to have them as my parents :) I'm grateful we chose each other in the preexistence.

Day 3

Today I watched the movie "The American President."  It's for a paper I'm writing in political science class.  Watching the movie made me realize how blessed I am to live in this country.  America is truly incredible.  From the institutions of government, to the Constitution, to the Declaration of Independence.  I am so blessed to be in a country where I can practice my religion freely, where I can exercise free speech, and where I can have an influence on government.  Sure, the government isn't perfect, but it sure does it's job.  I know that God helped in the formation of this nation so that His church could be restored on the earth.  Our government is so amazing and I love studying it!

This is my favorite quote from the movie: "America isn't easy.  America is advanced citizenship.  You've got to want it bad because it's going to put up a fight.  It's going to say, 'You want free speech?  Let's see you acknowledge a man whose words make your blood boil who's standing center stage advocating at the top of his lungs that which you would spend a lifetime opposing at the top of yours.'" I just really like that quote (haha). :)

At the White House! (Date: A while ago)

Day 2

I am so grateful to have a roommate like Kylie.  Kylie and I decided to room together at the end of senior year after she chose to come here on a basketball scholarship (she's not a member).  We have gotten really close and I'm so happy about that!  We even made "pangea bed" so that we could have more space to move around and a place for our TV (haha).  I feel like I can tell Kylie anything, whether it's about school, church, family, or whatever else there is to talk about.  I'm so grateful that Heavenly Father put us both in this place at this time so that we could room together.  I know that he knew that we both would need each other in this first year.  I know that God has a plan for each of us, though we may not know exactly what it is.  He only wants what's best for us, and He will do everything he can to help us find happiness in this life and eventually be able to return to him.

PANGEA BED! 

TEMPLE SQUARE!

BYU is such a great place to be and I'm so thankful to be here.  There is no place like it on earth.  To be honest, I almost went to NYU instead of BYU.  (I didn't think I would actually get into NYU so I didn't even think of it as an option).  I loved the idea of living in the city and being in a place where so many important things happen.  I wanted to be a part of the jazz scene, political scene, fashion scene, and so much more.  However, after praying about it, I decided to come here.  Now that I'm actually here, I've realized why I need to be here.  Being in New York would've been fun, but being here is so much better.  Life isn't about having the coolest new things or always being "of the world."  It's about surrounding yourself with the best things and the best people who will help you draw closer to God.  Don't get me wrong, there are great people in New York; but for me, this is the best place for me to be at this time.  I am so blessed to have a Father in Heaven who I can pray to and who will answer my prayers.

JANICA, LEXI, ME, CHISA

Day 1

Today was the second day of general conference.  Yesterday we all went to conference, but today just Thyme and I had the opportunity to go.  We got there late though :( and we weren't able to get in the actual conference center.  However, we went to the theater instead.  Even though we weren't in the conference center, the spirit was the same.

Brother Hilton, my teacher, told us to write down questions we had, and he assured us that they would be answered in some way at general conference.  I am so grateful that he challenged us to do that because I did receive answers.

One question I had was about family history work.  Basically, what happens if we don't do the work for our ancestors?  ... What I should've asked was what are the blessings of doing temple work for our ancestors?  (Side note: I try to go to the temple each week.  Each week I wonder how it would feel to be baptized as proxy for one of my own ancestors.  However, I am too lazy and think that someone else will do it instead).  Elder Richard G. Scott's talk on family history work answered all my questions and changed my whole mindset.  He talked about how our eternal salvation depends not only upon what we do for ourselves but also for our kindred dead.  He also talked about the many blessings that can come as we do the work for our family.

I was extremely touched as the questions I had were answered.  I am so blessed to have this gospel in my life and to have the opportunity to participate in general conference.

What is this for?

I made this blog as a project for Book of Mormon class.  I thought it would be interesting to record my thoughts on gratitude on a blog so that they can be shared with others.  Each day I plan to write at least one thing I am grateful for.  :) Hopefully all works out well and this will help not only me, but others as well.