Walked and Walked and Walked...

When I was in Russia, I gained a love for walking to clear my head. This week certainly has needed some clearing! I ended up staying home from the Family Reunion because I thought I had a job training this week. (Turns out, it's next week. Oh well.)

Some might say I should be disappointed that I didn't go, but they would be wrong. I don't believe in coincidences; this week certainly hasn't been that. I had the opportunity to walk with Caps a lot yesterday. We talked about this and that and stuff. It was the 'and stuff' that set my mind a-racing.

Today, I walked a lot last week, and I walked today. I've decided that I want to start training for a walking marathon. Walking helps me sort out my thoughts while getting exercise. I can predict that I'll be needing several walks in the near future! Best to start now!

Let's get a-walkin'!!

Falls Creek Falls Adventure

This week has been a fantastic week! Right in the middle of my fantastic week was a hike to Falls Creek Falls in the Gifford Pinchot. It was so beautiful! I would love to go there again and again and again. I took Roadrunner with me. My friend, Caps, came along, too! I can't tell you how much fun it was spending time out in Heavenly Father's creations with two of my favorite guys! Anyway, I'll stop talking and let some pictures talk now!

Enjoy!

Falls Creek Falls

Eating lunch at Falls Creek Falls

Roadrunner at Falls Creek Falls

Roadrunner and Caps on the trail

What a Wonderful World

I love hearing news about the Church. When I read this article today, I just had to post it on here. It gave me such an excitement to be part of a worldwide church that loves each of its members. We live in such wonderful time to have The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on the earth. I always knew the Church was a worldwide church, but I didn't comprehend it and really know until I went to Russia. Now, I love hearing about the Church outside of the USA. It's exciting to know that there are Saints just like me in different parts of the world!
Enjoy!


TAIPEI, Taiwan -- President Ma Ying-jeou lauded the contributions of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, also known as the Mormon Church, to Taiwanese society yesterday, saying that its missionaries have helped instill positive values and spirit in the public.

Ma made the remarks while meeting with a Mormon delegation headed by Chung Kuo-chiang, leader of the Taiwan Mormon Church.

Over the past decades, Ma said, the Mormon Church has taken root in Taiwan because the sight of young Mormons spreading their faith -- two young men, sporting crewcuts and wearing white shirts with black ties on bicycles -- has become an important part of Taiwan's urban landscape.

"Their clean image elicits good feelings," Ma said, adding that he admires the Mormons' pioneering efforts to "promote energy conservation by using bicycles as their main mode of transport."

Noting that his administration has made energy conservation and carbon reduction part of its major policy goals, Ma said he hopes Mormons will uphold their tradition.

Ma said he has read about the development of the Mormon Church: "I was moved by church founder Joseph Smith striving to spread his faith despite opposition and persecution in the early days of the church development."

Ma went on, religious freedom should be upheld as much of modern society holds religion in high regard.

For his part, Chung noted that the Mormon Church has become a worldwide presence, with branches in 162 countries and areas around the world, or totalling more than 13 million.

According to Chung, the Mormon Church attaches great importance to family values and joined forces with the Taipei city government in organizing a seminar last week on ways to promote family values. Many elementary school teachers took part in the event, he added.

Source http://www.chinapost.com.tw/taiwan/national/national%20news/2008/07/16/165679/President-recognizes.htm

On the Cutting Room Floor

I started cutting fabric today for a quilt I am starting. It's my first experience cutting fabric for a quilt- I've only cut fabric for clothing. Boy, is it harder than it seems! Measuring out the correct dimensions is tough without the correct tools. I've been using a yard stick, ruler and a cutting mat to measure out the fabric with my new rotary cutter, and so far, I have cut the wrong dimensions at least three times on the same fabric. Hopefully, I'll get better at measuring or something. I don't have an abundance of fabric to make any huge mistakes for this quilt.

Well, it's time to try another time. This should come out with better results! Hopefully.

If You Give a Girl a Camera...

This happens!

On A Wing and A Prayer

Over the last few weeks, I've learned the power of asking the Lord in faith. My car has been acting up recently. At first, it wouldn't go over 55 without jerking. Then, it wouldn't start on the first turn of the ignition. The last few days, it has been just fine, but tonight was different. After a long evening at a bridal shower, I tried to turn my car on to go home. It didn't start. I turned the key again. It still wouldn't start. I waited for a moment and tried again. Nothing.

So, I took the key out and bowed my head. I prayed to the Father to bless my car that it would start. I explained that I knew it was having problems and that I needed my car in order to get home. I can't say that it was my most heart-felt prayer or anything, but it was said in perfect faith. After I said amen, I tried the car again. It started without hesitation!

I know that the Lord is ever mindful of my activities on this earth. I know that prayers are answered. The Lord is waiting to bless us if only we would ask and come unto Him in prayer. I love that I have a Father always ready to help and guide. I put my trust in Him. My life is dedicated unto Him. I thank the Lord that I have the experiences that shape and mold me into the daughter I need to be.

Triad News II

Movie Time!! Hungry- go grab the popcorn! Hagmoth- You'll want some tissues.

Love you!

Triad News

Okay, okay! I just finished making a movie, and I could hardly wait to post it. I had wanted to wait a little bit, but I'm too excited. Before I post the movie, let me tell you a little of its background.

In a previous post, I talked about the Triad. Well, this summer is going to bring on the coalition of a lifetime! My counterparts are headed to Provo! It sure seems like the end of the Triad reign (not that we really reigned...) and the end of an era. I'm super excited for them to be moving forward in their lives. Why, my dear friend, Hagmoth is getting married!! To Hungry's brother... That sure is a BIG coalition right there! I mean, they are joining families. I can't beat that one! Shucks.

I am sure going to miss my two Triad buddies. They have helped me become who I am. They have lifted me beyond any description. I am so thankful to the Lord for these dear, dear sisters. They have strengthened my footing in the gospel and supported my testimony. They are growing giants in their own testimonies.

I know this isn't the end of our friendship and sisterhood, but home just isn't going to be the same without them here. Who am I going to watch old movies with? Who will I bore with my gospel thoughts?

My heart goes to the other Triad girls and my best hopes and dreams.

Hagmoth, Hungry- I love you!!!

Introducing...

A Future Aggie!!

After weeks and weeks... more like months... I have my academic plan all set! I'm really excited for this, and I feel comfortable with my plan. If nothing else, I have learned that life plans change even when they seem to be set in stone.

I have toyed with the idea of attending Utah State University (USU) ever since I discovered the school, but I finally decided this week that that is where I want to go. It will take another school year for me to finish my AA before I transfer. I could probably transfer before I have my AA, but I'd like to finish what I started.

USU is so cool! They have tons of school traditions (like every school). There is a lot of history with the school since it was founded in 1888. USU is located in Logan and in the midst of Cache Valley. It snows a bunch in the winter and is fairly hot in the summer! Being an agricultural school, they even have their own ice cream!!! What better school can I ask for?

This is a quote about Aggie Ice Cream from their website.

"There’s no way to prove that Aggie ice cream has fostered innovation, bolstered scores on exams, or heightened awareness, but it certainly hasn’t hurt."

I certainly agree! Ice cream never hurt anyone! I can't wait to have my taste of Aggie Ice Cream. Boy, is that going to be the best day ever!!

I like USU for more than just their ice cream! They have an amazing English program! They offer a lot of different English Majors. What sparked my interest is their Bachelor of Science degree in Professional and Technical Writing. That's my intended major. They even offer classes on editing! How cool is that? Most schools include editing with some writing class, but USU isolates it!

Now, I get to wait for school to start in September!
Go Aggies!

Independence Day!

Happy Independence Day!!

I love the Fourth of July because it is a celebration of the wonderful country I live in! I love all the fireworks! I watched my city's firework display with some friends tonight. It was amazing! The fireworks seem to get better and better each year! Maybe that's because I turn into a little girl again... jumping with excitement, and waiting anxiously for the "big ones" to come! Many, many memories...

Each year, I am reminded of how blessed I am to live in The United States of America and to enjoy the freedoms that come with living here. It is a wonderful opportunity to remember all the people who gave their lives so that I could be where I am, for freedom is not free.

I am thankful to the Founding Fathers who had the courage and insight to declare independence from England. I am thankful to the men who died in all of the wars, the Revolutionary War, the Civil War, World War I, World War II, and the wars of today. How blessed this country is to have men and women willing to sacrifice everything they have for their country.

I am grateful to be part of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It is a marvelous blessing to have the freedom to worship my God.

I hope we all can remember the great blessings and opportunities we enjoy in The USA, "the land of the free and the home of the brave".

God bless The USA!!!