Transitions

As the spring is approaching so is my graduation from college. I am overly excited about it but a bit apprehensive, as most would be. I am still somewhat unsure whether I want to go straight into the workforce, or if I want to continue on as a student. I would love to have a university degree along with my diploma, but I have reached the point that I am somewhat sick of being in class every day. 

Right now I am currently doing my practicum at a group home for adolescents. It has been a very interesting experience. In most places if you don't come home the first day excited about what you are doing a little red flag goes up in the corner of you mind. I was not jumping for joy coming home after my first day. It was a very different experience for me and I wasn't sure that I was going to enjoy myself. When I came home the following day I knew that I was going to love it. I do not know what made me change my mind, and what put that little red flag to ease, but I knew after that first week that working with adolescents in a similar setting was absolutely what I wanted to do. I have learned more during my weeks there then I have in both my other two placements and the majority of my classes. I have learned about adolescents, some of the difficulties they encounter and the things they delight in. I have learned many things about myself. Things that I would have never thought. I have grown to love the adolescents that I have been with. There were times where my heart would go out to one youth or the other as I could see that they were struggling. I would pray for them, and myself that I would be able to do the things that would help to ease their pain. Other than the love that I have for my family and friends I don't think I have ever experienced the ability to love like I have. The ability to love teenagers that others did not want, or did not think they were capable of looking after. Growing up I have heard over and over again about how "bad" teenagers were and how difficult they are. I will be the first to admit that yes, it is never going to ALWAYS be easy, but being with these youth have taught me more than anything. They are such wonderful human beings, just trying to do what they think is going to make them happy. Ultimately, is that not what we all want? To be happy? Some of us might see that in order to be happier later in life we need to avoid or sacrifice certain things, but we all just want to be happy. Some of us just have been blessed to know what will give us the greatest joy eternally and what will give us temporal joy. 

Anyways, after being in my placement I didn't want to go back to school. I just want to go and work with all these kids (which is an option). So I think I have decided what I am going to do, but now where? Do I move back to the beauty of an island or to I go back to where I  know I will have somewhat of a social life, and less chaos. Since I definitely do not have all the answers I am going to leave it up to the Lord. I have been leaning one way, and then the other. I definitely do not want to make this decision on my own. 

Come April 25th 2013 I will have a college diploma and my new life will begin. To celebrate this new transition I am going to start a new blog. Though I am terrible at blogging I need a little "ME"  time, as my instructor put it, to avoid being burnt out. I made this blog to talk about my move to Alberta and that step in my life. Even though I may still be in Alberta I want this new transition to be that, a new transition. I will be living with new people, new job, and with all the things I have learned over the past two years, hopefully a new me. I am trying to think of a new blog name. So if anyone has any suggestions, let me know! Though I do realize that there is a very small amount of people who actually read my blog posts. 

I am sure that many of you have been through this transition and understand my problem. Wish me luck, and some prayers would definitely be appreciated. 

Have a wonderful night. 

-Amanda 

The Important things to Remember.

REMEMBRANCE DAY...

I am so very grateful for those who have fought for the freedom of my country and those around me. Their act of selfless service is a true manifestation of the love that they have for their fellow men. I am deeply grateful for those who have fought, those who are currently serving, and their families. May these people be forever blessed and kept in our hearts, recognizing the true sacrifices they have given.

As I aspire to do these things spoken of by Chief Tecumseh , this is only possible because of these courageous men and women. Thank you for allowing me to strive to reach my potential by giving me the freedoms I need to do so.


"So live your life that the fear of death can never enter your heart. Trouble no one about their religion;respect others in their view, and demand that they respect yours. Love your life, perfect your life, beautify all things in your life. Seek to make your life long and its purpose in the service of your people. Prepare a noble death song for the day when you go over the great divide.

Always give a word or a sign of salute when meeting or passing a friend, even a stranger, when in a lonely place. Show respect to all people and grovel to none.

When you arise in the morning give thanks for the food and for the joy of living. If you see no reason for giving thanks, the fault lies only in yourself. Abuse no one and no thing, for abuse turns the wise ones to fools and robs the spirit of its vision.

When it comes your time to die, be not like those whose hearts are filled with the fear of death, so that when their time comes they weep and pray for a little more time to live their lives over again in a different way. Sing your death song and die like a hero going home."

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CHRISTmas...

This year for Christmas I will not be returning to the dear Island. Due to certain circumstances I will be staying in Lethbridge for the holidays. I am still unsure I feel about it. At first I thought it would be okay, I didn't really have a problem with it, but now that it is getting closer and I can think of many things that I will be missing, I really wish I was going home.

Because of this I have decided a few things. 

First, I am going to make this the best Christmas to date. I am going to make it happen! 

Second, I am going to focus completely on the Saviour. 

Third, I would like to be super crafty this year. Lots of craftiness and baking. I have been given these gifts, I should be using them. 

I decided to change my blog around to reflect this current season (yes, I am aware that there is still like a month and a half). If I am going to make this the best Christmas ever than I am going to have to start preparing now! Wish me luck! 

If I remember, I am going to do a 12 days of Christmas sort of thing, but for each day I am going to write that number of things that I am grateful. No repeating! 

So that is what I aspire to do for this coming Christmas season.

Summertime

Oh how I absolutely love the summer! Over the past couple days I have managed to get a tan, have a picnic and play some soccer. On Sunday after giving my mother a lovely phone call, I made banana bread and my grand grandmother's peanut butter fudge. It is so delicious! After making that, my roommmate, Jaisie, and I decided to have a picnic, so I whipped up some things of garlic bread aswell. We headed to the park with Jaisie's picnic basket full of food, a blanket and our lawn chairs. We met our friend Laura there who brought some more lovely stuff and we had ourselves a picnic. It turned out to be just the three of us which I was totally okay with. Eventually we ended up just laying in the sun.. and I got somewhat of a tan.. and a little burn on my arm.

Yesterday I decided that I was going to conquer one of the cutest cakes ever. I'm pretty sure it took me about 2.5 hours, due to the fact we only had one round cake pan.. The following is the result of this great cake!

I am so proud of it. I absolutely love it! 

After baking for the majority of the afternoon Jaisie called and asked if I wanted to go play soccer. I was  a bit hesitant, but I decided to go. As for most times I play sports I for some reason it takes a while for me to get into it.. but once I got into it, I had a lot of fun. Apparently I wasn't as bad as I thought I was going to be. Though I am definitely not saying that I am amazing, because I am really not, but I kind of surprised myself. Overall, it was loads of fun and I would definitely do it again.

I love summer! So excited that it is finally here. When looking at the forecast for today, this afternoon it is suppose to be a high of 31! Holy crap, I am gonna die, but definitely die happy.

Days off!

So fortunately or unfortunately I had Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday off this week from work. I luckily made the most of my time.. Sort of..
On Monday I got to Skype with the family! This was no ordinary Skype call, oh no. This time Cory and Karen came over because we had a rather large surprise for my mom. My Dad and I had talked on the phone the other day and he told me that he had bought two tickets for him and my mom to fly to NYC.
For most people this would be a big deal, but for my mom, this was huge! To go to NYC is one of my mom's biggest dreams.

Side Note: Before we told my mom my Dad had told her a few things about the surprise 1. That they were going somewhere for a few days and 2. That they would be 3 hours away from home...

So to get in on this awesome surprise, Cory, Karen, and I bought them two tickets to see Phantom of the Opera on Broadway.

The surprise went down like this.. My mom was reading stories to my siblings before bed, and my Dad brought his laptop upstairs. We flipped open the screen and said that we had an early mothers day surprise but that she had to guess. I had Cory wear this half mask and somehow she guess the phantom of the opera.. I was surprised she got it. Then we said that we got them two tickets to see it. But then we asked her where she could possibly see it? After she looked a little confused I held up a I love NYC tshirt.. And sais that Dad had gotten them two tickets to New York.. Then came the tears.. She cried and repeatedly thanked us. She then said that when my Dad said they were going somewhere she secretly hoped it was there but didn't say anything to get her hopes up.
I am so excited for them. They most definitely deserve it!

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That evening I saw Peter Katz play... Oh my goodness, he was so good! I was so tempted to buy both his CDs but my money saving mind got in the way. It was incredible! Definitely check it out!

Tuesday..
On Tuesday Jenni and Charlotte and I went to the coolest antique store. There was so many awesome cameras, phones and hats. I found the coolest hat! I am super tempted to go back and buy it. Scott did some major research.. he came up with poland, world war I ... Sadly I don't remember the rank.. Anyways. Sweet store!
After that I had an amazing facial, got my eyebrows done and my bangs trimmed at Catwalk. So great! I love them, such good service and so friendly!
Last night Jenni and I saw the vow. I will admit, I did cry.. Just a little, but I didn't think it was that good. I was,kinda disappointed. I wanted things to get so much better, but it kinda didn't. Oh well, only a movie..

Wednesday..
Today I cleaned.. And cleaned.. I made a to do list and hopefully get it all done!
Finally, I watched an episode of Touch.. What an incredible TV show. If you haven't seen it, watch the trailor! So interesting and thought provoking. Check it out!!

Countdowns:
Ottawa with the Bestie, Scott Byrne- 55
No longer a teenager-24

May 6, 2012

Today was such an interesting day that it has to be documented. First though, the Avengers was AWESOME! I seriously absolutely loved it. Maybe I just have a thing for good looking guys saving the world, humor and loads of action, but hey, it was great! If you are even sorta thinking about it, I'd say do see it for sure!
Another awesome thing was that yesterday, I finally got a mattress and boxspring that fits my bed. My previous mattress was slightly too small so it just fell through, so I was sleeping on a mattress on the floor within my frame. Now I am in bed heaven. It is awesome! Now I just need to buy more pillows. Did I mention my bed is monsterly big? Well it is.
Note my roommate's bed beside mine. Monster.
Now on to today. This morning I got up earlier so that I could enjoy my Sunday morning. I got ready for church and sat in the sun! We made it to church and went to Relief Society (note: church starts at 12). After that first class was over I checked my phone. 3 missed calls and 2 voicemails. I was kind of surprised. I listened to the first message....
It was from mall security saying that they couldn't get a hold of my manager and that our store wasn't open.. The person scheduled didn't show up. It was now 1:00 and the mall opened at 12. Oh man. I managed to get a hold of my manager who was freaking out. I was a good 20 minutes closer to the mall than she was so I raced home to grab my keys and then to the mail. 1:20.. The store finally opened. As much as I said I wouldn't work on Sundays I saw an opportunity to serve and I took it. How grateful I am for these opportunities.
Speaking of service. In order for me to get my bed, I needed a truck. So I got a hold of a friend who offered to help. The trooper he was came to help me at 9am on Saturday morning in the light rain. To repay him I decided to make an assortment of treats... Banana bread, cookies and brownies.. Delicious. Needless to say my evening was spent baking.

... What an eventful day!

May May May

So I had someone complain to me that I haven't blogged in a while.. that's when I realized that it really has been a long time. A lot has happened since the last time I blogged. I finished my first year at Lethbridge College. From February 26- March 26 I was placed at a program called GirlSpace at the YWCA. It was absolutely an incredible time. I loved the people I worked with and the girls that I was able to see each week. I was able to learn such a tremendous amount about the job and about myself. I am so grateful for the placement I was given. Since I just finished, I had Monday and Tuesday off and boy where they awesome days off! I went shopping, had a massage and a pedicure! I felt so productive! It is interesting how much you can get down when you aren't trying to schedule it around everything else. Like today for instance, even though I worked this evening, I still managed to clean the whole house and have a nap before going to work.
I am definitely looking towards tomorrow though. I am going to see The Avengers and boy am I excited! This week some friends decided to watch all the movies that are related to this coming film... Thor, the Hulk, Captain America, Iron Man, and Iron Man two. Sadly, I missed two of the movies, but it's all good. I hope it is as good as I want it to be.
Another awesome thing that I am totally pumped about is............. in 61 or 60 (depending on where you live in the world) I am going to Ottawa for a week! I cannot not wait!! It is going to be a well deserved vacation/adventure! And what makes it even better is I'm meeting the bestie there! That's right, Samm'ich and Pancakes are going to be reunited in 61 days!
Also! In less than a month I will no longer be a teenager, oh happy day! The count downs are on:
Birthday: 30 days
Ottawa: 61 days
Cory's wedding.. too many. haha!

Señor McGuigan

So I was going to put this with my other post but decided that he deserves a post to himself. My SUPER good friend David reports to the MTC next week and I am so excited for him. He is such an amazing guy and I know he will try his hardest. I met David when I moved back to PEI from Lethbridge and started going to youth dances when we were 14. Since we were part of a district we were a pretty close knit group. How lucky I am to have become friends with him. Obviously we have had our days but he is truly one to learn from. He is such an example to me and I know I can turn to him for help.

I could go on and on about all our different experiences- the good laughs, the arguments, the stupidity, the revelations, the growth. I have learned so much from him. One of the biggest things I remember about him is every chance that he has to testify of his Savior and His divine power he takes it! I remember every youth activity that had a testimony meeting, David was always up there. Always. Usually it would result in me crying but always for the right reasons. I am so proud of him, proud of his choice, his example and his growth and continuous progression in the gospel of Jesus Christ. May our prayers be with  him and the missionary effort.

Good luck little bro! 

Question:..... Answer:....

Well I have a few things that I would like to share tonight and they are all wonderful!
1. I recently bought this adorable journal.

http://www.amazon.com/Day-5-Year-Journal-Potter-Style/dp/0307719774

It is seriously one of the cutest little journals I have bought. I usually am TERRIBLE at journaling, I always forget and I never know what to talk about when I don't have an interesting day. How this journal works is that it has a question for every single day of the year. So January 1st is "What is your mission?". On each page it has 20__ and space for you to write 5 times. So this time I write 2012 and my answer, next year 2013 and so on. Pretty self explanatory. But it is super cute and I am actually doing it!! 

2. Institute was absolutely extraordinary as per usual. We discussed the Sabbath day, which normally always turns into what can and can't we do on the Sabbath but I got so much more out of it today. A really interesting quote that was shared tonight was by John H. Groberg. He said "There is a direct correlation between the proper observance of the Sabbath and true reverence for God, which includes obedience to His other commandments." I learned even more. It was a grand evening.

3. I have a new favorite show. To add to my nice collection of TV shows I love is now Lie to Me, thanks to my Dad for suggesting it (he knows me well). I absolutely love it! I have also decided that I want to learn to be able to read micro expressions and the science behind the show. It makes me think of the question when you are a little kid- "If you could have any super power what would it be?"- and I would always think, well I want to know what other people are thinking. Obviously there would be some negative consequences to that power but I still think it would be interesting. What better way then to be able to read people's micro expressions, which would allow you to be able to read those emotions that they are trying to conceal. SO AWESOME! Call me a nerd but I think it is super interesting. 

4. This week I had a baking week and boy was it a good one, heck, the week has barely started. I made cupcakes (idea from pinterest) that look like owls. They were freakin' adorable. Lauren came over that night, so Jenni, Lauren and I put our little owls together, what a fun time. 

photo credit: Lauren

Secondly, I was trying to study last night with no success. In the cafeteria at the college they have pizza pretzels, and they are absolutely delicious. I was tired of buying them so I (with a suggestion from Jenni- creation of Jenni's mom) I made cinnamon rolls but with pasta sauce and loads of cheese. My version of those pizza pretzels. Let me say, WAY better then the college. 

photo credit: Jaisie

I also realized that my future husband, if he doesn't watch what else he eats, and exercise he will be overweight.. I bake way too much.

Never Forsake

So as always I am falling terribly at blogging. I don't know why, well I do, I obviously just don't make it a priority, but that's okay. I will explain all the amazing things I have been up to.

1. Decemeber 24-29 I flew to my homeland. Which is literally my homeland as it is an island. It was absolutely wonderful to see everyone. I don't know what I would of done if I hadn't of been able to go. I was so grateful to my family for flying me home. It was a crazy experience flying so much by myself. By the end of this I am going to be a pro. I managed to go through the Calgary, Montreal, Toronto, Ottawa, and obviously Charlottetown. I chatted with a guy on my flight from Calgary to Ottawa, who turns out was going home to Cape Breton.. Even better: We knew a mutual person! I love when that happens. I loved seeing my family. It was such a treat. I am also incredibly happy I got to see some of my very close friends. They have seen me through a lot. The trip was so rushed though that when I left it was really sad, but I was nice to fly back to Lethbridge. I really came to the realization that this is definitely where I am suppose to be.
2. December 27-Jan 4? Cory flew to Lethbridge. So when I got home on the 29th Karen came and picked me up from the airport and I got to spend time with him here. We have really became so much closer since he has gotten home from his mission. I am so grateful.
3. So started again. I love what I am learning but it is so hard! Wednesday, Thuersday, and Friday I have 8am classes. I DON'T DO CLASSES THAT EARLY! It is so not in me to be able to do that. It kills me! I am very lucky to have my friend Liz in all my classes. She is such an amazing girl, and I am so happy to have met her! Also, I have practicum at the end of the semester which means a) My classes are all condensed so that I have 4 weeks for practicum at the end and b) I get to actually go out and help people! I'm so PUMPED!
4. CORY AND KAREN ARE ENGAGED!!! So this happened January 20th. I was so lucky, I got to be involved in so many parts of the lead up to the proposal. Cory sent me a picture of the ring he was thinking of getting, and so many other parts! I am so happy for them. Like crazy excited. They are so adorable together and I know they both mean so much to each other. I am so happy they are going to be sealed together for time and all eternity. So grateful for that.
5. Though I don't like working because I am lazy sometimes, I have the best job. Though I don't get paid a ton or anything crazy. I get to engrave things, I get to help people give the best gifts and I also have a great manager. She is also a very wonderful woman, definitely someone I could go to advice and we very a like.
6. Some things I have realized I missed recently: a) pizza or poutine outings with Scott. b) daily conversations with Charmaine c) girl talk with Alyssa d) being able to see my Mom e) Home cooked meals f) not worrying about money.

Delicious!

7. Things I have realized I am grateful for: a) a new found role model b) a roommate I can look up to in like every aspect! c) my ability to do what I want d) my job e) my best friends f) friends who are strong in the gospel. g) reconnecting with awesome friends
8. My SUPER good friend David leaves on his mission to Colorado in 16 days! FREAKIN' CRAZY! I can't believe it. I am so proud of him. Like unbelievably.

 Alyssa and I

     My Parent's Lovely Home 

 Myself, Charlotte, Jaisie

Duke!

 Carissa and I

:)

LIFE IS NUTS AND I LOVE IT!

Behind Sapphire!

So I sat down on the couch with my laptop, not sure what to do, then I decided that I should do a blog post. Then I got insanely distracted with a million other things, so like 2 hours later I am finally blogging. Terrible really.

This past week has been absolutely INSANE! Like more insane than I would like. I didn't do anything social all week. Monday- School, work. Tuesday- School, work. Wednesday- School, work. Thursday- School, School work at home until 1-2ish am. Friday- SCHOOL, work... then The Slice with Behind Sapphire!
I had so many projects, papers, assessments, presentations due last week, it was annoying.
2 presentations= 1st= 100% don't know about the second
1 formal behavioral assessment = 90%
1 paper= dunno
1 in class project=dunno
1 test= 90%
and still had classes all week. Not impressed. But I did it! Hard work paid off!

The more interesting part was Friday night! Behind Sapphire (from Vancouver)! Check them out! They are amazing! Absolutely! To add to it, they are hilarious, and amazingly nice. The guys + Lindsey are so sweet. After the show they came over to my house (yes, I have connections. haha) and they just are awesome. Grant's voice is incredible, well they all are amazing, but ya!

http://vimeo.com/31972082

Behind Sapphire- Nearer my God to Thee. Love it!

That's all I have to say.

Merry Christmas!

The Dreaded Funk

Sometimes in life you get in a rut, for me, that is now. Everything is piling up, resulting in me stressing out, and the self esteem level is dropping hugely. I am not writing this post to make people feel bad for me, I am writing this for myself. I want to be able to look back at this in the future and see the progress I have mad.

Lately I have been going out, living life, but when I am not busy I get the sense of loneliness. It frustrates me. I don't want to feel this way but it's hard to get out of this rut.

Last week I went to a K-os concert. Fun times.

I am so frustrated with myself though. It's like I am fine one moment and freakin' out at my best friend the next... For no reason!

I read an amazing talk-

The Power of God’s Love

JOHN H. GROBERG- October 2004

and the ending of D&C 6:20:

"therefore treasure up these words in thy heart. Be faithful and diligent in keeping the commandments of God, and I will encircle thee in the arms of my love."

Hopefully I will get out of this funk. I am on the road, and I am so grateful for my amazing friend, Scott. Without him, I would be in absolute tears, all the time. 

Bonus:

How He sees you.....

It is interesting when you go through life and have little pitfalls. The times when you end up having self pity parties, and crying yourself to sleep. I feel like absolute crap when I get into these states but I love the feeling when I come out of them, the realization of certain truths that I seem to forget. I was in that state this weekend: I felt like I was just faded into the background, that people just see me but never pay attention to me as a person. I thought that I was just partly invisible. I then talked to some friends and I got some good advice. One of the things that really stood out to me was that fact that the people who know me really well have known me forever, and that's why they do. I cannot expect these new friends of mine to be the same way so quickly. I am expecting way too much from them. I also was brought to the realization that my good friends who I am not with right now cannot know if I am upset unless I tell them because they aren't here. So instead of isolating myself, and being prideful I need to to go the people I care about and who care about me for support. Instead of being the comforting one I need to accept that comfort and use it. I also read the amazing talk from last month's conference by President Utchdorf. After conference I went online and saved a bunch of talks that I wanted to reread at a later date. So I opened up the folder on my computer to read one. The first one I chose was this talk. I love how the Lord works in mysterious ways. This talk was what I needed to hear:

"My dear brothers and sisters, it may be true that man is nothing in comparison to the greatness of the universe. At times we may even feel insignificant, invisible, alone, or forgotten. But always remember—you matter to Him! If you ever doubt that, consider these four divine principles:

First, God loves the humble and meek, for they are “greatest in the kingdom of heaven.”¹⁷

Second, the Lord entrusts “the fulness of [His] gospel [to] be proclaimed by the weak and the simple unto the ends of the world.”¹⁸ He has chosen “the weak things of the world [to] come forth and break down the mighty and strong ones”¹⁹ and to put to shame “the things which are mighty.”²⁰

Third, no matter where you live, no matter how humble your circumstances, how meager your employment, how limited your abilities, how ordinary your appearance, or how little your calling in the Church may appear to you, you are not invisible to your Heavenly Father. He loves you. He knows your humble heart and your acts of love and kindness. Together, they form a lasting testimony of your fidelity and faith.

Fourth and finally, please understand that what you see and experience now is not what forever will be. You will not feel loneliness, sorrow, pain, or discouragement forever. We have the faithful promise of God that He will neither forget nor forsake those who incline their hearts to Him.²¹ Have hope and faith in that promise. Learn to love your Heavenly Father and become His disciple in word and in deed.

Be assured that if you but hold on, believe in Him, and remain faithful in keeping the commandments, one day you will experience for yourselves the promises revealed to the Apostle Paul: “Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.”²²

Brothers and sisters, the most powerful Being in the universe is the Father of your spirit. He knows you. He loves you with a perfect love.

God sees you not only as a mortal being on a small planet who lives for a brief season—He sees you as His child. He sees you as the being you are capable and designed to become. He wants you to know that you matter to Him."

Dang..

Though I should really be either writing a paper, or studying for the test I missed today I am going to update the blog world. It has definitely been a while. I haven't even done really anything that interesting. Last night right before I went to bed I checked my throat to see a nice lovely white spot. Dang you strep throat. My lymph node is swollen a bit on the left side which really sucks. The weird thing is that my throat doesn't hurt really at all. A little discomfort but that is about it. Thankfully. I stayed home from my classes today though seeing as it is contagious. I am planning on going to the clinic in a few minutes to get some drugs and maybe a short chat about my morning sickness issue. Hopefully I can get that resolved all at the same time. Also for a short period I could of sworn I felt one of my wisdom teeth trying to come through.. that is the last thing I need. For sure!

Well back to the grind. Hopefully I will be okay tomorrow because I have class, and work. I definitely can't deal with all this crap.

On the bright side: I had a lovely chat with my brother today. I miss that kid. Though he drives me insane sometimes, he is the best. Giving me a hard time for getting sick- assuming it was because I was making out with boys. What a boy. I can not wait to see him though. It will definitely be a grand union!

Now back to the books!

Life goes on..

First of all, an awesome song that Charmaine shared with me. I love it! 

Will You Be There- Boyce Avenue

Next song that I also love: Fast Car- Boyce Avenue [Credit: Alyssa- http://alyssafraser.blogspot.com/]

Both these songs make me happy.

As always, lots of things have been going on. Some trials, some blessings and some things that I am sure are blessings in disguise. Though it is hard to see through the clouds sometimes I am so grateful when I do.

It is so interesting how more amazing life can be once you change your perspective. The way you can go from complete despair to being happy again. Sometimes you just need to stop, calm down, realize that life goes on and that you will be okay. The Lord won't give you anything you can't handle so why not trust him? Sometimes it is frickin' hard, and you feel like things couldn't get any worse, or you feel like someone stabbed you in the heart, but when you stop, think, and look at the many possible situations things turn themselves around. As life goes about it's course, with uncertainty, the Lord is always there to help you. 

The other night I had to close the store that I work at by myself for the first time. It took me a while and probably like 10 minutes before I had to close I was viewing some business details on the computer. When I went to go back to the main screen it wouldn't let me. I was terrified. I couldn't get it to go back no matter how hard I tried. I was worried I was going to have to call my manager who had just left  and feel completely stupid. I pleaded with my Father in Heaven to help me. I didn't want to look incompetent after she had previously told me how fast a learner she thought I was. I pleaded numerous times, asking Him to help me. As I was trying many different things it finally went back to the main screen. The relief that washed over me was incredible. I was so grateful. As I continued to close the store I continued to pray, asking for His hand. As I struggled at times, and some things took longer then it normally would I managed to close the store. How grateful I was for the Lord's hand in my life. I managed to get out of the store, speed walk to the bus, and just made it by 3 minutes. 

The Lord is mindful of us. 

Trials are there, and they do cause us grief but we grow so much from them. The heart becomes stronger, our minds become sharper, and our testimony of our Saviour and our Father in Heaven increase. 

As I was going through a particularly hard time this weekend I really relied on Him to help me. Along with His help I talked to my brother, who directed me to a song by Laura Story. It is entitled "Blessings". It didn't help that I was already emotional the song made the tears stream down my cheeks. The combination of my sorrow but also the lyrics of the song really hit me hard. I was going to just select certain parts of the lyrics to post but they are all just amazing.

We pray for blessings
We pray for peace
Comfort for family, protection while we sleep
We pray for healing, for prosperity
We pray for Your mighty hand to ease our suffering
All the while, You hear each spoken need
Yet love us way too much to give us lesser things

'Cause what if Your blessings come through raindrops
What if Your healing comes through tears
What if a thousand sleepless nights
Are what it takes to know You’re near
What if trials of this life are Your mercies in disguise

We pray for wisdom
Your voice to hear
And we cry in anger when we cannot feel You near
We doubt Your goodness, we doubt Your love
As if every promise from Your Word is not enough
All the while, You hear each desperate plea
And long that we'd have faith to believe

'Cause what if Your blessings come through raindrops
What if Your healing comes through tears
What if a thousand sleepless nights
Are what it takes to know You’re near
And what if trials of this life are Your mercies in disguise

When friends betray us
When darkness seems to win
We know that pain reminds this heart
That this is not, this is not our home
It's not our home

'Cause what if Your blessings come through raindrops
What if Your healing comes through tears
And what if a thousand sleepless nights
Are what it takes to know You’re near
What if my greatest disappointments
Or the aching of this life
Is the revealing of a greater thirst this world can’t satisfy
And what if trials of this life
The rain, the storms, the hardest nights
Are Your mercies in disguise

I highly suggest listening to this song when times are tough. We may not feel like it is true during the time but a change in perspective can make all the difference. 

I am so grateful for the blessings I have because of the things I know. While at institute last week my teacher  asked us:

"How do you know you know?"

I want you to think and ask yourself that question. I don't care if you tell someone or just keep it to yourself. I think when you ponder that question it will make recognizing that way, when it happens, even more prominent.

May you never forget the reasons you know what you know. 

P.S. Two amazing Mormon Messages. I must admit- I cried.

Charlotte's Birthday

So today was Charlotte's 21st birthday and she loved every minute of it I am sure. We started it off this morning with a lovely trip to the mall. I wasn't planning on buying anything but that definitely changed. For my new job at Things Engraved I have to wear "business casual" and sadly I didn't take very many things fitting into that category. When I took a look around I realized that their sale section was INCREDIBLE! I got a white pencil skirt- high waisted ($9.99), a black high waisted pencil skirt ($9.99) and a super cute flowy floral patterned shirt ($9.99). I figured with the basic pencil skirt I could totally look classy and cute at the same time. Afterwards we ventured home (after making a stop at a car parts store because Jaisie realized that she didn't have a gas cap- fun  time) and I did some lovely baking with a lovely friend. To make the cookies so much better we put in milk chocolate chips, white chocolate chips, crushed smarties, and Reese pieces. So good! Charlotte headed over to her parent's house and Jaisie and I took the opportunity to have a nap on our awesome "L" shaped couch. Surprisingly I had an awesome sleep. Apparently I even sleep through her alarm. A little later Jermaine came over, we got pizza, and watched a lovely film. The Charlotte festivities weren't over though. At 9 we headed over to the Cheesecake Cafe,

 where I was instructed by Charlotte to "look cute". So this is what I wore:

Not the best picture but I tried. 

So now it is 11:30 and for some odd reason I am extremely tired. I will definitely have a lovely sleep tonight and will enjoy church tomorrow. I am highly looking forward to it. 

Pictures!

So now too much has been going on. Just lots and lots of school. I found pictures from my previous adventures that I talked about in some of my posts but never put them up. Here they be.

These pictures are from the camping trip:

Hi allergic reaction to something random I came in contact with. Nothing a little Benadryl won't help.

These next pictures are the view of the camp from this massive hill Liz and I climbed so she could call her fiance. The cell reception was a bit iffy.

At the top of the picture is the main "fort". It was awesome.

Those are the lodge/cabins that we slept in. 

If you look hard enough, right in the very center above the trees are the two poles where the awesome swing was.

My awesome mask I made. Perfectly forms to my face.

note: bag of buns... they gave away the left over food at the end.

Fall Ball. Cuteness? I think so.

Childhood park. So many memories. 

Chicken Quesadilla! Freakin' delicious!

Outfit of the night. (you can't see but I'm wearing dark blue skinny jeans). Party?- I think so.

Have a lovely night!

Loving Life!

So much has happened lately and I am highly enjoying life in Lethbridge. The camp trip for school was an absolute blast! I loved it! I met so many people and did some many awesome things. We played numerous outside games and we did crafty stuff (aka a mask that fits our face, and a picture frame.) I highly enjoyed it. Here is a video of the amazing swing that I went on... twice. The swing is pulled up to 40 feet in the air. Amazing.

It was an amazing experience. When I got home from the camp there was a lovely envelope with my name on it. I opened it up and there was a AWESOME poem, which after some analysis (not hard) the poet had asked me to go to the Fall Ball (YSA dance). So I sent him a text with a clever reply using a common theme. 

The dance was loads of fun, and the pre dance part was fun as well. We went go-karting and to eat. Definite fun time! 

School has been going very well, super interesting and learning lots! 

Church has been amazing as well. Today was the second day of General Conference. What am amazing opportunity we have to be able to hear from our prophet and apostles. I have learned so much from these men and women. I am so grateful for them!

There were two short quotes that really enjoyed:

"It's better to look up." - Carl B Cook

"Where is your faith?" -Neil L. Anderson

Even these two simple statements are so powerful, if we take them into consideration and really think about them then we can progress so much. 

I also watched an amazing Mormon Message the other day. Actually two. Here they are:

P.S. I cried.

Have a wonderful week. Enjoy it, and try to notice the hand of the Lord.

Wonderful Week to Come

Another week is about to begin. This one will be wonderful I am hoping. On Tuesday, for my CYC 182 class, everyone from my program who is doing it in two years is going camping! Well, not legit camping, more staying in cabins, girls camp type camping, but I am still very excited. It will be nice to better get to know everyone and have a break from the other classes. Everyone has been talking about it and I am really looking forward to it. We get home on Thursday around lunch time and most definitely will be going home to take a nice nap. Friday night is the Fall Ball, which will definitely be lovely. I am hoping to look splendid and highly enjoy myself. I will hopefully remember to post pictures of these lovely events.

Finally I would like to share a really good scripture that was read in Sunday School today.

Hebrews 10: 35-39

 35 Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward.

 36 For ye have need of ^apatience, that, after ye have done the^bwill of God, ye might receive the ^cpromise.

 37 For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry.

 38 Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man ^adraw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him.

 39 But we are not of them who ^adraw back unto ^bperdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul.

Have a wonderful week!