Welcome, Welcome!!!!

Well, I'm starting this blog so I can focus on all the good in my life. When something exciting, fun, or interesting happens, I'll post it...mostly so I will acknowledge it...but also so you might be able to realize the good in your life too! Hope you have fun and enjoy!

Wednesday, January 1, 2014

2013

As the year comes to an end I look back with awe and am proud of the decisions I made, many life-changing experiences and one of the best years yet.

At the start of the year I knew there were many things I didn't like about my life. Who I was, how I was spending my time, and most importantly the lack of my Savior. I had spent much of 2012 relying only on myself, which lead to nothing but bad choices, bitterness, and heartache. So I made the decision to try and stop all of this. In fact I didn't realize how much one choice would influence everything else that would happen this year. What was that choice? It was my resolution to read and study the Relief Society Lesson before church…and not just the day before or the day of, but for the whole week to reflect upon the things I had read and then to read them again. I never thought this one simple thing would lead me to pray more diligently, read my scriptures, and truly rely on the Lord. I did one of the hardest things I have ever done before in February after much prayer and fasting and with the help of a great friend. I am most grateful to this friend as he continued to help me trust in my Savior through what seemed like such a difficult time for me. We talked nearly every day and only a few weeks later we were able to see each other for the first time in 2 1/2 years. From that moment on all I could think about was making myself the best person I could be. The most honest, trustworthy, and loving person.

It was after this that I made another big decision this year. No, it wasn't a part of my resolutions at the start of the year, but it was a decision that would last me for eternity. I most happily agreed to marry and be sealed to my best friend. For the next 5 or so months I was so anxious! Living 10 hours apart was so tough to do, but very wise for Heavenly Father to have made possible. When August 22nd came along everything worked out perfectly (even though my mother may have had several "heart attacks" that I was unaware of at the time haha). The temple was beautiful and I had no cares in the world. I was promising my life, energy, and talents to God and to the man I knew I wanted to share eternity with. Marriage is beautiful and I am so happy I have made this choice, no matter who thinks I was too young, or too mature, or whatever they might think. I love my husband and have no doubts that we will make it through this life and on to the next together.

Afterward there were many things we experienced and many choices we made. I went to school full-time and realized how hard it was to be in school while your spouse isn't. Kevin worked for a while and then experienced the bitterness of being without a job. Though we learned that everything is in the Lord's time and not ours. And that doesn't mean that our efforts mean nothing either. We also learned that when we decide things without consulting the Lord it usually means we learn the hard way. But all is well because the Lord is so loving! I started teaching piano, which is something I love so dearly and am so glad I have the opportunity to do. I also became a Mary Kay Independent Beauty Consultant. Who would've thunk! (I definitely wouldn't have). Kevin and I are ward missionaries in the Overland Trail Ward in the Laramie, Wyoming Stake and we have enjoyed visiting less actives in our ward, even though we will know them better than everyone else in the ward by the time we're done ;) Kevin has a job with Tough Guys and is excited for his first day tomorrow! (bright and early 4:30am!) But we are so blessed that Kevin has a job and that all is going well with that thus far. Kevin has also signed up to take classes at the LCCC outreach program here in Laramie. We are excited that they are very willing to work with him and once he takes a few courses there the university will be much more willing to work with him. Unfortunately the process of getting everything figured out with the university the last few months was frustrating and quite frankly not worth it, so we are moving on to the next best thing :) I am thankful that we have the opportunity to both be a part of LCCC as I have enjoyed every class I have taken, even when they are classes I am not particularly good at.

We are excited to see what the new year has in store as there will be lots of new things to experience! I hope you've had a happy new year and that you realize all of the good that came out of the year 2013.