Here goes another year.

But THIS time.. It's off to a great start. 

It's only been one week and I've ;

#1. met new people

#2. enjoyed my classes

#3. balanced school and fun

#4. kept up with cleaning and cooking

and last but DEFINITELY not least..

#5. experienced some pretty crazy spiritual feelings. 

(just to warn you.. this ones getting deep)

Since I didn't share my testimony in church today, I'm going to let this post count. 

I just have to say I am SO thankful for a loving Heavenly Father and Savior. 

I have definitely made my life easier this year (and probably my moms) by being dependent on the spirit and Heavenly Father, because I cannot do it without Them.

Last year I was texting my friend Emma because we were both having a bad night and we couldn't stop crying. I sat and complained to her forever because I needed someone to "vent to." After a couple texts back and forth she sent me a text that read;

"Heavenly Father is my best friend. He'll help!"

I was SO taken back when she sent me that text. No, actually I was so embarrassed when I read it. Why didn't I think of that? 

I think of that text often when I feel like venting, moping, pouting, or having a pity party. 

Heavenly Father is my best friend, and He helps me. 

I've believed in the church my whole life. I've believed that prophets receive revelation. 

I've believed that the scriptures are 100% true.. but why haven't I thought

of having a real, deep relationship with my Heavenly father? Why haven't I thought

of using the atonement to make me feel happier and complete, rather than just for repenting of my sins?

We are blessed by having been given the opportunity to pray to our Heavenly Father at all times. We are blessed with the constant companion of the Holy Ghost. We are blessed with the opportunity to use the atonement to become closer, and more like Christ. 

We are so blessed! 

Last years college experience was just one MASSIVE trial made up of a million small ones. 

I wish I would have read the book "I Hope You Know How Much I Love You" 

(Written by John Bytheway)

But of course, I waited until now to read it. One of my favorite parts goes like this:

"Eternal Perspective is the remedy for so many mortal problems. An eternal perspective makes every problem temporary, no matter how permanent it may seem right now. And access to this divine perspective is available only from God. With the Spirit of God in our lives, we feel a decrease in our competing and comparing and we grow toward contentment. The divine promise that we can "always have his spirit to be with us" makes us more delightful, and more appreciative, and although dark clouds gather, there is always hope smiling brightly before us. And while we may ask, "why me, why this, why know?" the Spirit of the Lord gives use portion of perspective that can't be obtained from any other source, or in any other way"

WOW. Right? 

I read a talk weeks ago by President Monson, "Finishers Wanted" 

(SUCH an amazing talk.. go read it! click here)

He starts the talk with a story of seeing a sign in a window that read "Finishers Wanted"

He then says:

"From the very beginning to the present time, a fundamental question remains to be answered by each who runs the race of life. Shall I falter, or shall I finish? On the answer await the blessings of joy and happiness here in mortality and eternal life in the world to come."

So, my question has been, how do I finish? Obedience of course! 

And what motivates me to be obedient?

An eternal perspective! 

In the same talk, President Monson shares Christ's example. 

What better example than Christ? Not only did he start with an Eternal perspective, 

He finished the race of life with an Eternal perspective. 

"Though Jesus was tempted by the evil one, he resisted. Though he was hated, he loved. Though he was betrayed, he triumphed. Not in a cloud of glory or chariot of fire was Jesus to depart mortality, but with arms outstretched in agony upon the cruel cross. The magnitude of his mission is depicted in the simplicity of his words. To his Father he prayed, “The hour is come. … I have glorified thee on the earth: I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do.” (John 17:1, 4.) “Into thy hands I commend my spirit.” (Luke 23:46.) Mortality ended. Eternity began."

I am so grateful for Christ example. 

I know this post is very deep... and VERY long (congrats if you're still reading) 

but I had to share the things I've learned this summer that have carried into this week.

Of course how John Byetheway and President Monson put things into words is more flawless than me. (How was that grammar?)

I wish I could explain better the happiness I'm feeling because of what I've learned. 

Trusting people new people, becoming close to people, being social, being confident in my classes, being open to failure and critiques, and enjoying new class subjects are things that are PRETTY hard for me. 

But I know that if I continue to trust in the Lord and actually try to learn more through the Spirit I know that this year will continue to get better. 

John Bytheway ends his book perfectly:

"Now it's time to jump back into this thing we call life. Today you can change your part of the world. You can add a little kindness, a little caring, a little note to a friend. And when things get rough again, and you're getting fatigued and over-whelmed, remember the little things Mom taught: Do your best, and learn to be content. Be good and keep the spirit. Be nice and choose happiness when things are hard. Don't worry, God loves you and He is near. Keep your eternal perspective. Simple? Yes. But simply true."

Now that I've shared only a THIRD of my thoughts I had today.. here is what I've been up to this past week;

I started school. SURPRISE. 

Oh and I'm an awkward picture model girl. 

I think since preschool my pictures have progressively

 gotten more awkward and more asian eyed. 

I think I need to look into posting that progress. 

My room has some really rockin' wallpaper. I

 brought my paintings so it would feel more like home... 

but it turns out to be a MAJOR clash. Way too much to look at. 

Hard working, tired girls... or something ^

I am the SUUSA photographer again this year!!

I am so excited about it because I wasn't going to do it.. but last minute they needed 

someone so here I am again! Stoked to stay involved at least a little. 

The other good news is that,  #1. I live with my best friend AND now my cousin. 

and #2. My other cousin just got home from his mission and is also up here.

Plus Connor is in Art Insights with me (My worst class) and he likes Pizza. Sooo after Art we went and got pizza and celebrated the three day weekend a little early. 

Choose the scenario that correctly fits the photo:

A. modeling

B. surprised there is a photo being taken

C. hiding Laura's really super strong shoulder muscles by doing a super

natural and super modelly pose.

D. just being natural

E. none of the above

HINT: When testing in school, it is usually best to choose the longest answer.

(I actually could have made that up)

Plus this weekend a lot of my family went up to the condo. (Which rocked because I didn't get teased for going home.. they came to me this time..pretty much)

We had a blast. By blast I mean... we ate a lot. And I was with family.

What's better than that?

 Homemakers. Naturally. ^

Plus we had a family dinner tonight. By family I mean, Laura, Michael, Erika and I. 

We took a bunch of weird picture by the table because it might not happen again. 

And it was adorable looking. (Thanks to the hipster dish ware.. good choice mom!)

(Hipsterz4life)

And to end it all.. a game night at the Cave. 

A couple rounds of Murder in the dark. 

Trampolining. cookies. muffins. watermelon. really good water

and new friends. 

Great week. 

Tomorrow there's no school.

Spiritual Sunday.

Saw my parents. 

Happy. happy. happy.

Ok. For reals though. It was super good. I'm stoked with how things are going.

Super grateful as well. 

Everyone have a fun and SAFE labor day.

Or just have a fun one. 

unsafe days make great stories.

whatevs.

-Lex