tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22584589410022783802024-02-19T00:18:43.381-07:00. . . What else is there?Sarah Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04938946524261112423noreply@blogger.comBlogger29125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2258458941002278380.post-54394180342508357662013-03-06T19:12:00.002-07:002013-03-06T19:12:58.431-07:00It's about time...I figure it's about time I write a new post. And I have a lot on my mind so it's probably a good idea. <br />
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Or you could say- I have a lot on my mind so it's probably a bad idea. </div>
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I guess we'll see . . . </div>
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So remember that mission thing? I get to leave in one week. One week from today. 7 days. SEVEN. </div>
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Fourteen more times to brush my teeth.</div>
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Seven more breakfasts.</div>
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Six more dinners.</div>
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One more Sunday with my family.</div>
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One more concert with all my friends.</div>
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One more weekend.</div>
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A good solid 6 1/2 days to spend with the people I love.</div>
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I'm feeling everything that I think it is possible to feel. Really, all of it.</div>
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Excited. Strengthened. Nervous. Untouchable. Weak. Loved. Alone. Distant. Distracted. Attentive. Faithful. In love. Heartbroken. Beautiful. Successful. Hardworking. Lazy. Wanting to serve. Anxious. Busy. Happy.</div>
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Stressed. Crazy. Uncontrolled. Vulnerable. Uplifted. Disheartened. Full of Joy. </div>
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The list goes on and on.</div>
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But with all of this I feel so at peace. I love the scriptures. I love the gospel.</div>
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I love PEOPLE. I love Heavenly Father. and I get to go serve a mission.</div>
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Today I was reading in Helaman 5. In verse 4 it says, "And it came to pass that Nephi had become weary because of their iniquity; and he yielded up the judgement-seat, and took it upon him to preached the word of God all the remainder of his days, and his brother Lehi also, all the remainder of his days."</div>
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I felt like I related so much to Nephi and Lehi as I read that because I am quite ready to yield up the life I have now to preach the word of God. I hope I come home a new person, far better than I am today, and I hope I continue to improve throughout my whole life so that I can preach the word of God all the remainder of my days. I love the gospel and the scriptures and I feel so blessed to be able to go on a mission.</div>
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Heavenly Father is too good to me. I am so thankful to have a Father in Heaven who is willing to do everything possible to make me happy, and a Savior who has felt my heartaches and stresses and he validates me when I am in pain. I know He is here telling me that He believes in me. When I am hurting, he can put his arm around me, rub my back a little, and assure me that all will be right. We can all have this. </div>
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I think it's about time for me to get out there and serve. It's about time for me to give up the life I have now. It's about time for me to forget myself and remember Him and all He has done for each of us. </div>
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It's about time...</div>
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Sarah Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04938946524261112423noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2258458941002278380.post-54247428416294849372013-02-21T14:44:00.003-07:002013-02-21T14:44:47.686-07:00The World is my Valentine...<div style="text-align: center;">
Some of you may be wondering,</div>
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"What does a girl do the Valentine's Day before she leaves on her mission?" </div>
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Well I was wondering the same thing this year, and I figured out the perfect solution. During the week of Valentine's Day [I prefer it called Valentine's Week] I decided that every time I was wishing someone would do something for me, I would make some Valentines. If you knew how many Valentines I ended up making you would know that I spend way too much time wishing people would serve me. . .</div>
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Joke. </div>
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But really, throughout the week I spread my love like.... Crisco on a cookie sheet. And I had the best Valentine's Day of my life. </div>
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I figured out what some of my friends would have wanted a girlfriend to do for them if they'd had one, and I did it. I got the schedules of my friends and left presents for them to come home to. I made some homemade chocolate treats to give away. I made small valentines for some of my close friends. Now I don't say this to brag, for real, but because I was amazed at what an incredible day I had after turning my selfish thoughts outward. </div>
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It had the potential to be a terrible Valentine's Day, but when I was hurting from life's ironic circumstances I SERVED, and was served in return. My friends were incredible to me and I got to spend time with and see people that mean so much to me.<br />
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Valentine's Week was good to me, because it wasn't about me. It didn't matter that I felt things in my life were hard, because the week wasn't about me. I know that when we focus our thoughts outward, Heavenly Father will send us immense tender mercies and show us that He really does know us personally. </div>
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There are times that I feel so spent and I don't know how I can continue to give my love. Sometimes it feels that each time I let some love escape it comes with a cut to my heart. However, I have learned that there is such power in letting yourself be COMPLETELY VULNERABLE, and put out all the love you can muster up for others to take. No matter what the reward is in return. </div>
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I have found myself pleading with Heavenly Father at times in my life to please send me someone to love me, because I feel that I am giving far more than I receive. WHAT A SELFISH THOUGHT THAT IS. Christ came and suffered all pains, and gave all love for me. It is things like that, that remind me why I continue to share all the love I know how to share.<br />
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I don't know that I've been doing great at preparing for my mission, but I sure am learning how to love, and share that love with everyone.</div>
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Sarah Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04938946524261112423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2258458941002278380.post-40320812286165112832013-01-29T17:50:00.002-07:002013-01-29T17:53:31.682-07:00You know what I love. :)I love music.<br />
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I love to play music. I love to listen to music. I love to sing music. I love to write music. I love to bond through music.<br />
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This first video is a cover my brother and I did together. :)<br />
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And this next one is just one of the songs I've written. It's nothing special, but the message means a lot to me. This last semester I have been trying to love in a more Christlike way, and have true Charity for everyone- No matter how long they will be in my life, and no matter how they treat me in return. Life has taught me to love while I have the chance, and I am so grateful for the amazing friendships I have made in the past year, and the many people I have truly come to love.<br />
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Sarah Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04938946524261112423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2258458941002278380.post-22219642490826986452013-01-22T19:08:00.003-07:002013-01-28T15:18:05.796-07:00Sometimes I write songs. . . Alright, I've written a couple songs this week, and I thought I could share them... But they aren't good enough to record and post yet, so here are the lyrics. :) [Poem form I guess you could say...]<br />
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THE WARMTH OF THE SEASON<br />
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As you step into winter with extra layers of clothes<br />
The air shocks your cheeks and you wrinkle your nose.<br />
The bitterness creeps past your skins barricade,<br />
and resurfacing now are past memories made.<br />
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This season brings warmth with the temperature low,<br />
For a child was born in a cave long ago.<br />
With the animals there humbly our Lord slept,<br />
Beginning the life that could satisfy debt.<br />
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That man, He came to bless and to heal<br />
and experience the pains we would each have to feel.<br />
That man, He came to save and to love,<br />
to bring us the warmth and the light from the Sun.<br />
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Though the bitterness creeps past your skins barricade,<br />
heartaches appear and the light begins to fade.<br />
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This season brings warmth when your feeling low,<br />
The Healer who came felt this sting long ago.<br />
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That man, He came to bless and to heal<br />
and experience the pains we would each have to feel.<br />
That man, He came to save and to love,<br />
to bring us the warmth and the light from the Son.<br />
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and...</div>
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NO OLDER THAN NINE</div>
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When I was a child no older than nine,</div>
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I learned not to lock my love deep inside.</div>
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And I learned that sometimes our heroes die too young,</div>
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But they can still shape us into who we become.</div>
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I've learned time and time again</div>
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as I've had the chance to live:</div>
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Love is to be given while we have the chance to give.</div>
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I give my heart, I keep it open to the earth.</div>
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and I give more, though I'm not sure what it's worth.</div>
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I give my heart, even when it's not returned,</div>
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and I give more, as my edges are burned.</div>
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Still a clock on the wall puts a lock on my chest,</div>
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How can one small thing cause such selfishness.</div>
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The ticking whispers that if love is released,</div>
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Wounds will come with each of our heartbeats.</div>
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But when I was a child no older than nine,</div>
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I learned not to lock my love deep inside.</div>
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And I learned that sometimes our love dies too young,</div>
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But it can still shape us into who we become.</div>
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I give my heart, I keep it open to the earth.</div>
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and I give more, though I'm not sure what it's worth.</div>
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I give my heart, even when it's not returned,</div>
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and I give more, as my edges are burned.</div>
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I've learned time and time again</div>
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as I've had the chance to live:</div>
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Love is to be given while we have the chance to give.</div>
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Sarah Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04938946524261112423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2258458941002278380.post-81561369753667329122013-01-12T20:00:00.000-07:002013-01-12T20:00:30.859-07:0061 DAYS! :) <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I love preparing for a mission. <br />
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I love Preach My Gospel.<br />
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I love temples.<br />
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I love the Book of Mormon.<br />
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I love loving people.<br />
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I love serving.<br />
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I love that every day closer to my mission brings me more excitement,<br />
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and more of a desire to be the best that I can be. </div>
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I love smiling.</div>
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I love telling people why I like them.</div>
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I love friends.</div>
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I love leaders.</div>
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I love family.</div>
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I love to see the good in others.</div>
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I love the gospel. </div>
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I love Heavenly Father.</div>
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I love knowing that he knows what is best for me, and he loves me.</div>
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<span style="color: #2f393a; font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 22px;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #2f393a; font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 22px;"> "yea, and my joy is carried away, even unto boasting in my God;</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #2f393a; font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 22px;"> for he has all power, all wisdom, and all understanding; </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #2f393a; font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 22px;">he comprehendeth all things, and he is a merciful Being."</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #2f393a; font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 22px;"><i>ALMA 26:35</i></span></span></div>
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Sarah Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04938946524261112423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2258458941002278380.post-18725140792318167162013-01-07T09:58:00.002-07:002013-01-07T10:06:23.689-07:00The Nice Notes. . . So I've got this friend. He writes me a nice note every week at ward prayer- because he's stellar.<br />
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Well I moved wards over the break, which was heart breaking, and you know what happened? My friend wrote me a nice note anyway and had it delivered to my new apartment number.<br />
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Now let's take a quick look at the definition of the word Stellar. . . it is as follows:<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><u>stel-lar (adj)</u></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #666666; line-height: 19px;">1. Of or relating to a star or stars.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #666666; line-height: 19px;">2. Featuring or having the quality of a star performer or performers.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #666666; line-height: 19px;">3. McCallin Fisher.</span></span><br />
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It's true... Look it up.<br />
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Anyway, entering new situations isn't easy for me, and it's relieving to have people close by that accept me and like me. Getting that nice note yesterday was a huge tender mercy. :)<br />
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Let's just be honest, I don't deserve all of the amazing friends that I've made this year. Especially the ones I've made in my ward. I am so grateful for the hand Heavenly Father has in my life and the angels he sends me.<br />
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He's been looking out for me. :)</div>
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and I think he'll continue to do so. </div>
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...Thank Heavens.</div>
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Sarah Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04938946524261112423noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2258458941002278380.post-9747852313716495432013-01-02T00:17:00.001-07:002013-01-02T00:23:25.883-07:00She taught me. . . <div>
Today I looked though the pictures we have of my mom for a couple hours, and edited the ones I really love. It's my mom's birthday today and I've been thinking about her more than I think I have on any of her other birthdays. . . </div>
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I'll admit that I sat outside in the cold for a while today and I cried. Sometimes I start to feel bad for myself even though I know I shouldn't. But I sat outside and thought about how amazing my mom is and how much I've missed out. I imagined what it would be like to have her here while I prepare for my mission. Now I know that I've been very blessed to have her with me more than she probably could have been if she was alive, and I know that closeness will continue as I prepare and as I serve my mission; however, today I had to let myself miss her and wish she was physically here. </div>
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She's not far, and I'm grateful for the pictures and stories I have to remember her by. She has made me who I am today. She is one reason I continue to try my hardest and push on through the tough days. </div>
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She taught me to do all I can to serve others. To pay attention to the things they love and make the things that are important to them important to me. </div>
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She taught me to use my talents to bring joy to others.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;">She taught me to love.<br />
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She taught me to smile.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Happy Birthday, Mom. I love you!</span></div>
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Sarah Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04938946524261112423noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2258458941002278380.post-61031677003284667902012-12-27T21:21:00.000-07:002012-12-27T23:43:10.577-07:00A time to prepare. . . So I've mentioned that I'm serving a mission, but this Christmas break has really helped me focus and I wanted to write a post about the mission. So here goes it,<br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">The Mission Post.</span></b> </div>
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Excerpts from my Journal, to catch you up:</div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">October 6, 2012</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"> President Monson announced a change in missionary service. Young men can now serve at age 18, and Young Women at age 19. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"> I AM NINETEEN YEARS OLD!!! I can serve a mission!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"> ...<b>I'm pretty positive I'm going to serve a mission...</b> I'm so excited and I feel like this was an answer to so many of my prayers. </span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">October 13, 2012</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"> Ever since deciding to serve a mission after the announcement in Conference I have felt so many emotions! ...This whole week was such a testimony to me that <b>as I give my all on my mission the Lord will make up the difference.</b> :) What a comfort.</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">October 26, 2012</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"> Elder Holland said, "<i>God is anxiously waiting to answer your prayers and fulfill your dreams. Just as he always has. But he can't if you don't pray and he can't if you don't dream. In short, He can't if you don't believe.</i>" I seriously felt the truth of that when President Monson announced the change of missionary ages. <b>God is listening to my prayers.</b></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">October 29, 2012</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"> Men are that they might have JOY- not anxiety. Sometimes I think I get confused or something. </span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">November 10, 2012</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"> MY MISSION CALL HAS BEEN ASSIGNED!!! I'm getting my call on Wednesday!!! I'm getting more and more terrified everyday. </span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">November 15, 2012</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"> So <b>I got my mission call yesterday.</b> I'm going to <b>Spokane, Washington!</b> ... I am totally excited- it just doesn't feel real... and it's almost like I don't know if it's really going to happen. BUT IT IS. and I'm excited. even if i'm a little scared.</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">December 23, 2012</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"> I'm loving <b>focusing all my thoughts</b> on PREPARING TO SERVE A MISSION and all the things I could and should improve on. I have a long way to go- and every day I see more areas where I need to improve- BUT TODAY I WAS ABLE TO REALLY GET EXCITED FOR MY MISSION BECAUSE I FEEL LIKE I WILL LOVE <b>GROWING AND STRETCHING</b> IN THAT WAY. I'm still nervous, but I feel so blessed to have this opportunity and I am grateful to have more time to prepare and be patient.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"> I'm going on a mission.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"> <u>IT'S REALLY HAPPENING!!!</u></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">December 26, 2012</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b> </b>I'm getting so excited for my mission because I'm realizing it is <b>another chance for me to Really love people</b> and do everything I can do help and serve them.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"> I'm going to be a Missionary!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">So there it is. I'm excited. I'm nervous. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">But I'm going, yes, it's really happening. </span></div>
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I guess that's why this girl got her wisdom teeth out. :) </div>
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Yeah, the deed is done, and it wasn't even horrible.</div>
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This break has been too good to me. </div>
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Giving me time to prepare and to enjoy myself. </div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Music. Preach My Gospel. Friends. Family</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I even went running last week. Should I be going more? Yes. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">But I went running. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">And when I got done, I laid on the floor and looked </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">at the ceiling for probably 15 minutes. This is what came of it: </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">From the shapes in</span> the ceiling I watched a message unfold.</div>
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A man travels.</div>
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A dog barks.</div>
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A story waits to be told.</div>
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From the clouds up above and the birds in the trees,</div>
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There is life in the sky,</div>
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And in the ant colonies.</div>
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There are lifetimes and memories,</div>
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Opportunities gone.</div>
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Examples to set and truths to pass on.</div>
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And one story is waiting to be shared with all nations,</div>
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Of the One who first loved us,</div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"> The King of All Creations.</span></div>
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So packing my things, wearing in His shoes</div>
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I prepare to be a messenger,</div>
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of this gospel's good news. </div>
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Sarah Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04938946524261112423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2258458941002278380.post-78811252435921322902012-12-15T21:28:00.002-07:002012-12-15T21:30:02.064-07:00All you need is Winter. . . So I went and saw the ZooLights at the Hogle Zoo this week, and I think I enjoyed the cold weather more than I enjoyed the lights. Don't get me wrong, the lights were stellar, but there's something about a nice bitter breeze that seriously warms my insides. I made the mistake of thinking out loud to the two friends I was with, and they got to hear my explanation for loving the cold. Now I'm about to make the mistake of posting it on my blog. <br />
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Cool.<br />
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I decided as I felt the b<b><i></i></b>reeze hit me that it made me feel all cozy, so I expressed that I loved the cold because it reminded me of a good relationship. You know how you envision a really romantic relationship in the winter time? No? Well really I promise I'm not lovesick- but winter for some reason makes me feel like I'm in a good romantic relationship. :)<br />
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People are happy.<br />
People are serving.<br />
People are drinking Apple Cider. :)<br />
Singing Christmas Carols.<br />
It's all good.<br />
It's cozy. It's romantic. <br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">--In a<i> I'm loving being single and I'm going on a mission in three months</i> kind of way.</span><br />
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So yeah, that's pretty much it for today.<br />
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But since I've already embarrassed myself, I'm gonna post a nice love song as well. . . To give you the feel of winter.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/fyKnl_6FHYY" width="560"></iframe>Sarah Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04938946524261112423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2258458941002278380.post-31990199518733046902012-11-24T23:07:00.001-07:002013-01-03T22:44:52.436-07:00Life's Alright. :) <h3>
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Thanksgiving break? </div>
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HEAVEN. </div>
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I had no idea how bad I was yearning for a break until it came and my mind was blown. Completely blown. I'm going to be honest: I didn't even hate writing an essay tonight, because I haven't done any homework since Wednesday.<br />
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Also: My family is stellar. My friends are stellar. My life is stellar.<br />
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I made this video of some of my favorite memories from this semester... and I watched it a bunch of times just to get happy. MY FRIENDS ARE SO COOL.<br />
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Since I'm feeling super grateful for my friends lately I've just gotta get it out- so please bear with me as I express my love for just a few of the people who have been such a positive influence on me this semester. I want to be more like all of them... :)<br />
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My ROOMMATES:</span></u><br />
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JENNIE is one of the kindest people I have ever met. My roommates and I always joke about her being perfect, but we don't actually think it's a joke. She is incredibly easy to talk to and is great at making you feel good about yourself when you need a boost. She is the greatest listener and totally validates me when I'm going through something hard, no matter how silly it is. Sometimes I pray that I can be more like her. </div>
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KELSI is the kind of friend that will stand up for you if anybody treats you bad, and she will not tolerate you not standing up for yourself. She has an amazing gift to love people and show them that she cares about them, and she is so fun to talk to because she is great at understanding what you are feeling and feeling it with you. </div>
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MISSY is such a great example to me because of the love that she shares with everyone and how positive she is about life. She works so hard in her classes and still has so much fun and I totally admire the way she lives her life. Her life isn't easy, but from the outside it just looks like she has got it figured out, and I think that's because she knows how to center her life around Christ and stay motivated. :)</div>
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MEGAN is one of the most sincere and considerate people I have ever met and living with her is such a blessing to me. She is the kind of person that always knows when I'm having a bad day, even when I tell her I've had a good day. And when a day has been bad- she's there to listen no matter what's going on in her own life. She's positive and fun to be with and she adds a really good kind of fun to our apartment. </div>
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LINDSEY is selfless and kind and always improving herself, which I totally admire. I swear she is always finding something she can improve at- and improving it. She'll probably reach perfection soon and then she'll be translated. Somebody should beg her to stop improving, because I want to keep her around. She is so good to me and I love knowing that if I need a wing-man, she's most likely going to be the one there. </div>
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The BOYS:</span></u><br />
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MICHAEL is like Jennie because I think he is perfect. He is handsome, funny, sensitive (in a good way), kind, etc, etc. He's got it all. The first thing I liked about Mike was that he treated everybody so kindly, and I continue to be amazed at his capacity to serve and be a gentleman. To be honest he's kind of a counselor to me, and I am so grateful for the many amazing conversations that I've had with the kid. :) </div>
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SEAN was one of those people that I always wanted to be friends with, but didn't know how it could actually ever happen because he was just on a whole different level than me, but then it happened. The rockstar decided to be my friend and I've been blessed ever since. He's an incredible teacher, leader, and friend because he has such an amazing testimony and a great sense of humor. My two favorite things.</div>
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NATHAN is another one of those people that I want to be just like. I've definitely prayed to be able to obtain qualities that I've seen in him. The more I get to know the guy, the more amazed I am. He is talented beyond comprehension, but he is one of the most humble people I have ever met. No matter who you are he's going to treat you good, and he's going to make you feel like you are awesome. </div>
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REILLY is someone that is so fun to have a good conversation with. He is easy to talk to and fun to be around. One of my favorite things is making Reilly laugh because it makes me feel like I've done something amazing. It's not that he never laughs, he's just got a good laugh. I'm also always amazed at how willing he is to put in so much time to his calling. He's a solid guy.<br />
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BEN is cool. He always makes me happy because I swear every time I see him he asks me how I am doing and how my day has been. He smiles a lot, which is one of my favorite things, and he enjoys playing games and having fun. Ben could potentially be a secret superhero or something.<br />
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CLAYTON used to intimidate me because I thought he was so funny. Now I just think he's funny and I'm not intimidated because I think he pretty much accepts everybody. He's got a stellar girlfriend, and he's really nice. And funny. Aside from being fun he's a really good friend. I think he compliments all his roommates every time I'm at their apartment, which is a lot. So he's amazing. </div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">**GIRLS, if you are looking for a husband, consider the boys mentioned, if they aren't taken. They are going to make six women VERY, VERY happy. :)**</span></div>
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Now what's even more amazing, is that there are so many more things I could say about each of them, and there are so many more people I could say things about, but this is it for today. I had to get out some of my gratitude because my heart wanted to explode. So there it is. Some gratitude for a small portion of the people who have recently affected me for the better. </div>
Sarah Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04938946524261112423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2258458941002278380.post-11795679580802254742012-11-09T14:39:00.003-07:002012-11-09T14:40:21.898-07:00Mawwage is what bwings us togevah today...Sometimes I get in these fits where I'm real excited to get married or something. Embarrassing?<br />
Totally.<br />
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Well it's been one of those weeks. So this morning I thought,<br />
"Hey girl, you're getting your mission call soon, maybe you should FOCUS."<br />
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As I was saying my morning prayers I asked for extra help focusing on my mission and getting in the right mind set and I asked Heavenly Father to help me find something AWESOME in my scripture study. I was sincerely asking for some assistance.<br />
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Well I sat at my desk and started where I left off yesterday, in Moses 3.<br />
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It's times like these that I remember how funny Heavenly Father is. I read, "And I, the Lord God, said unto mine Only Begotten, that it was not good that man should be alone; wherefore, I will make an help meet for him. . . . Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife; and they shall be one flesh."<br />
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Cool. :)<br />
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It was a good start to the day though, and surprisingly enough, I've been a little more focused. Heavenly Father might be pretty funny, but He's also real good at helping me when I need it.<br />
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So grateful for the scriptures, prayer, and "the third greatest gift, laughter."<br />
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<br />Sarah Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04938946524261112423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2258458941002278380.post-62119338340863314812012-11-01T19:55:00.000-06:002012-11-01T19:55:41.349-06:00Today it has been ten years since I lost my mom in a car accident. Never could I have imagined the great affect this would have on my life, but it has given me such an incredible desire to work hard and be all that she would want me to be. I know she has been with me these last ten years, possibly more than she could have been if she was alive, and I am grateful for that. She is the reason I am who I am today, and I just wanted to send out a thank you, and a tribute to her. <br />
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My brother and I recorded this in memory of her and my Grandpa Bob. I love them both and I'm so grateful for the impact they have had on my life. :)<br />
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Sarah Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04938946524261112423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2258458941002278380.post-7015369840280144132012-10-27T12:53:00.000-06:002012-10-27T12:54:22.555-06:00Piles of BlessingsThe problem with this post is that I don't fully know how to express all the things I am grateful for right now. I've been preparing to serve a mission for the last few weeks and I don't even know how to put my feelings into words. <br />
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I'm Excited.<br />
I'm Scared.<br />
I'm incredibly Grateful.<br />
I'm happy.<br />
I feel unworthy and unprepared.<br />
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THERE IS NO DOUBT IN MY MIND THAT SATAN HAS BEEN WORKING ON ME, especially this last week. Is it hard? Yes. Am I weak? No.<br />
<br />
Earlier in the week as I was searching for strength I wrote this poem, and it's helped me stay positive as satan has tried to diminish my worth.<br />
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Here it is:<br />
<br />
Everywhere I turn<br />
TEMPTATION STRIKES.<br />
Not to sin in great ways,<br />
Rather degrading my life.<br />
Emphasizing my weaknesses, enlarging my worries;<br />
Consuming my mind with False, Faith-shaking stories.<br />
<br />
I look to my feet and see clumsy, worn soles.<br />
I notice my hands, that can't fulfill their great role.<br />
But when I look up above,<br />
and I know who He is,<br />
I see a piece of my worth in the reason He lived.<br />
<br />
And despite what I'm feeling,<br />
& the directions I'm pulled<br />
I won't let this dark shadow<br />
Make a change in my Goals.<br />
I am stronger than darkness. I am stronger than pain.<br />
I WON'T SUBMIT to my weaknesses, or let my mirror Scream Shame.<br />
<br />
I'll simply look up above,<br />
For I know who He is,<br />
And I'll rely on his power<br />
To share the Truth: <span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">That He Lives. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
As I keep saying, I wish I could properly express how grateful my heart is. Sometimes I think my life is harder than it is, but I have the gospel and that adds a constant peace and security to any trial or bump in the road. I'm choosing to serve a mission because I want others to feel of this Joy and find Rest in the Savior.<br />
<br />
I guess what this gratitude really comes down to- is the incredible blessing it is to be a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. :)<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Sarah Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04938946524261112423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2258458941002278380.post-7585394494552913362012-09-04T14:14:00.002-06:002012-09-04T14:14:51.333-06:00School Days. . . School Days. . . I'm back in SCHOOL!!!!<br />
And I've gotta be completely honest. I wasn't exactly excited for this school year to start. :( I'm not very good at this thing people like to refer to as euh. . . getting good grades. But it's something I've been trying to conquer! :) So I was pretty nervous for the first day of classes, because in my head school was just another reason I should get down on myself for not doing as good as everybody else.<br />
<br />
As I said, I've been trying to conquer this (this "Dragon" as Sister Samuelson would say) because I know that feeling inadequate isn't going to help me with anything. So, I had all summer to build up my self esteem from the last school year and school was about to start. Naturally, I prayed a lot- that's what I do when I'm scared out of my wits. <br />
<br />
Well school came and I went to classes. So far I haven't died. <br />
<br />
And can I tell you a secret? I love all my classes. I'm not saying they are easy but I don't think I'll struggle as much as I did last year- and that's comforting. :) Now I'm hoping I can use this time to build my relationship with Christ and my Heavenly Father so that when the times hit where I feel SO inadequate, I can turn to them and see my potential and my divine worth. It's amazing to know that they know me and they know that I am trying- so why worry about what anyone else says?!<br />
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As I was struggling on Sunday I was messing around on my guitar and I wrote a very short song, and the words seemed to cover the sadness I was feeling. I sang it over and over again. I don't think I'm the one who writes these words, because so often the words I sing are just the comfort I need. It went something like this:<br />
<br />
The sting of death is swallowed up,<br />
He is the one to fill up my cup,<br />
He is the one who knows I can measure up,<br />
Despite what anybody else is thinking.<br />
<br />The sting of death is swallowed up,<br />
He is the one to fill up my cup,<br />
He is the one who can lift me up,<br />
Whenever I am sinking.<br />
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Sarah Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04938946524261112423noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2258458941002278380.post-39046028182250676212012-08-09T11:38:00.000-06:002012-08-09T11:40:17.277-06:00Grasping WorthWill it be worth it?<br />
I say to myself, If I fall, if I flop, if I fail?<br />
Will it be worth it to send out my heart?<br />
If this work is to no avail?<br />
<br />
Will it be worth it?<br />
To give all I've got. To push, and to pull, and to shove?<br />
If in the end I don't succeed,<br />
And I lose all that I've learned to love.<br />
<br />
Should I hope for the best?<br />
And keep pushing on, through failures, scrapes, and burns?<br />
I believe this is the only way,<br />
To stay up through life's terrible turns.<br />
<br />
Yes, I'll keep trying.<br />
And giving my all. Believing in who I can be,<br />
Though Failure may strike I'll shine through it all.<br />
Grasping all that God sees in me.Sarah Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04938946524261112423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2258458941002278380.post-68215764859337428862012-07-30T09:13:00.001-06:002012-07-30T09:16:55.998-06:00Drained and Drowning.<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"> <strong>DRAINED</strong></span></span></div>
I'm drained. Completely drained. This morning I woke up and I honestly couldn't find the desire to get myself to work, but I dragged myself out of bed and started to get ready. As I did I got a glorious call from my coworker, Amanda, offering me a ride. <br />
A 5 minute car ride vs. 30 minutes of walking . . . This made my morning 100x better. :)<br />
<br />
I made myself some oatmeal with the extra time, and then she showed up to get me and I couldn't find a paper bowl to put my oatmeal in so that I could bring it to work. Luckily, we had styrofoam cups. They seemed a little small but my oatmeal fit in the cup PERFECTLY. :) I grabbed a spoon and headed to work.<br />
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Then I rememberd I had left my purse at work over the weekend. My purse had Gardetto's Snack Mix in it. Which is delicious and now I got to have it at work. <br />
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I'm so grateful for the small tender mercies that keep us going when things seem hard. I know that my life is EASY- but sometimes it's still hard for me. Thank goodness the Lord knows us each so personally and knows just what we need when we feel we can't go on any longer.<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: x-large;"><strong>DROWNING</strong></span></div>Sarah Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04938946524261112423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2258458941002278380.post-4361961051702535812012-07-18T10:35:00.004-06:002012-07-18T10:35:38.376-06:00The Time of My Life!Alright team- I've realized again, as I have so many times in my life, that there is an incredible power that comes from scripture study. <br />
<br />
No matter how great my life is going- It's always better when I am studying my scriptures daily and somehow I seem to forget the STUDY part every so often. BUT, this last week as I have been drained of all my energy I have loved turning to the scriptures and feeling so charged and ready to keep on going! <br />
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Every day I seem to find something in the scriptures that relates to me SO personally and I feel incredibly blessed to have such a wonderful book in my life. The Book of Mormon has changed my life and made me who I am today and I am incredibly grateful for it!<br />
<br />Sarah Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04938946524261112423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2258458941002278380.post-45971343869611723302012-07-02T19:45:00.000-06:002012-07-02T19:45:11.847-06:00The Sting of Death...I'll admit that some days I miss her a lot,<br />
And I wish she was with me again,<br />
But today I am grateful to know her so well,<br />
And I sit here remembering when:<br />
<br />
She'd scratch my back as I fell asleep,<br />
Let me help her make dinner sometimes,<br />
She'd teach guitar to the neighborhood kids,<br />
And send me to my room when I cried.<br />
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She shared her love with everyone that she met,<br />
Took notes in church every week,<br />
Around campfires she'd bring the music and laughter,<br />
She's just who I want to be.<br />
<br />
I'll admit that some days I sure miss her a lot,<br />
And I wish she was with me again,<br />
But today I am grateful to know her so well,<br />
And I sit here dreaming of when:<br />
<br />
We'll be with each other catching up on the past,<br />
Forgetting when we were apart,<br />
We're so alike I can't wait for the day,<br />
When it won't feel like she is so far.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Just had to say that I am so grateful to know that I can see my mom again, and I can't wait for that day! :) This gospel is a beautiful thing. :)<br />
<br />
"But there is a resurrection, therefore the grave hath no victory, and the sting of death is swallowed up in Christ." - Mosiah 16:8<br />
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<br />Sarah Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04938946524261112423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2258458941002278380.post-60204345778382401302012-06-27T11:42:00.003-06:002012-06-27T11:42:52.585-06:00Hunter.I met a boy last week who definitely deserves a blog post titled with his name. :)<br />
<br />
I was walking home from campus, in my usual way: Sauntering silently along without more than smiling at anyone, but smiling nonetheless. You see I have this thing, when I walk home I feel guilty if I head on my way without acknowledging the people walking around me because I seem to always be reminded that I am walking by children of God. People I may have known before I came to this earth. It's something I like to think about while I walk home, and it helps me to not feel so silly about smiling at everyone. :)<br />
<br />
Anyway, this being said, I can't ever seem to get up enough courage to speak to any of these complete strangers (ehem. . . or said children of God). Well as I walked home I stayed in my area of the sidewalk. There was someone a few feet in front of me and someone a few feet behind, so obviously I needed to stay in my area so that we werent awkwardly close. I think it's just a part of some code you've gotta keep to be permitted on the sidewalk. ;)<br />
<br />
Then as the guy in front of me was going down some stairs he turned around and glanced at me and then kept walking. This was definitely breaking the code, I'm sure of it. I was caught a little bit off guard, but I think I still smiled; and we continued on keeping our distance. <br />
<br />
As I got closer to the end of the hill I picked up my pace and made the brave decision to pass the man in front of me. When I was just to the left of him he broke the code AGAIN! This random guy started talking to me, and you know what he said?<br />
<br />
"Isn't it kind of ridiculous how people always walk right next to each other, and never seem to say anything? I mean we're at BYU, we have enough things in common to talk about."<br />
<br />
I was amazed. And obviously I agreed, but did I have the courage to say that outloud? No way. I could barely get up the courage to say "hi" to people I'd never met. <br />
<br />
Well, this guys name was Hunter, and we had a wonderful conversation, but quite short because we each had to go separate ways. <br />
<br />
Hunter talking to me really made my day, he said what I've always thought but never had enough courage to change. How could I break the code? Now I know, you just do it. I didn't think he was crazy, so maybe people won't think I"m crazy if I try. And really, What's there to lose?! :)Sarah Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04938946524261112423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2258458941002278380.post-7590623749950333372012-06-13T17:17:00.002-06:002012-06-13T17:17:30.755-06:00It all started with Dinner Group. . .<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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At the beginning of this wondrous summer, I was planning to attend my home ward every week, and it started out that way. But then my roommate asked me to join a dinner group with her and free food sounded AWESOME, so I did. (Having no idea at the time that joining a simple dinner group would get me sucked into a life of sociability!) </div>
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Well I made friends, and they convinced me to go to church in our ward about two weeks ago; Let's just say I'm no longer holding on to the hope of going home every weekend. My ward is awesome. My life is awesome. I have made amazing friends who make me feel like I can do anything, and they believe in the talents that I don't even have! :) Life is good. </div>Sarah Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04938946524261112423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2258458941002278380.post-43820413128428487212012-06-12T17:10:00.001-06:002012-06-12T17:10:47.344-06:00Jamal's Journey: The Man with the Duck on his HeadSo my friend Jim is a poet. And I really like this.<br />
<a href="http://jamalsjourney.blogspot.com/2012/06/man-with-duck-on-his-head.html?spref=bl">Jamal's Journey: The Man with the Duck on his Head</a>: The sky rumbled darkly as day lost its light And threatened a torrent of tears. The mayor of Mably grumbled a groan, "I hope that the clo...Sarah Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04938946524261112423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2258458941002278380.post-70729439755154666682012-06-01T09:22:00.001-06:002012-06-01T09:22:10.339-06:00All that He is<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I think it’s amazing how well the Lord knows each and every
one of us, and he loves us for who we are. Yesterday I was getting stressed
over silly things, that could potentially have huge eternal consequences but
most likely won’t, and I was trying to keep a prayer in my heart so that I
could discern the right decisions to make and things to say. I probably get too
anxious about things.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Either way, I was
feeling sick to my stomach and I hated it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It was amazing to me<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>that as I tried
to stay calm and keep His spirit with me, amazing things started happening. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">It’s all kind of personal really, but I would just like to
testify, because I know with a surety that the Lord is aware of our
circumstances, and He is watching out for each of us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He is there waiting anxiously to help us if
we will but turn to him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>SO TURN! It’s a
wonderful feeling to know that someone is always there for you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even if you didn’t have time to put on
make-up in the morning, even if you just made a horrible decision, even if you
feel that you will never be worth the things you want, HE IS THERE.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s a miraculous thing but Christ has felt you’re
pains and if you turn to Him he will help you solve even the silly
problems.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If they are important to you,
they are important to him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And I believe
this, and testify of it with all that I am, and all that He is. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>Sarah Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04938946524261112423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2258458941002278380.post-8508830718137242412012-05-29T12:42:00.001-06:002012-05-29T14:49:53.059-06:00My Sacred GroveMy family has a cabin up in the mountains that I will always be grateful for. My family and my friends have been able to make so many memories up there. This last weekend I went to our cabin with my siblings, some of their friends, and my cousins and we had a real good time. <br />
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Spending time away from everything was just what I needed,</div>
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and I'm so grateful to have a place so secluded and so beautiful.</div>
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I sat out on the deck on monday morning and I just thought about my life.</div>
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For the first time in a while I felt the Lord's hand working in my life, </div>
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not because it hasn't been working, life has just been so hectic</div>
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and I haven't been noticing.</div>
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But, as I sat outside and looked at the mountains and the trees, I could honestly feel a hand of guidance in my life and the answers to my questions came. </div>
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I think that it is incredibly important for us to find these places where the spirit can really touch us, places without any distractions, our own "Sacred Groves."</div>
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I'm grateful to have my cabin to go to, and I'm grateful I was able to feel so strongly the Lord's guidance in my life; for it's times that I feel it so sure that remind me why I have such a strong desire to do all that is right. I know the Lord knows me, and I'm willing to do all that it takes to keep His guidance as my guiding influence. </div>
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</div>Sarah Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04938946524261112423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2258458941002278380.post-82484885942672126482012-05-25T16:17:00.002-06:002012-05-25T16:19:31.987-06:00Moments of ReflectionAs I was walking home from work the other day I ran into my friend Abraham.<br />
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I sat next to Abraham in my Book of Mormon class, and he always made me so happy. Abraham is deaf, so we needed a translator to talk to each other, but I was always amazed at his possitive attitude and he was SO fun to talk to. The way he told stories from the Book of Mormon, almost acting them out Always made my day.</div>
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<br />
So when I saw Abraham crossing the street the other day, I ran up to him because I was so excited! We shook hands and I screamed his name, and asked him how he was doing. I know he couldn't hear me but I think he understood my excitement. I told him it was good to see him and continued on my way but I looked back and he was still watching me. Then he got an excited expression on his face, remembering how he knew me- and he said, in the best way he could, "Book of Mormon!" I smiled and nodded my head and he gave me one of is awesome thumbs ups.</div>
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Seriously though, this absolutely made my day. Abraham reminded me what happiness is, and I'm so grateful I ran into him- it has brightened my week! </div>
<br />Sarah Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04938946524261112423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2258458941002278380.post-45199820485171351262012-05-23T10:07:00.000-06:002012-05-24T10:14:49.417-06:00Countless Tender MerciesSo I'm hoping these posts turn into a daily thing because I really should be more positive than I am. . . The last few days as I've been looking for the good things in life, trying to find those tender mercies the Lord gives all of us, I've had the most wonderful things happen. (Ha, or I've <em>noticed</em> the most wonderful things happening).<br />
<br />
On Monday my brother drove to Provo to get me and bring me to South Jordan so that I could see my friends, and then my dad drove me back that night. And though I'm so glad I got to see my friends, just knowing that my family would do that for something that was so silly to them, but so important to me, probably made me even happier than what I actually went to South Jordan for. <br />
<br />
Then, on Tuesday my roommate Maddie and I just sat in our room and talked for about an hour and I realized how incredibley lucky I am. She is so awesome and I'm grateful that I've always been blessed with awesome roommates. Being able to just sit and spend time with her was such a highlight to my day!<br />
<br />
Now TODAY! :) My boss sent out an email to all of us employees about any questions we have. I'm new. I don't really know anything, so I told her that. When she read it, she called me over and I thought, <em>oh shoot, I'm in trouble, she wants me to research these camps and find questions and she probably thinks I'm lazy. . . etc. etc. </em>But all she said was, "I loved your email, Sarah." and she laughed at me. <br />
It's something SO silly, but it made me incredible happy to know that I made her laugh. I like to make people laugh. <br />
<br />
I really am so grateful for the millions of tender mercies in my life, I KNOW GOD LIVES; and for some reason he loves me and cares about the things I care about. What a wonderful truth that is.Sarah Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04938946524261112423noreply@blogger.com0