A Weekend with the Fam

This past weekend I was lucky enough to have my family stop by for a visit! They were traveling from Washington down to Arizona to visit my Grandma and stopped for the afternoon/evening in Provo to visit Ems and I. I thought that going on a picnic would be super fun, and so that's what we did! When they arrived we skedaddled our way over to Kiwanis park, laid out a blanket, and spent the next hour or so talking, eating, and enjoying the good weather. Jon also joined us, which was super awesome!

When people got bored of the park we drove home and enjoyed some Creamies. Then, we decided to go over to Rock Canyon Park so that my sisters could roll down the huge hill (I passed for the most part. Halfway down the first roll the Creamie in my stomach protested). We ended the night by hiking the Y and looking out at the city lights from up top. ("You mean," remarked Kate, "that they just found this huge rock shaped in the shape of a Y and painted it white?")

It was so good to get to see my family and share some of my life here in Provo with them. Plus, the ordeal helped me cross of summer bucket list item #10!

Provo Rooftop Concert Series

One of the best parts about summer in Provo is the Rooftop Concert Series. From May to October on the first Friday of each month, aspiring local artists gather together to perform their music on the top of a parking garage in downtown Provo. The best part about these events is that they are 100% FREE! I had gone to several of these concerts last year and was excited to go again this year to share the experience with Jon.

We decided to go to the second concert in the series on June 7th with Joshua James, Polytype and Jay William Henderson performing. Because the concerts are free there is open seating (people bring blankets and lawn chairs to sit on or choose to just stand and watch). Jon and I tried to arrive a little early to steal a good seat, but still ended up having to sit towards the side of the stage on a part of the parking garage that slanted down. That was a bit of a downer because it made it hard to find a comfortable position to sit in where you could still see the groups perform, but we still made it work. While waiting for the concert to start we ate the packed dinner we had brought along (hooray for PB&J!) and played a few card games. When the music started my cousin, Alex, and her fiance, Logan, joined us for a few rounds of Uno. When the magic of Draw 4 and Reverse cards dissipated, we decided to put the cards away and to just enjoy the music. Jon and I had some fun with the camera and Alex and Logan left to say hi to some of their other friends. We stayed there for the first two performers and then decided to move up to the main level of the parking garage to stand and watch the last performer--Joshua James--perform. Both Jon and I definitely preferred standing and listening to the music over trying to sit comfortably on the slanted pavement. Joshua James' music was also my favorite of the three performances.

The night ended beautifully. Day faded into dusk and eventually dissolved into night as people sat with their friends and families listening to the music echo through the streets of downtown Provo.

Bonfire up Provo Canyon

Having late night bonfires during the summer is always a good way to involve lots of people in some cheap fun. This was the first SBLI I did this summer. We piled a bunch of people into our respective cars, drove up Provo Canyon a couple of minutes, and stopped at the first park on our left--Canyon Glen Park. This place is free and has several different places to have a fire. Because we didn't bring our own firewood it took us a while to get anything going, being that there wasn't any good firewood in the area. Once we did get things started, however, it was a blast! Smores, pictures, talking and laughing with friends, guitar music, staying out past midnight, the smell of a campfire--good times.

Have a Bonfire
Where: Canyon Glen Park
When: Nighttime
What to Bring: Firewood, smores materials, blankets

Late Night Milkshake Run

Last week we the last week of Spring term, which means that it was also the last week for some of the students in my ward. To celebrate, a group of us went to Sonic and got milkshakes! The best things about going to Sonic to get milkshakes after 8pm is that they're half off and they have a zillion flavors and they're huge (as in a small is equivalent to most places' medium). Because I had already had my sugar fill for the day, I passed on getting a milkshake for myself that night. The next night, however, Jon and I went and bought a large Oreo cheesecake one to share. It was quite absolutely divine. I've also gotten their strawberry chocolate shake before and loved it. The only downsider about these shakes is that sometimes they can be a little runny. It's been hit and miss for me--sometimes they're thick (which is what I like) and sometimes they're not. For the price though, I think it's worth the risk.

Late Night Milkshake Run
Where: Sonic
When: After 8pm so that they're half-off!!! (Yea for a $2.50 large!)
Pros: Lots of flavors to pick from that you can milk and match, cheap, lots for your money
Cons: Sometimes the shakes are runny

Buffalo Peak Hike

Jon and I went on one of the most beautiful hikes I've ever been on the other day! It was called Buffalo Peak Trail. Jon's boss, Tyson, recommended that we give it a look--said that it was very pretty and had tons of wildflowers. His review didn't do the place justice. I felt like I'd fallen into the 2006 version of Pride and Prejudice! The colors were rich, the landscape was shapely and the view was awe-inspiring. The hike was fairly steep towards the end, but extremely short overall (about 1/2 a mile or so). Jon and I hiked to the top, looked over onto Provo, and then backtracked just a little bit to a place we liked that faced the backside of Squaw Peak to eat dinner. I feel like the pictures we took can do more at this point than any more words, so I'll let them do the rest of the talking. I'm just so grateful to live somewhere where a place this beautiful is practically in my backyard.

The Words of Christ

“If you pray for an angel to visit you, you know what he’ll do if he comes. He’ll just quote the scriptures to you—so you’re wasting your time waiting for what we already have.”  -Hugh Nibley 

"Angels speak by the power of the Holy Ghost; wherefore, they speak the words of Christ. Wherefore, I said unto you, feast upon the words of Christ; for behold, the words of Christ will tell you all things what ye should do."  -2 Nephi 32:3

I love this quote from Bro. Nibley! The irony is biting. Sometimes I find myself pining for answers and wishing that the Lord would hand them to me on a silver platter. I stress over it, pray over it, think really hard over it. I wonder how much less stressful my life would be if my impulse instead was to turn to the scriptures, because though the platter may not be silver, the scriptures are definitely waiting for us, every answer we could wish for on the pages. We do not need the tongues of angels; we need the word of God, and we can access those more readily today than any other generation of God's children has been able to before. How grateful I am for the scriptures. I hope that I can make them a more dominate part of my life. 

The Lord Delighteth in Plainness

"For my soul delighteth in plainness; for after this manner doth the Lord God work among the children of men."  -2 Nephi 31:3

"And he said, Go forth, and stand upon the mount before the Lord. And, behold, the Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind rent the mountains, and brake in pieces the rocks before the Lord; but the Lord was not in the wind: and after the wind an earthquake; but the Lord was not in the earthquake: And after the earthquake a fire; but the Lord was not in the fire: and after the fire a still small voice."  -1 Kings 19:11-12

Too often we spend our time seeking out grandiose occurrences and signs in order to find the hand of the Lord in our lives. It is important, however, in our quest to find the Lord to realize that He is in the small things. The majority of the Lord's work is not done with the wave of a flag or with a powerful clap of thunder in the skies. Rather, the Lord does His work in small and simple ways through ordinary people like you and I. We do not need to be the leader of nations to make a difference. Think of the men the Lord has called upon in the past to do His work--Moses who couldn't speak in public parted the Red Sea, Joseph who was sold into slavery spoke to Pharaoh and David was just a little boy when he took down Goliath. The majority of the work done in this world is done by people like you and I. Don't hold yourself back from believing that you can do great things. You are more capable than you think you are. You have more power for good than you think you do. When you fight for the right the Lord is on your side and He will not let you down. 

I challenge you today to look for the small and simple acts of the Lord in your life. Take time to slow down and recognize the multitude of significant, yet small, blessings in your life. I testify that if you take the time to slow down you will come to a greater realization that He is alive and active in your life. He is there and He cares about you. Then, take the confidence in His presence which you gain and use it to go out and do small and simple things for others. This pattern of living makes to-do lists manageable, long days bearable, and living more worthwhile. 

Missionary Work

“Now they were desirous that salvation should be declared to every creature, for they could not bear that any human soul should perish; yea, even the very thoughts that any soul should endure endless torment did cause them to quake and tremble. And thus did the Spirit of the Lord work upon them, for they were the very vilest of sinners. And the Lord saw fit in his infinite mercy to spare them; nevertheless they suffered much anguish of soul because of their iniquities, suffering much and fearing that they should be cast off forever.” –Mosiah 28:3-4

"Like the sons of Mosiah, they had felt the effects of sin in their own lives and the marvelous healing of the Atonement within the Church of God. Out of love and gratitude for the Savior’s gift to them, they wanted to help everyone they could to escape the sadness of sin, feel the joy of forgiveness, and gather with them to safety in the kingdom of God. It was the love of God and the love for their friends and neighbors that unified them to serve the people. They desired to take the gospel to everyone in their part of the world. And they prepared their children to be worthy to be called by the Lord to teach, to testify, and to serve in other parts of His vineyard." -President Henry B. Eyring, We Are One

One measure of our conversion is the degree to which we desire to share the gospel with others. When we love the Lord and truly want to follow Him, we will naturally want to share this love and joy with others. We will want those around us to experience the same love and peace in their lives which we receive in ours from following the commandments and from building a personal relationship with the Lord. Ultimately, the true disciple desires his neighbor's salvation as much--if not more--than his own. When charity becomes the motivator behind all our interactions with others we will desire nothing more than to offer them the best of that which we have--the gospel of Jesus Christ. 

Letters

Dear Alex, Logan and Jon, The rooftop concert on Friday evening was very enjoyable (even though the slanted seats weren't). Thanks for the fun evening!

Dear Jason, The food you made for us on Sunday was SO GOOD!!! You are a top-notch cook! Thank you so super very much for sharing your talents and your food.

Dear Jon, Hanging out at the pool after running 9 miles has to be one of my favoritest things you and I have done yet. It was absolutely divine. Thank you for humoring me by getting in the (not very, but I'll amuse you) "cold" (*cough, cough*) water. You're kinda' the best.

Dear Sunshine, Phew--you're sure staring to get hot! Bring it on!

Dear FHE Family, The hike on Monday night to Battle Creek Falls was fun, chill, and gorgeous. Thank you for the lovely evening.

Dear Ward Soccer Team, Watching you guys play Tuesday night was SO FUN! Thanks for playing a game that was worth cheering through and that got me to hold my breath more than once!

Dear New Car That Belongs to Me, Wait--what?! I own a car?!!! Oh. Yeah. Still getting used to that thought.

Dear Karianne, It made me so happy to see you Wednesday at work! Sounds like you're having quite the crazy adventure up in North Dakota. I'm sad that you have to leave and go back today, but hope you know that I've missed you like crazy and can't wait for you to come back in the Fall!

Dear Scott, You are such and absolutely AMAZING friend for taking me to pick-up my car and then for being willing to be late to work when things went slightly crazy. You are a top-notch guy and a superb friend.

Dear Rachel Smith, I loved talk with you on Tuesday while walking to my car. Let's talk more again soon, okay?

Dear Jon and Coworkers, I had so much fun joining you guys on Wednesday for lunch! It was quite the privilege to be able to sit with ya'll in your little shed and to participate in the vital conversation about Disney movie music. I'm glad that Jon has such happy, upbeat and awesome people to work with.

Dear Emily, Eating dinner with you on Wednesday and coloring with you last night was pretty much one of the bestest things I've done in a very long time! Please, please, please say you'll do it with me again!

Dear Jon, Sometimes I wonder why on earth you still want to spend so much time with me when, after a day like yesterday, I look back and realize how dramatic I can be. I mean, I was even starting to annoy myself! Whatever it is that keeps you around though--even with all my dramatics--I'm extremely grateful for because I really like being with you.

Dear Thursday Temple Visits, You're one of the best decisions I've made all summer. Thank you for the peace and clarity and calm which you bring into my life. I plan on keeping you up.

Dear General Conference Talks, Sometimes you hit it right on the spot. I love how easy you are to access and how wonderfully inspired you make me feel.

Dear Half-Marathon Training, You have not been the best of friends lately. Let's change that, yeah?

Dear Amelia, I really need to write you a letter. I promise, I'm working on it!

Dear Landan, WELCOME BACK HOME!!! I can't wait to hear your homecoming talk this coming Sunday!

Dear Wonderful and Amazing Coworkers, I'm so grateful and blessed to work with people as amazing as you guys. Thank you for providing me with a workplace where I know my needs are just as important as the needs of the office. Thank you for your kindness and for lifting me up when I feel down. I'm so lucky to get to work at such an amazing place.

Dear Heavenly Father, Only two more days until Father's Day! I hope that the way I live my life over those two days can be, in the smallest way, a gift to You. Thank you for giving me the most wonderfully blessed life in the whole world. I love you so very much.

Dear Friday, I'm so super very extremely much excited to make you the best day that I've lived of my life so far! Here's to productivity, living with purpose, looking out for and lifting-up others, feeling the Spirit, choosing to be happy, using my agency wisely and responsibly, keeping a prayer in my heart, loving unconditionally and being just plain all-around awesome!

Letters

Dear Bed, I really do very sincerely miss you. We have not been spending enough quality time together lately! As much as I miss you, however, I do have to admit that the things taking your place have been quite worth it. Maybe in a couple of years (or probably in the next life) I'll actually have enough time for you. For now though, hope you enjoy the little time that you do have with me!

Dear Hook (the movie), I haven't seen you in FOREVER! I forgot how fun/silly/good of a movie you are! I'm glad that I got to watch you on Saturday night with my friends.

Dear Lori, Thank you so much for letting us come over to your place to plant flowers! I miss having a yard and being able to work outside in the dirt. The black beneath my fingernails was a happy sight. Thank you even more for taking us out to eat afterwards at the Trolley Cafe. That salad was so good!

Dear Latino Ward Members (and their white friends/roommates), Sunday's break the fast was one of the best break the fasts I've ever been to! Thank you so, so much for spending all of Saturday evening and Sunday morning slaving over delicious enchiladas, rice, beans and horchata. My stomach and taste buds were quite appreciative!

Dear Kate, I'm sorry it took me so long to call you back! I'm super glad that we FINALLY got to talk on Sunday and that you got to tell me all about the awesome girls camp and school and life stuff you have going on and that I got to tell you all about the crazy stuff going on in my life. I love you super tons!!!

Dear Half-Marathon Training, I'm surprised--besides the waking up super early to go running (which sometimes makes me feel like I'm gonna DIE) you're actually not that bad! After running 9 miles on Thursday evening, running 13.1 isn't feeling quite as intimidating. I might actually be able to do this!

Dear Activities Committee, I love being part of a group of people as amazing as you. Every single one of you is so kind, loving, serving, outgoing and all-around stupendous! Thank you for being who you are--it inspires me to be a better person and to love and serve those around me more perfectly.

Dear Ems, I'm glad that we FINALLY decided on a time to hang out. It's been forever! Tomorrow evening is going to be the best.

Dear Day of Rest, You really are my favorite day of the week. Thanks for always getting me ready for the other six.

Dear Tale of Two Cities, Lets see if I can get you read in two weeks. That's the goal, at least!

Dear Jon, Water coloring and coloring outside the lines and endless french toast at Kneaders and planting flowers at Lori's and going to Jamie's wedding reception and running and shopping and making yummy pesto-based food and painting my nails and watching Hook and making banana bread and reading general conference talks and talking and talking and talking all with you at my side are, I think, some of my most favorite things ever. Thank you for being so good and for always leaving me with a desire to be a better person. You're quite the top-notch best friend, and we make quite the fantastic team.

Dear Heavenly Father, I would be selfish if I didn't acknowledge and thank you for all the good that is in my life right now. Thank you for answering my prayers and for knowing exactly what I need and when I need it, and then for giving it all to me even though I don't deserve more than (maybe) 0.9% of it. You are the best part of my life.