Letters

Dear Eric, I'm glad we're best friends.

Dear Ems, Thanks for joining Jon and I the other night in eating pizza, watching LOTR, and getting yummy treats. I love super much when you're around and when we have fun together. Please--let's have so much lots of fun over the next couple of your last weeks here.

Dear Lindsey and Jamie, I am so blessed to have such awesome, caring, and supportive coworkers as you two. I know you always have my back and that on days when I'm not feelin' up to my A-game, that you'll be there. I consider being able to work with you two a tender mercy.

Dear Wardies, I've been super MIA lately! Super sorry. Please accept my apology. I'm going to try to do better.

Dear Dale, Thanks for coming to watch the game with us last night. You're pretty cool and I like having you around.

Dear Louisa, I like it when you talk in your sleep. It makes for laughs before going to bed.

Dear Jon, I had super fun with you yesterday, studying and eating M&Ms and making dinner. You're an awesome friend.

Dear Stephanie, I miss you. We should catch up sometime soon.

Dear Jessica, Abby, and Kate, I super DUPER miss you guys! I can't wait to see you and have lots of fun with you! Till then, I'm excited that I get to talk with you over the phone tonight.

Dear Shony and Melissa, You guys are such good, loving visiting teachers. Thank you for who you are and all you do.

Dear Mars, I was serious the other week when I came over and said we should have fun sometime. Let's do so soon?

Lauren!!!! I missed you when you came over this morning, so I'm glad we're going to get together to talk tonight. I need best friends like you in my life. Love you tons!!!

Dear Jacob, Lose the stache.

Dear Rebecca, Your wedding dress is SO beautiful! I'm so excited for you and Levi to tie the knot in a little over a month. 

Dear Homework Assignments, Especially you 3 papers: I wish you were done, but you're not. That's okay; I'm just going to attack you this week. Watch. Out.

Dear Sunshine, I can think of no good reason for you to leave. Really. Please stay?

Dear Church Music, You make for the perfect Sunday setting. Thank you for the spirit and peace you bring.

Dear Heavenly Father, Thanks for not giving up on me and for continually blessing me, even when I stop paying attention. I love you.

Benefiting from His Hands

Yesterday it was very easy for me to see the Lord's hand in my life.

This past week has been a hard one for me. I've felt very lonely and confused and frustrated and sad. Yesterday, however, that all turned around.

On her way to work, Ems stopped by to say hi.

Melissa and Shonay came over to visit teach me because they're awesome.

Joseph Scoville stopped by our place--randomly--to help us fix our internet.

I went over to Joseph's to bring him cookies to say thank you and talked to him and Evan and Ally and Charlotte. They invited me over to watch a movie and do homework. I accepted.

Before going to bed, Elora and Elicia talked to me about life.

Yesterday, I felt very loved by the people reaching out to me. They were being the Lord's hands here on earth.

"A story is told that during the bombing of a city in World War II, a large statue of Jesus Christ was severely damaged. When the townspeople found the statue among the rubble, they mourned because it had been a beloved symbol of their faith and of God’s presence in their lives.

Experts were able to repair most of the statue, but its hands had been damaged so severely that they could not be restored. Some suggested that they hire a sculptor to make new hands, but others wanted to leave it as it was—a permanent reminder of the tragedy of war. Ultimately, the statue remained without hands. However, the people of the city added on the base of the statue of Jesus Christ a sign with these words: 'You are my hands.'" -President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, "You Are My Hands"

Counting Blessings

I've been MIA lately because of THIS project that I'm working on. But now, I'm back! (I know--I just made your day).

Even though my life's been a little crazy of late, I've been floored by how many blessings the Lord sends my way every single day.

For example, my sister Emily lives right upstairs from where I live and we can see each other whenever we want and even go on fun weekend adventures to our Aunt Martha's house to spend the weekend and go shoe shopping and do laundry for free.

For example, I got to go talk to the girls in the yellow house last night and they were so kind and friendly and super understanding and willing to talk about be best friends.

For example, I go to a school where I'm surrounded by tons of other really awesome people and many amazing professors who dedicate lots of time in helping me become a successful teacher.

For example, I work at an awesome office with awesome people who make me smile and laugh and are the best.

For example, the General Conference issue of the Ensign just came out and I get to read all the talks from our living prophets and apostles.

For example, Thanksgiving break is only 3 weeks away!

For example, snow is not permanently sticking to the ground yet.

For example, I got to go to the Utah Council of Teachers of English conference this past Friday.

For example, I have Halloween candy.

For example, I got free dinner on Monday night because the bishop hosted several FHE groups over for dinner.

For example, I have awesome roommates who give me hugs and leave me notes and smile and keep things positive.

For example, Christmas is only 49 days away.

For example, I know that Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ love me and are there for me. They've got my back.

This is a season of Thanksgiving. I'm going to celebrate it by trying harder to recognize the Lord's hand in my life every day, and being happy for it.