So this week I've been a workoutaholic. I forgot how good it felt to push my body to it's limits but also how good it felt to think and ponder about life. I haven't been doing this as much as I'm used to lately. Anyway, I really have come to learn so much about myself already. Some things I already knew, some I just discovered and many more I've yet to discover. Pretty general I know, but here are some specifics:
1) I like people who are honest with themselves and with me.
2) I don't like people who are superficial just because they want to avoid conflict or really any reason for that matter.
3) I am a daughter of God and should expect to be treated as such(including treating and talking about myself with respect.)
4) Gratitude for my trials and hope that they will end makes them A LOT easier to bear.
5) Life goes on even when you think it won't.
6) I really like making goals and then accomplishing them...I'm more than halfway done with my 2008 ones! Yea!
7) Family is AWESOME. They accept you for who your are and not who you aren't.
8)I love my job, taking care of people and being a nurse.
9)God intended life to be happy, so make the most of every day.
10) I am blessed. I mean, immensely blessed!

"Enforced change usually does not last, while productive enduring can ingrain permanent change." Elder Neal A. Maxwell.

This made me think tonight...God does not force me to change, I mustdo this on my own. "Productive enduring" denotates action. I must constantly be active in embracing the gospel and it's doctrines and principles and desiring to become better. The trials that I am faced with daily help bring about this lasting change. Persistent endurance acts as a catalyst for permanent change to ingrain these truths on my heart and I become more like the Savior, Jesus Christ. The Savior who endured every individual pain, affliction, weakness and sin. Looking forward with hope can help make enduring easier, even when I don't always know the Lord's plan/timing for me. I am so grateful for my trials. Honestly, I know I have changed and become better because of what I have experienced and endured in the past. Isn't it fantastic to know that he knows us all individually and that through His ultimate act we can change our hearts and will to become like Him? I am not as eloquent or articulate in expressing my testimony as Elder Maxwell is, but I know that his words are true.

Jessica's Baptism

I know I'm only going to be 24 in a week and 2 days, (yea! send all presents to mom's house...ha ha I know, I think I am funny) but nothing makes you start to feel old like when your oldest niece gets baptized. I can't believe she is old enough...I mean, I remember when she was born. Craziness. It was a nice ceremony. Jess asked me to give the closing prayer, no problem right?! Well, when it was time for the closing song I completely broke down and then blubbered over the closing prayer. I am my mother's daughter that's for sure! How cute is my brother Thad in this picture with his oldest child. My brother's are all great men and I hope that the man I marry is as great a dad to our children as all of them are to theirs! Congrats Jessica, I love you!

Cherry Blossom Festival 2008

So, after having lived in Northern Virginia my whole life I finally made it down to see the cherry blossoms as they were peaking this year. It was so beautiful and the day that I went the wind was blowing so that it looked as if it was snowing cherry blossom petals. Yes, yes I know kind of lame that I had to go by myself but I just decided that if I wanted to see them that's just what I had to do. Maybe next year one of you can come with me :)Any takers? Hope you enjoy the pics and if you haven't ever been downtown to see the blossoms, I highly and I mean highly recommend it!

I'm Officially a Blog Neglecter!

So my last post was in April and I am officially deeming myself a blog neglecter! Man, I am such a slacker and really don't have a good excuse as to why I haven't posted something up here in the past two-three months. I know that many of you are on the edge of your seats waiting for an update on my oh so interesting life :) so I will proceed to indulge. Enjoy!