A Blast From the Past

Ok, so I came across some high school videos of me and some of my "cool cat" friends. haha. It's funny to look back on those memories and remember how care free life was. We just cared about having fun, laughing, and letting our imaginations run wild. Even though we weren't the brightest at times, hence the following video, we still created memories and friendships that we wouldn't change for anything! Oh how I miss my friends!

-What high school is "really" like-this video pretty much explains it all. 

-"It's Gonna Be Me"-My cute husband, Steven (in the white shirt), and some of our friends. 

TLC's "Breaking Amish"

I don't watch T.V. all that much, but when I do I often find myself turning to the TLC channel. I grew up watching this network and have loved some of their shows over time. However, I've recently discovered I often feel crappy after watching this channel, and I believe this is because of the lack of morals portrayed in their newer shows. One in particular is Breaking Amish. This show is so depressing and makes me sick to my stomach. I've only seen it once, but I do see glimpses of it by watching the commercials, and I can see exactly the type of life these young adults are now in... which is a scary life. I just feel so bad for them. They were abruptly brought into to such a foreign environment (New York) full of opportunities/experiences to choose badly with no appropriate guidance or counsel. They pretty much were set up for failure. I guess you can say I'm angry with the producers and all those who support this show because things could have been done in a much healthier way- in a way that would promote success in these individuals lives. I wrote a letter to them expressing my feelings, and surprisingly, they've already responded to me. They appreciated my concern and said they highly respect viewers' opinions. It felt good knowing they cared about me and how I felt. There are also multiple other shows that are recent, or are coming out soon, that I feel do not inspire or portray life in meaningful ways. I hope to see positive changes in content from this network in the future.

Words of Wisdom

Words of wisdom from a prophet of God:
"Men may fail in this country, earthquakes may come, seas may heave beyond their bounds, there may be great drought, disaster, and hardship, but this nation, founded on principles laid down by men whom God raised up, will never fail.This is the cradle of humanity, where life on this earth began in the Garden of Eden. This is the place of the New Jerusalem. . . . This is the place where the Savior will come to His temple.
We are living in a time of great crisis. The Country is torn with scandal and with criticism, with faultfinding and condemnation. There are those who have downgraded the image of this nation as probably never before in the history of the country.
I plead with you not to preach pessimism. Preach that this is the greatest country in all the world…It is the nation that will stand despite whatever trials or crises it may yet have to pass through.
We must be on the optimistic side. This is a great nation; this is a great country; this is the most favored of all lands. While it is true that there are dangers and difficulties that lie ahead of us, we must not assume that we are going to stand by and watch the country go to ruin. We should not be heard to predict ills and calamities for the nation. On the contrary, we should be providing optimistic support for the nation.
We must tell the world how we feel about this land and
this nation and should bear our testimonies about the great mission and destiny that it has.
If we do this, we will help turn the tide of this great country and lessen the influence of the pessimists. We must be careful that we do not say or do anything that will further weaken the country. It is the negative, pessimistic comments about the nation that do as much harm as anything to the country today. We who carry these sacred responsibilities must preach the gospel of peace, and peace can only come by overcoming the things of the world. Now, we must be the dynamic force that will help turn the tide of fear and pessimism." (Ye Are the Light of the World 350-51)

-Harold B. Lee 1974

I think this is perfect considering our recent election. We have so much to be grateful for and to look forward to. Be positive and help build up others, no matter who they be! I love my life. I love my country. I love my God!

Is it too early?

I know, I know, Christmas isn't for another month and 21 days, but I just can't help turning on some Christmas music every now and then. It just makes me so happy and brings back all those cozy, childhood memories of spending Christmas with the entire family. I wish I could experience those feelings every day. They truly are the salt to my life. Family moments full of love make my life richer, sweeter, and more memorable. I know it's a little early to be listening to Christmas music, but if it only makes me happier and think of family more, why not? :) Hopefully being this excited won't make waiting for Christmas take too long. Happy Holidays everyone!!!

Concerning Abortion

So I came across this message on Facebook and it really put things into perspective. I can't believe how anyone could justify the precious life of a human being as not existing life. Just because it's not fully developed doesn't mean that it is not "real" life. I believe a baby is just as much a life on the day of its first heart beat as it is on the day it's delivered. It just amazes me how anyone could give more respect toward life on mars than towards the life of a human being. I guess it's just one of Satan's tactics- to get us to believe that killing an unborn baby isn't a bad thing when it's not considered a "real life," and that we shouldn't feel bad, because we're not really murdering anyone. Well Satan, I have a question for you- then what exactly is being killed? Nothing!? He's a sick, gross, and twisted man.

It's Cool...

... To have a kid while in school. :) haha. 
For my media class, a group of us girls put together THIS video promoting having children while in school. As a soon-to-be mother myself, I often wonder what it would be like to be going to school while having a baby. Thank goodness I'll be done with school in December and having our girl in January, so I won't have to experience it, but I wonder if I did have to go through with that if I'd have the strength and necessary attitude to finish. Because so often students with their babies are felt sorry for, this video was made in hopes to accentuate the positive aspects of having a baby while in school. Hopefully it changes the perspectives of some people. :) 

Taking the Time to Listen

The other day, as I was walking to my car, I couldn't help but notice the song playing from the bell tower. At first I didn't know the name of the song, but definitely knew it was a well-known church song. I stopped to listen and the words to "I am a Child of God" went through my mind as the bells chimed. It was beautiful and to know that such a strong message was being rung throughout all of campus made my heart jump for joy. I had never really stopped to listen to the bells prior to this, but as I took the time to listen that day I learned the importance of stopping, listening, and remembering my importance as a "child of God." no matter how busy life is. This is definitely something I could do more often and I know that when I do, I will be happier, and I will be filled with God's love.